Functional Nutrition Counseling for Root-Cause Wellness
Move well. Think well. Be Well.
Heal from within with personalized nutrition and lifestyle guidance. At The Well-House Chiropractic, our functional nutrition and health coaching services provide a holistic, root-cause approach to wellness for clients in Chillicothe, Missouri and beyond. We help you address chronic issues like fatigue, digestive problems, and weight management by looking deeper than generic diet advice. With Dr. Matthew Arthaud (D.C., R.N.) guiding you, you’ll get expert support to rebalance your body through customized diet plans, supplement guidance, and lifestyle changes. Whether you visit us in person or via convenient telehealth, we’re here to help you move well, think well, and be well from the inside out.
What Is Functional Nutrition?
Functional nutrition is more than just a diet plan – it’s a personalized, holistic approach to health that addresses the why behind your symptoms. Instead of focusing only on calories or one-size-fits-all guidelines, functional nutrition looks at how every aspect of your life and body is connected. By viewing the body as an integrated system, we seek to identify root causes of issues (such as nutrient deficiencies, inflammation, or hormone imbalances) and fix them through targeted nutrition and lifestyle strategies.
In practice, this means we treat you as a whole person, not a collection of symptoms. Dr. Arthaud will spend time understanding your unique story – your eating habits, medical history, stress levels, sleep patterns, and more. We then use that big-picture perspective to create a plan that supports your body’s needs. This approach is aligned with functional medicine principles: we aim to improve how your body functions by giving it the right fuel and removing underlying stressors, rather than just managing symptoms.
How is this different from conventional nutrition? Some traditional programs might give generalized advice (“eat less sugar,” “follow this diet plan”). In contrast, functional nutrition zeroes in on what works for you. For example, if you have frequent migraines, instead of simply prescribing pain meds or a generic diet, we’d investigate potential triggers – maybe blood sugar swings, a food sensitivity, or a nutrient deficiency – and then address those causes. It’s a truly integrative, root-cause-focused way utilize food as a way to reach your health goals. The result is a highly customized nutrition and wellness plan that can genuinely transform how you feel on a daily basis.
Conditions and Goals We Address
Who can benefit from functional nutrition? Anyone looking to improve their health or tackle chronic issues naturally! Our holistic approach can help with a wide range of conditions and wellness goals. Some of the common issues and objectives we work with include:
Digestive disorders
e.g. bloating, IBS, acid reflux, food sensitivities, or leaky gut. We identify foods and habits affecting your gut health and help heal your digestion.
Chronic fatigue & low energy
Weight management
Hormonal imbalances
Metabolic conditions
Autoimmune & inflammatory issues
Chronic pain & migraines
Athletic performance and recovery
General wellness & prevention
Struggling with fatigue, gut issues, or a condition that hasn’t resolved with conventional care? You’re not alone – and you don’t have to “just live with it.” Our functional nutrition program is designed to uncover what’s holding you back from feeling your best. By addressing these challenges at the root, we help you regain vitality, comfort, and control over your health.
Our Approach: “Test, Don’t Guess” – How Functional Nutrition Works
When it comes to your health, we believe in being thorough and data-driven. Our motto is “test, don’t guess,” meaning we use careful assessment (and lab tests if needed) to guide your nutrition plan. Here’s what you can expect from our functional nutrition approach:
1. Comprehensive Assessment
We start with an in-depth consultation about you. Prior to your first visit, we’ll have you fill out a detailed intake form covering your health history, current symptoms, diet, lifestyle, and goals. Dr. Arthaud will review this and then spend about an hour with you (either in person or via video) discussing your “health story.” We want to understand all the factors that might be affecting your well-being – from the foods you eat and your sleep habits to stress levels and medical history. This big-picture assessment helps us pinpoint patterns and possible root causes of your issues. (Many clients tell us it’s the first time a provider really listened to everything they have to say!)
2. Targeted Testing (if needed)
To get to the root of complex problems, we may recommend lab tests or use existing lab results. Unlike guessing what might be wrong, we use evidence from your body to guide us. For example, we might order blood panels to check your vitamin D, thyroid function, hormone levels, or markers of inflammation. These tests can reveal hidden imbalances (maybe your ferritin is low, suggesting iron deficiency, or your HbA1c is borderline high, indicating blood sugar issues). Missouri clients: Dr. Arthaud typically starts by ordering lab kits that can be mailed to your home for easy self-collection, and—if an in-person draw is preferable—we’ll arrange testing with a nearby lab. Out-of-town or telehealth clients: we can utilize at-home test kits or review labs you’ve had done with your primary doctor. We only suggest tests that we believe will provide useful insights – and of course, testing is optional based on your comfort and budget. The goal is to gather a clear picture so we can proceed with confidence.
