Gastrointestinal (GI) Nutritionists and Dietitians in Aiken, SC
Utilizing an integrative, whole body approach, I enjoy coaching intelligent, pro-active people who are interested in prevention of disease and bolstering personal wellness as opposed to treating disease. Over the course of 35 years I have worked with thousands of individuals, couples families and groups who are interested in changing their habits in the interest of changing the course of their lives. Physician (and other Practitioner) referrals are accepted but not required. I have received the Aiken Standard's Top Doc Award annually from 2018 to present for Medical Weight Loss/ Nutrition
Utilizing an integrative, whole body approach, I enjoy coaching intelligent, pro-active people who are interested in prevention of disease and bolstering personal wellness as opposed to treating disease. Over the course of 35 years I have worked with thousands of individuals, couples families and groups who are interested in changing their habits in the interest of changing the course of their lives. Physician (and other Practitioner) referrals are accepted but not required. I have received the Aiken Standard's Top Doc Award annually from 2018 to present for Medical Weight Loss/ Nutrition
Online Dietitians and Nutritionists
At Efird Nutrition, we are a virtual nutrition practice committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based care to adolescents and adults navigating eating disorders and disordered eating. Our team of registered dietitians is licensed in South Carolina, Vermont, Ohio, Maryland, North Carolina, Alabama, Florida, and Georgia, allowing us to support clients across a wide regional footprint through secure, virtual sessions.
At Efird Nutrition, we are a virtual nutrition practice committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based care to adolescents and adults navigating eating disorders and disordered eating. Our team of registered dietitians is licensed in South Carolina, Vermont, Ohio, Maryland, North Carolina, Alabama, Florida, and Georgia, allowing us to support clients across a wide regional footprint through secure, virtual sessions.
HIgh stress, whether it be emotional, physical or dietary, is tolerated by the body for a while but usually results in a tipping point that manifests itself in food sensitivities, gut issues, malabsorption, chronic fatigue , fibromyalgia and other auto immune disorders.
Upon initial assessment , a plan is developed for what testing would be most beneficial for current health issues and based on client's history. I find that MRT testing for food sensitivities is very helpful, but also find that over gut testing for parasites, bacteria overgrowth and dysbiosis provide great information as well. From this a comprehensive plan is established that includes assessment tools, nutrition plan with menu development and supplementation.
HIgh stress, whether it be emotional, physical or dietary, is tolerated by the body for a while but usually results in a tipping point that manifests itself in food sensitivities, gut issues, malabsorption, chronic fatigue , fibromyalgia and other auto immune disorders.
Upon initial assessment , a plan is developed for what testing would be most beneficial for current health issues and based on client's history. I find that MRT testing for food sensitivities is very helpful, but also find that over gut testing for parasites, bacteria overgrowth and dysbiosis provide great information as well. From this a comprehensive plan is established that includes assessment tools, nutrition plan with menu development and supplementation.
Finding peace with food can seem difficult, but it doesn’t have to be. Eating is an essential part of each day, and when you feel constricted by it, it effects other aspects of life. I want to help you find freedom and put joy back back into eating. If you struggle with cyclic dieting, disordered eating, or even feel out of control with food, you’ve come to the right place. I believe in intuitive eating and engage in a non-diet approach that helps you break free from diet mentality and food guilt. My approach is individualized and focused on what is most beneficial for you in your current time and environment.
Finding peace with food can seem difficult, but it doesn’t have to be. Eating is an essential part of each day, and when you feel constricted by it, it effects other aspects of life. I want to help you find freedom and put joy back back into eating. If you struggle with cyclic dieting, disordered eating, or even feel out of control with food, you’ve come to the right place. I believe in intuitive eating and engage in a non-diet approach that helps you break free from diet mentality and food guilt. My approach is individualized and focused on what is most beneficial for you in your current time and environment.
