MY STORY
Sara Barthel, Functional Medicine Clinical Nutritionist • CNS® • LDN • FMHC™ • MS-HNFM
I personally experienced the power of functional medicine during my struggle with a disruptive digestive disorder and destructive autoimmune thyroid disease. This life-changing experience impacted me so much that it inspired me to make a career change to help others — especially women — overcome chronic health challenges with proven nutrition and lifestyle changes.
The importance of a holistic, interconnected approach became abundantly clear on my journey to healing. I became witness to the truth of the saying "all disease begins in the gut." The healing in my gut began to emanate throughout all systems of my body, including my thyroid. It even reduced stress, elevated my energy and mood, and enhanced my skin. I was absolutely amazed!
Our bodies have an incredible, innate ability to heal and return to balance when we identify and remove barriers to healing. Your body is no exception. You can take action today to feel better tomorrow! I established a nation-wide virtual practice so that no physical barrier stands in the way of me helping you heal naturally.
Each person's health and lifestyle is unique. I'll address your health on a personal level by applying functional medicine principles, reviewing your health history, interpreting your labs, and using the power of nutrition and lifestyle interventions. I'd love the opportunity to help you heal, feel better and live vibrantly! I look forward to hearing your story and learning about your specific health needs and goals. I'm here to provide you with personalized support and real solutions. Let's do this!
LOVE
Peloton • Yoga • Walks • Runs • Podcasts • Books • Coffee • Wine • Chocolate • Baking • Cooking • 60s & 70s Rock • Traveling
DONE
Ironmans • Ultramarathon • Marathons • Triathlons • Hiked Grand Canyon • Hiked Pacific Crest Trail • Biked RAGBRAI
LIVED
Texas Hill Country • San Diego, CA • San Francisco, CA • Twin Cities: Minneapolis - St. Paul, MN • Iowa • Guatemala
BELIEF #1
ALL DISEASE BEGINS IN THE GUT
The intestinal tract is lined with a defensive barrier that prevents pathogens and harmful substances from entering the bloodstream. Chronic inflammation in the gut increases intestinal permeability — leaky gut — leading to systemic imbalances and autoimmunity.
BELIEF #2
YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT
Consuming non-organic, processed, chemically-laced, additive-laden, pro-inflammatory, nutrient-poor, empty-calorie food creates systemic toxicity and sluggishness, resulting in chronic inflammation and disease. Conversely, eating healthy food promotes health.
BELIEF #3
DIGESTION BEGINS IN THE MOUTH
The mouth is the beginning of the digestive tract. Mindful and intuitive eating — awareness, breathing, gratitude, chewing thoroughly and calming your nervous system into a rest and digest mode — impacts how food is broken down and nutrients are absorbed.
BELIEF #4
LIFESTYLE OVER GENETICS
Genetics are like an unlit match, but lifestyle is the friction that ignites the fire. Diet, exercise, stress management, sleep, environment, emotions and relationships determine how genes express themselves, and ultimately mental and physical health — and longevity.
BELIEF #5
BODY ACHIEVES WHAT MIND BELIEVES
Infections, inflammation, stress, anxiety and vagus nerve disruptions can impact normal functioning of our gut-brain axis. Restoring this communication pathway via neuroplasticity — brain rewiring to create new neural pathways — can exponentially speed healing.
Sara Barthel
Functional Medicine Clinical Nutritionist
Certified Nutrition Specialist®
Licensed Dietitian-Nutritionist
Certified Gluten-Free Practitioner
Functional Medicine Health Coach™
HeartMath® Certified Practitioner
Master's, Human Nutrition & Functional Medicine
Master's, Industrial/Organizational Psychology
Master's, Counseling Psychology
SPECIALTIES
Autoimmune Diseases • IBS - Irritable Bowel Syndrome (Gas / Bloating / Constipation / Diarrhea) • SIBO - Small Intestinal Bacteria Overgrowth • SIFO - Small Intestinal Fungal Overgrowth • Celiac • Candida • Hypothyroid • Hashimoto's • Hormones • Adrenals • Insulin Resistance • Blood Sugar • Fatigue • Neurological • Mood • Anxiety • Brain Fog • Headaches • Inflammation • Longevity
WHAT DO MY SYMPTOMS INDICATE?