About Cecily Andrews, MScN, NTP
Hi, I’m Cecily Andrews
My own passion for health began when I was in my mid-twenties, but it wasn’t until I started to experience a sudden development of health issues that I took to studying the science of nutrition. I suffered from fatigue, thyroid issues, digestive distress, hormonal imbalances, poor sleep, skin issues, brain fog and migraines. I know firsthand what it’s like to not feel good and know that something’s not right and to be told, “your labs are perfect, everything’s fine!”
After numerous visits to different specialized doctors with no relief, I decided to research my symptoms myself. This eventually led me to enroll in the Nutritional Therapy Association in 2019. After becoming a certified Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, I went on to complete a two-year Master’s in Clinical Nutrition and Integrative Health degree from NUNM. I have also since then completed multiple continuing education certifications.
In my practice today, I specialize in gut health and hormone health. I incorporate a combination of integrative nutrition, functional lab testing, and consideration of the emotional, mental, and physical aspects of a person so I can most effectively address the root cause(s) of my client’s health issues and imbalances.
Here Are The 3 Most Important Things I Believe About Health:
1. The gut is the key to your health.
If you want to live a long, healthy, vibrant life, you’re going to want to digest and assimilate all of the nutrients in that high-quality, organic food you’re eating. And, you want to nurture a thriving, robust, diverse community of good bugs! If you’re dealing with the discomfort of daily gas, bloating, reflux, constipation, or diarrhea, it’s logical to assume that something in the gut is off. But what if your symptoms aren’t digestive, but rather, related to your menstrual cycle, anemia, your skin, your mood and brain, or your immune system and energy? Guess what; there may still be some bad guys lurking in your gut that could be a main driver of the outside-the-gut symptoms that you’re struggling with!
2. You can’t fix your hormones without fixing the gut. And vice-versa!
I had to learn this the hard way! Gut health and hormones are a two-way street. Your hormones influence the function and health of your digestive tract every day. Your gut (and the bacteria that live there) actually regulates your hormone production, balance and clearance. Like everything else in the world of functional medicine, you didn’t get where you are overnight. Therefore it requires time, consistency and patience to address the root cause of a chronic hormone imbalance and heal from the inside out.
3. More drugs aren’t the answer (and there’s no simple fix).
Don’t get me wrong, when used appropriately, prescription drugs can be lifesaving. But in the case of common chronic health issues like IBS, PMS, lack of energy and insomnia, using prescription medication to treat symptoms is often a major part of the problem.
A high percentage of my clients report having taken multiple antibiotics, Acutane (for acne in their teens), steroid drugs for allergies or inflammation, or oral contraceptives to handle their period-related problems. What each of these drugs has in common is that they are known to weaken the microbiome, leaving our guts vulnerable to infections and leaky gut. They can also deplete the body of necessary nutrients and minerals, in turn creating more imbalances.
A Personalized Approach.
I believe whole-heartedly in the power of food-as-medicine to nourish and heal the body. I use a science-based, personalized approach with every client to customize diet and lifestyle recommendations and my passion is to help you take control of your health so you can get back to enjoying life, symptom-free!
I offer 3 and 6-month programs that are structured in a way for you to have the best chance at staying on track with your goals and progress without feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, confused or bored. This, along with motivational, ongoing support is essential for success.
There is not one diet that works for everyone; I believe in individualized nutrition. As your nutritionist, I will guide you to find the food and lifestyle choices that best support you. I will also help you make gradual, realistic, lifelong changes that will enable you to reach your current and future health goals.
In our sessions my clients learn to:
- Discuss and set realistic goals with the steps to getting you there
- Create a sustainable plan to heal your symptoms specific to YOU
- Explore how your health history, diet & lifestyle choices impact your current symptoms
- Avoid digestive upset from foods and build a healthy gut without longterm restriction
- Find alternatives to replace foods that cause adverse reactions
- Manage food cravings
- Incorporate a health routine that fits into your life instead of adding more stress
- Shop for and prepare healthy meals easily
- Manage stress with ease and improve sleep
- Target behaviors and thinking patterns that may be preventing you from moving forward
What I Offer
Initial Nutrition Consultation
We’ll start with an in-depth dietary and health assessment to better understand your health challenges and goals. This hour-long session is a holistic, bio-individualized deep dive into your health where we will begin addressing your main concerns. From here we will determine which program will be best for your specific needs. See options below.