If you are exhausted, anxious, dealing with weight gain, or feeling like your body isn’t responding the way it used to, I'm here to help. Many of the women I work with are navigating midlife changes in energy, mood, sleep, digestion, and metabolism that feel unfamiliar and overwhelming. I’m Jessica Lee Reader, a Master Nutrition Therapist and Functional Nutritionist with over 17 years of experience supporting clients in Greenville, SC, and online. I help women connect the dots between nutrition, stress, metabolism, and the nervous system so they can move forward with clarity.
If you are exhausted, anxious, dealing with weight gain, or feeling like your body isn’t responding the way it used to, I'm here to help. Many of the women I work with are navigating midlife changes in energy, mood, sleep, digestion, and metabolism that feel unfamiliar and overwhelming. I’m Jessica Lee Reader, a Master Nutrition Therapist and Functional Nutritionist with over 17 years of experience supporting clients in Greenville, SC, and online. I help women connect the dots between nutrition, stress, metabolism, and the nervous system so they can move forward with clarity.
Are digestive issues controlling your life?
I specialize in creating completely tailored anti-inflammatory diets for my clients using the MRT Test and LEAP Diet Protocol. I also enjoy working with individuals overcoming eating disorders and PCOS. My practice is virtual so appointments and access to me are super convenient. I am licensed to see clients in SC, MS, TN, GA, AL, NY.
Are digestive issues controlling your life?
I specialize in creating completely tailored anti-inflammatory diets for my clients using the MRT Test and LEAP Diet Protocol. I also enjoy working with individuals overcoming eating disorders and PCOS. My practice is virtual so appointments and access to me are super convenient. I am licensed to see clients in SC, MS, TN, GA, AL, NY.
Gastrointestinal (GI) Nutritionists and Dietitians
What is gut health?
Gut health refers to the overall functioning and well-being of the gastrointestinal (GI) system. Key to gut health is the gut microbiome, which is the collection of healthy bacteria living in the gut. These bacteria are essential for the digestion and breakdown of food, and their health significantly impacts digestion. Poor gut health can result in symptoms such as bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, and general abdominal discomfort, which may indicate imbalances or issues with the gut microbiome.
Can diet help with GI issues?
Diet plays a major role in gut health, and changes in diet can often reduce or eliminate some of the symptoms associated with gastrointestinal (GI) issues. Often, GI distress is due to food intolerances or sensitivities, such as gluten sensitivity or lactose intolerance. In these cases, eliminating the problematic foods from the diet can resolve the issue. GI problems can also stem from a combination of environmental or genetic factors, such as in the case of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Disruptions in the gut microbiome, such as those caused by taking antibiotics, can also lead to GI issues. In both scenarios, maintaining a balanced diet as much as possible with foods that support a healthy microbiome—such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and probiotic foods—can often significantly reduce symptoms and improve gut health.
What are the best foods for gut health?
Maintaining a balanced microbiome is essential for gut health, and this is best achieved through a varied diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and probiotic foods. Fruits and vegetables provide essential nutrients and fiber, which nourish the beneficial bacteria in the gut. Probiotic foods, which are those that contain live bacteria, are also great for gut health. Consuming probiotic foods and drinks, such as yogurt, kefir, kombucha, and tempeh, can help support the microbiome by contributing to the diversity of bacteria within the gut.
When should I see a dietitian for GI issues?
Many people can benefit from seeing a dietitian for GI issues. In general, most dietitians are knowledgeable about what foods support gut health and may help clients choose foods that support a healthy GI system, such as fruits and vegetables high in fiber or foods high in probiotics. Dietitians may be especially beneficial to clients with known gastrointestinal concerns, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). For clients diagnosed with these or similar conditions, dietitians can help clients identify food triggers and develop a meal plan for the client that minimizes symptoms. Dietitians may also work with clients who are having gastrointestinal distress (such as bloating, gas, constipation, diarrhea, etc.) but are not aware of the cause of their symptoms. In such cases, dietitians may be able to help the client identify the cause of the GI distress and coordinate with other medical professionals to help the client better manage their symptoms.