3. Personalized Plan
Next, we craft a customized nutrition and lifestyle plan tailored to your needs. There is no one-size-fits-all diet here – every recommendation is made specifically for you. Your plan will likely include:
- Dietary guidance: We’ll outline what foods may benefit you and what to avoid (especially those triggering your symptoms). This could involve adding nutrient-dense foods (like more leafy greens for magnesium, or fermented foods for gut health) and possibly eliminating or reducing certain items (for example, cutting out processed sugar or common allergens for a trial period). If needed, we can provide meal ideas, recipes, or example meal plans, but always in a flexible way that fits your life.
- Lifestyle and habit changes: Because wellness is more than food, we’ll talk about factors like stress management, sleep quality, exercise, and hydration. Simple habit tweaks – such as establishing a bedtime routine, moderate exercise plans, or mindfulness techniques – can significantly amplify the effects of good nutrition. We’ll prioritize changes that make sense for you.
- Supplement recommendations: Food is the foundation, but sometimes targeted supplements can help jumpstart your healing or correct deficiencies. Dr. Arthaud may suggest high-quality supplements such as vitamins (for example, B12 or vitamin D if your levels are low), minerals, omega-3 oils, probiotics, or herbal remedies, depending on your case. Important: We will explain why any supplement is recommended and what it’s intended to do. You are always free to decide whether to use them. We’ll provide guidance on trusted, professional-grade products and where to obtain them – but you’re not obligated to buy from us. The focus is on what supports your health best.
- Education and empowerment: A key part of our plan is making sure you understand your health. Dr. Arthaud will take time to educate you on how your body works and why certain changes will help. For instance, you might learn how your gut bacteria affect your mood, or why eating protein in the morning can improve your energy. We’ve found that when clients understand the “why,” they feel motivated and confident in sticking to their plan.
4. Ongoing Support & Adjustments
Change doesn’t happen overnight – but we’ll be with you every step of the way. Functional nutrition is a journey of building healthier habits and healing your body over time. After you start your plan, we will schedule follow-up sessions to monitor progress and make adjustments. Typically, you’ll meet with us (in person or via telehealth) every 2-4 weeks at first. In these follow-ups (often ~30 minutes each), we will:
- Discuss what’s improving and what challenges you’re facing.
- Review any new lab results or changes in symptoms.
- Fine-tune your plan: maybe reintroduce a food you cut out, adjust supplement doses, or add a new strategy if needed.
- Provide accountability, encouragement, and answer all your questions.
5. Follow-Up and Progress
We are your partner and coach throughout this process. If something isn’t working for you, we adapt it. If a certain food isn’t available in your area or a lifestyle change is hard, we find alternatives. Over the course of a few months, as your body starts to rebalance, you’ll likely feel the difference – more energy, less pain, better digestion, improved labs, etc. Many clients are amazed at the progress! Once you’ve achieved significant improvement, we can transition to maintenance mode – maybe monthly or quarterly check-ins to keep you on track, or “as needed” visits when you have new goals. The ultimate aim is to empower you with the knowledge and habits to maintain your health gains for life.
Our functional nutrition approach is science-based, personalized, and compassionate. We blend Dr. Arthaud’s clinical expertise (as a Doctor of Chiropractic and a Registered Nurse) with a caring, coach-like support style. The result? You get the technical know-how of functional medicine plus the empathetic guidance you need to successfully change your lifestyle. We truly “connect the dots” of your health and help you nourish your body back to balance.
In-Person vs. Telehealth – Your Choice
We believe great nutrition coaching should be accessible, whether you’re nearby or far away. For your convenience, we offer both in-office consultations and virtual telehealth sessions for functional nutrition.
In-Person (Chillicothe Clinic)
If you’re in or around the Chillicothe area, we’d love to see you at our clinic located at 519 Locust Street, Chillicothe, MO. Our office provides a comfortable, friendly environment where you can speak face-to-face with Dr. Arthaud. Being local means you have the added benefit of easily integrating other services we offer – for example, some patients get a chiropractic adjustment and then have their nutrition consult in the same visit. We often serve clients from all over north-central Missouri: Chillicothe residents, folks from Trenton, Brookfield, Cameron, and other nearby communities regularly make the short drive for our services. If you prefer that personal touch and the chance to get out of the house, an in-person appointment might be perfect for you.