Comprehensive Programs
Choose between my 3-month or 6-month program depending on your health needs. You’ll receive an in-depth customized nutrition protocol, lifestyle recommendations, a sample meal plan, e-mail/text support, bi-weekly follow up sessions and all the support you need to succeed. Addressing the root cause of a health condition can take time. Recovering and healing does as well. Therefore, my nutrition programs are designed to support YOU through each step along your journey.
Education
HTMA (hair tissue mineral analysis) testing: Trace Elements — 2023
Functional Blood Chemistry: Restorative Wellness Solutions — 2023
GI MAP & DUTCH functional lab testing: Restorative Wellness Solutions — 2022
MS Nutrition & Integrative Health: National University of Natural Medicine — 2022
Nutritional Therapy Practitioner: Nutritional Therapy Association — 2020
200hr Registered Yoga Teacher: Yoga Koh Teacher Training — 2016
Ongoing self-led continuing education in gut health & women’s hormone health.
My Pillars for Health
A food first approach, always
"Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food." Using food as medicine is the quickest way to improve our health and focusing on nutrition is essential to our health and wellbeing. We will use targeted, nutrient-rich whole foods to support the body’s ability to heal while addressing and removing offending foods that are causing symptoms.
Bring your body back into balance
When our body gets out of balance, we begin experiencing symptoms. Symptoms are the body’s natural expression in an attempt to deal with underlying imbalances. Getting to the root of WHY these symptoms are occurring helps guide me to a truer understanding of what is going on. When these underlying causes are addressed, long-term healing can occur.
Address the whole person
As mentioned, symptoms are the result of underlying causes that may stem from a variety of sources. Factors that contribute to any illness may include lifestyle, dietary and environmental factors, emotional stress, genetic influences, as well as organ systems that are not functioning optimally. In order to achieve resolution of any health concern, all of these areas must be addressed.
What is functional nutrition?
Functional nutrition is a science-based, holistic approach which seeks to identify the root causes of symptoms and addresses underlying imbalances so that the client can achieve and maintain optimal health. Rooted in bio-individuality and understanding that every body is unique, all plans and protocols are customized for the client’s current needs and include diet, mindset and lifestyle recommendations in order to promote optimal wellness. This is not a quick fix! True healing takes time and commitment.
How is it different from other programs?
I take a bio-individual approach with each client I see - there is no one-size fits all approach when it comes to nutrition. I take a holistic approach to health because everything in our bodies is connected. I work to restore clients' health with a food-first approach while bringing all areas of the body back into balance. I believe that food IS medicine, and by eating nutrient-dense whole foods, making lifestyle changes, and reducing stress, we can provide the nutrients our bodies are deeply craving to function optimally!
How do we meet?
We will meet virtually through my HIPAA compliant client portal called Practice Better.
How long before I can expect to reach my health goals?
It all depends on your health history and what the root cause of your symptoms is. I work with clients for a minimum of 3 months and implement regular motivational coaching calls into every program. For many clients, 3-6 months is enough time to make long-term progress, but it can take longer depending on the individual which is why I offer 6-month programs for more chronic health concerns.
How is your initial consultation structured?
Before our meeting, I'll have you fill out an extensive symptom questionnaire and a 3-day food journal. In our hour-long introductory consultation, we’ll do a thorough review of your health history and symptom questionnaire, a review of your food journal, go over the symptoms and concerns you’re currently experiencing and review your health goals. We will then determine the next best steps for you.
Do you accept insurance?
I do not bill insurance directly, but can provide a superbill upon request for you to submit to insurance. In order for me to provide you with a superbill, you would need a referral from your primary physician. You can submit the superbill to your insurance company for possible reimbursement for out-of-network services.
Book Your First Session
Whether you experience digestive distress, hormonal imbalances or more chronic health concerns, I'm here to help you take control of your health and heal from the inside out!
Click below to fill out a short questionnaire so I can learn more about your health goals and concerns. I look forward to connecting and supporting you on your health journey!
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