Virtual Telehealth (Anywhere in Missouri & Beyond)
Not local or too busy to travel? Online nutrition consultations let us help you wherever you are. Dr. Arthaud conducts telehealth sessions via a secure video conferencing platform – it’s easy to use on your computer or smartphone. Through telehealth, we currently work with clients all across Missouri (from Kansas City and Independence, to Kirksville, to small towns that don’t have local holistic providers) and even out-of-state. You’ll receive the same level of personalized care as an in-person visit. We can review your diet, go over lab results, and even visually examine things like supplement bottles or food logs over video. Many clients find telehealth incredibly convenient – there’s no commute, and you can do the consult from the comfort of your kitchen or living room. All you need is an internet connection and a quiet spot to talk. We also handle follow-up communication (like sending your nutrition plan, recipes, or handouts) digitally via email or our patient portal, so you won’t miss a thing. If you’re a busy parent, a professional with a tight schedule, or live far from Chillicothe, telehealth is a fantastic option to get expert nutrition guidance at your fingertips.
Which should you choose? Ultimately, it comes down to your preference. Some people start in-person to establish the relationship and then switch to video for follow-ups (or vice versa). The quality of care is high in both formats – so you can be confident you’re not compromising results whether we see you in the clinic or on a screen. Your health is our priority, and we’re flexible in delivering the care you need in the way that works best for you.
Success Stories from Our Patients
Getting Started with Your Nutrition Plan
Taking the first step toward better health is often the hardest – but we make it simple and welcoming. Ready to get started? Here’s how to begin your functional nutrition journey with us:
1. Schedule Your Initial Consultation
New clients are welcome without any referral. You can easily book an appointment by calling or texting our office at (740) 823-9355. Prefer to schedule online? Use our convenient booking portal to choose a time for your “Functional Nutrition Consultation.” (We offer both in-person slots at the Chillicothe clinic and telehealth slots – so pick whatever works best for you.) We typically can accommodate new appointments within a week. If you’re unsure or have questions before booking, we’re happy to chat – feel free to call and we can guide you on what service is right for your needs.
2. Complete Your Intake Forms
Once your appointment is set, we’ll provide you with a link or forms to detail your health history, current diet, symptoms, and goals. This is an important step – it gives us a head start in understanding your situation. Take your time to fill it out thoroughly and honestly. If you have recent lab work results or a list of current medications/supplements, you’ll be able to include those as well. (Don’t worry if you can’t gather everything; you can also bring notes or documents to the first visit.) If you’re coming in person, it’s a good idea to arrive a few minutes early with any paperwork or just to relax before we start. If your visit is virtual, you’ll receive an email with a secure video link and instructions – simply log on at your appointment time.
3. Attend the Consultation – Your Journey Begins
The initial consult is about 60 minutes of focused one-on-one time. Dr. Arthaud will go over your intake information with you, ask further questions, and really listen to your concerns and stories. This is where we connect the dots. Feel free to speak freely about all your symptoms and goals – even things you think might not be related. Often, those details provide crucial clues! By the end of this first session, Dr. Arthaud will share his initial findings and likely give you a few action steps to start (such as a couple of diet tweaks or preliminary advice). If any lab tests are appropriate, he’ll discuss options with you. We’ll make sure you come away feeling heard and with a clear idea of the plan moving forward.
4. Follow Your Customized Plan
After the consult, Dr. Arthaud will finalize your personalized nutrition plan and email or upload it for you. This plan will outline your dietary recommendations, any supplement suggestions, and lifestyle modifications, as described in the sections above. We encourage you to ask questions – we want you to understand and feel confident about the changes. Then, it’s time to put the plan into action! You won’t be alone in this; we’ll check in regularly. Many patients like to schedule a quick check-in call a week after the first consult just to report how the first few days are going – we’re happy to support that.
5. Ongoing Coaching and Check-Ins
We will typically set a follow-up appointment 2-3 weeks after your initial consult. At that visit (30 minutes), we’ll assess what’s working, review any new data (symptoms changes, food log, or lab results if you did tests), and make adjustments. Regular follow-ups continue every few weeks or as needed. This phase is crucial for fine-tuning and for keeping you accountable and motivated. If something isn’t improving, we’ll troubleshoot and modify your plan. As you progress, follow-ups might be spaced out more (e.g., monthly). And remember, you can always reach out via phone or email between appointments if you have urgent questions or updates – we’re here for you.
6. Achieve Your Goals – and Maintain Them
Over time, you should start feeling the difference – perhaps your energy is up, your stomach feels calmer, or your clothes fit looser. We love celebrating these wins with you! Once you’ve met many of your initial goals or significantly improved, we’ll talk about a maintenance strategy. That could mean transitioning to check-ins every few months, or “graduating” from regular visits but knowing we’re a phone call away if you need us. Many clients choose to continue with occasional wellness visits or seasonal nutrition tweaks to stay on track. Our aim is not just to get you healthy, but to empower you to stay healthy. By the end of our program, you’ll have learned a lot about your body and how to nourish it – knowledge that will serve you for a lifetime.
Ready to transform your health from the inside out? We’re excited to be your partner in this journey. Getting started is as simple as reaching out. Don’t wait to feel better. Your body has an amazing capacity to heal when given the right support – and with functional nutrition, we’ll unlock that potential together.
Ready to Start Your Journey to Better Health?
Call us at (740) 823-9355 or Book Your Functional Nutrition Consultation Online to take the first step toward true wellness. We proudly serve clients in Chillicothe and the entire North Missouri region (including Trenton, Cameron, Brookfield, Kirksville, and Kansas City via telehealth). Wherever you are, we’re here to help you eat well, live well, and be well. Let’s start your healing journey today!
Frequently Asked Questions
About Chiropractic at The Well-House
What is functional nutrition?
Functional nutrition is a personalized approach to health that uses food and lifestyle changes to improve your body’s function. It’s about finding the root causes of health issues and addressing them through nutrition. Unlike standard nutrition advice (which might give the same diet to many people), functional nutrition looks at your whole picture – your diet, digestion, hormones, stress, sleep, and more – to tailor recommendations specifically for you. It’s often considered a part of functional medicine, meaning it focuses on why you have certain symptoms rather than just what to eat. In short, functional nutrition goes beyond calorie counting: it’s holistic, integrative nutrition care designed to help your entire body work better.
What issues can functional nutrition help with?
Functional nutrition can assist with a wide variety of health issues and goals. People often come to us for help with digestive problems (like IBS, bloating, acid reflux), chronic fatigue and low energy, weight loss or metabolic issues (such as diabetes or high cholesterol), hormonal imbalances (thyroid disorders, PCOS, menopause symptoms), autoimmune conditions (like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or inflammatory bowel disease), and chronic inflammatory issues (frequent migraines, fibromyalgia, skin conditions). It’s also great for improving general wellness – for example, strengthening immunity, improving mood and mental clarity, or just feeling healthier overall. If you have a specific condition, functional nutrition can often be used alongside your medical treatments to support better outcomes. And if you’re generally well but want to optimize your health, this approach can help prevent future issues by addressing small imbalances before they become big problems.
Will I need to get lab tests?
Possibly – we use the motto “test, don’t guess” to guide our approach. Lab tests can provide valuable insight into what’s happening in your body. Depending on your situation, Dr. Arthaud might recommend certain blood tests or other labs to check things like nutrient levels (for example, vitamin D or B12), hormone balance (such as thyroid function or cortisol), blood sugar control, or markers of inflammation. These tests can help pinpoint root causes or confirm suspected issues. However, not every client will need new tests. If you’ve had recent blood work from your primary care doctor, we’re happy to review those results instead of repeating them. For local Missouri patients, Dr. Arthaud can order labs through standard laboratories, and we’ll discuss any costs or insurance questions beforehand. For telehealth or out-of-state clients, we might suggest at-home test kits or coordinate with your physician to get necessary tests. Remember, any testing is optional – we’ll explain why a test could be helpful, and it’s your choice to proceed. Our goal is simply to have the best information so we can create the most effective plan for you.
Will I have to take supplements?
We may recommend supplements, but only if needed and always with your agreement. Food is the foundation of functional nutrition – so our first focus is on improving your diet. That said, sometimes targeted supplements can accelerate your progress or fill gaps that are hard to address with food alone. For example, if we find you’re deficient in vitamin D or iron, a supplement can help restore healthy levels. Or we might use probiotics to help rebuild your gut flora, or herbal remedies to support stress and sleep. Dr. Arthaud will suggest supplements that are relevant to your case, and importantly, he’ll explain the reason for each suggestion (what it does and how it may help you). We also guide you to high-quality, professional-grade supplement options, because quality matters. However, you’re free to purchase them wherever you like – there’s no pressure to buy directly from us, and we do not “push” products just to sell something. Whether you take a supplement is ultimately your decision; we’re here to provide our best recommendations. Many clients do choose to use supplements as a helpful tool, at least in the short term, to jump-start their healing. Others prefer to stick strictly to dietary changes, and that’s okay too. We’ll work with your comfort level while aiming for the best results.
Can I do functional nutrition consultations remotely (telehealth)?
Yes! We offer virtual nutrition consultations so you can get help no matter where you live. If you’re not near Chillicothe – or even if you are but find it more convenient – you can meet with Dr. Arthaud via a secure video call. Telehealth nutrition appointments cover everything an in-person one would: we’ll review your history, discuss your diet and symptoms in detail, and Dr. Arthaud will give you personalized recommendations, all through a face-to-face video chat. Many of our clients take advantage of telehealth, including people across Missouri (in places like Kansas City, St. Joseph, and beyond) and even some out-of-state individuals seeking our functional nutrition expertise. All you need is a smartphone, tablet, or computer with internet access. We’ll send you a link before your appointment – just click it at the scheduled time and you’ll join our virtual meeting room. During the call, you can speak with the doctor as if you were in the office; you might even forget you’re online! Afterward, all your materials (nutrition plans, resources, etc.) will be sent electronically. Telehealth has proven to be very effective – it’s the same personalized care, just delivered to you at home. And if you ever want to switch to in-person later (or vice versa), that’s fine too. We designed our services to be flexible and accessible, so distance is not a barrier to getting healthy with our program.
How many sessions will I need?
The number of sessions depends on your individual needs, but we’ll outline a plan from the start. Generally, you begin with an initial consultation (about 60 minutes) to gather information and set your plan. After that, we often recommend at least a couple of follow-up sessions over the next month or two to monitor progress and fine-tune your program. For example, a fairly straightforward case (say, improving energy and mild digestive issues) might involve the initial consult + 2 follow-ups spread over 6-8 weeks. A more complex or chronic issue (like long-term IBS, autoimmune concerns, or significant weight loss goals) may benefit from a longer program – perhaps an initial consult + 4-6 follow-ups over 3-6 months. Many of our clients start feeling improvements within a few weeks of implementing changes, but lasting, significant change usually unfolds over a couple of months as we adjust your regimen and as your body heals. We will customize the frequency of visits to what works for you – some people like more frequent check-ins for accountability, while others prefer to try things on their own for a month and then report back. There’s no rigid contract; you can continue with follow-ups for as long as you find them helpful. Our ultimate goal is to guide you to a point where you’re feeling great and confident in maintaining your healthy habits. At that stage, you might move to just an occasional check-in (like a “tune-up” visit) or simply reach out if new questions arise. We’re flexible in scheduling and want you to get the support you need for as long as you need it.
Is functional nutrition covered by insurance?
In most cases, functional nutrition consultations are not covered by standard health insurance plans. Services like individualized nutrition counseling or health coaching are often considered elective or wellness services, which insurance companies typically don’t reimburse (unless provided by a registered dietitian for specific medical diagnoses, and even then, coverage is limited). At The Well-House Chiropractic, our nutrition services are private pay (out-of-pocket). We will be upfront about costs (for instance, our initial consultation and follow-up fees) so you know what to expect. While insurance may not pay for it, many clients view this as a worthwhile investment in their long-term health – often saving money down the line by improving their health and potentially reducing medications or doctor visits. We do encourage you to use available resources: for example, if you have a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) through your insurance, those funds can usually be used to pay for nutrition counseling services and any supplements or lab tests, since these are health-related expenses. We can provide you with a detailed receipt or superbill if you want to submit it for HSA/FSA reimbursement or just for your records. It’s also worth checking with your insurance provider directly – some progressive plans or workplace wellness programs do offer partial coverage or discounts for nutrition and wellness coaching. While you shouldn’t count on insurance to cover our services, we’re happy to support you with documentation if you attempt to get reimbursement. And rest assured, we strive to deliver excellent value in the form of personalized care, time spent with you, and results – so that every dollar you invest in your health with us is money well spent.