Welcome!
Alena Forbes
MEd, MS, CNS, PhD doctoral student
"This is the true joy in life, the being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one; the being a force of nature instead of a feverish, selfish little clod of ailments and grievances complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy.
I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community, and as long as I live it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can.
I want to be thoroughly used up when I die, for the harder I work the more I live. I rejoice in life for its own sake. Life is no “brief candle” for me. It is a sort of splendid torch which I have got hold of for the moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations."
George Bernard Shaw
Live with passion and purpose!
I have been there...I understand...I care...
Academic Background:
Doctoral Student
Integrative and Functional Nutrition, Mind-Body Medicine
Saybrook University, Pasadena, California
Concentration: Clinical Nutrition/ Mind-Body Medicine, with research interests in Food Policy and Politics, Chronic and Autoimmune conditions, Environmental toxicity, Chemical and Food sensitivities
Master of Science (M.S.)
Clinical Nutrition
University of Bridgeport, Bridgeport, Connecticut
Concentration: Nutrition for Inflammatory and Autoimmune conditions
Master of Education (M.Ed.)
Teaching, Foreign Languages
Professional Background:
Owner and Clinical Director, AZ Functional Nutrition, LLC
Integrative and Functional Nutrition Consulting, Corporate and Business Wellness Consulting, Community Nutrition Outreach
I am a Certified Nutrition Specialist®, credentialed by the American Nutrition Association® through its Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists™.
I am a Clinical Nutritionist with two graduate degrees - M.Ed in Education, and M.S. Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine.
I am currently pursuing a PhD in Integrative and Functional Nutrition and Mind Body Medicine. Yes, my plate is full!
Nutrition MIS-information is keeping me busy!
However, as much as I love clinical research, I do enjoy seeing my clients, and provide as much help and information as I can for those suffering with auto-immune conditions.
My MS graduate program was the first program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Nutrition Professional Education (ACNPE) - the accrediting body for GRADUATE programs in advanced nutrition. This organization offers a groundbreaking opportunity to distinguish Master's and PhD degrees clinical programs that are shaping the future of nutrition and our nation's health.
My extensive education and work experience in the Health Care Industry, as well as going through my own health challenges, complete my own health professional/patient circle – allowing me to provide you with the most advanced tools and methods you need to achieve your health goals.
I have worked in the biopharmaceutical and medical device industry for over 20 years, mostly in the field of Acute Cardiac Care, Electrophysiology (Pacemakers and Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators - ICDs ) and Acute Hospital Care environments. Needless to say, the strong grip of Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Industry on our Healthcare System left me bitterly disappointed and looking for answers elsewhere.
Having witnessed the deteriorating state of health in my own family, my close friends, as well as in my immediate community and our county as a whole, challenged me to seek yet another advanced degree in trying to understand the relationship between body’s biochemistry and the environmental factors that affect it.
I strongly believe (and the science is overwhelmingly proving it to us again and again), that our SAD (Standard American Diet), environmental pollution and toxicity and unnatural lifestyle are all responsible for the majority of chronic disease that is affecting our families and our society physically, emotionally, financially and socially. Most of these factors are modifiable and predictable.
My own health journey to finding what is wrong and what is right for ME personally, has given me insight into the many challenges one encounters. Some of the most important and valuable lessons I have learned: be patient, be kind to your body, follow you GUT feeling...
In addition to nonstop education in the Health Sciences for the past 20 years, my own experience enabled me to acquire a higher level of empathy, respect, and awareness towards the miracle called human body.
It also brought me towards the field of Functional Medicine, which incorporates all the best traditions and scientific protocols of Conventional, Integrative, Holistic and Lifestyle Medicine to date.
"I strongly believe that the concept of generalized nutritional requirements will slowly become obsolete, and with the help of Nutrigenomics we will be able to map the exact nutritional requirements and deficiencies for every individual."
For my detailed CV please check my LinkedIn account.
My Approach to Nutrition is Integrative and Functional
“Why should we tolerate a diet of weak poisons, a home in insipid surroundings, a circle of acquaintances who are not quite our enemies, the noise of motors with just enough relief to prevent insanity? Who would want to live in a world which is just not quite fatal?”
― Rachel Carson, Silent Spring
I am a Certified Nutrition Specialist®, credentialed by the American Nutrition Association® through its Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists™.
Clinical data shows that disease prevention and surgical recovery are significantly enhanced when supported by appropriate nutrition. Majority of US population, however, does not have optimal nutrition, are experiencing record levels of chronic disease, and are most likely to be treated with pharmaceuticals, despite the lower cost and clinical efficacy of nutritional and supplemental options.
The unfortunate harmful trend in Nutritional Practice and in Healthcare industry in general is multi-factorial:
- continuous environmental toxic burden is becoming a major contributor to the rise in chronic health conditions
- clients seeking nutritional advice have visited multiple practitioners and have tried multiple dietary interventions
- many of these practitioners are unqualified and not educated even in the basic physiology and biochemistry of the human body
- billions are spent on sales and promotion of unproven low quality supplements and dietary products which could be hazardous to health
- unsolicited advice from incompetent individuals is flooding the internet
- food itself, as well as the way food is prepared and distributed commercially, is becoming a challenging and in many instances harmful part of our daily life
The unfortunate reality is that toxic burden coupled with over-nutrition and over-consumption leads to ubiquitous undernourishment and nutrient deficiencies that are shaping the health of many of our clients, especially vulnerable younger generations. Majority of chronic health conditions in our society could be easily prevented and managed by simple, inexpensive and powerful nutritional and lifestyle changes. However, changing behaviors is the most difficult part of any healthcare practice.
My own journey to finding a healthy lifestyle has given me insight into the many challenges one encounters when health issues arise. In addition to nonstop education in the Health Sciences for the past 20 years, my own experience as a patient as well as educator enabled me to acquire a higher level of empathy, respect, and awareness when it comes to the miracle called the human body.
My desire to become a competent and educated practitioner brought me towards the field of Integrative and Functional Medicine, which incorporates all the best traditions and scientific protocols of Conventional, Integrative, Holistic and Lifestyle Medicine to date. The science is certainly advancing with unprecedented speed, and Functional Medicine is at the forefront of the most advanced clinical research, fascinating new knowledge of genetic individuality and variance. Functional Nutrition employs most advanced lab testing able to detect nutrient deficiencies and metabolic disorders the very early stage, making it possible to prevent many chronic health conditions.
Most importantly, Clinical Nutrition should be a partnership with a QUALIFIED healthcare professional (who will consult and coordinate care with your Primary Care and other specialists), who will take time, listen and will keep you accountable and motivated to take an active and responsible part in your own health, as well as the health of your loved ones. In our modern society, Health is becoming an elusive luxury that money cannot buy, and we owe it to ourselves and our future generations to CARE!
Full FM Nutritional Assessment is an extensive and exciting journey into your genetics, lifestyle, surrounding environment, relationships with family and community. No single drug or supplement could possibly remedy and rectify the years of neglect and abuse that most of us subjected our bodies to. However, powerful individualized Integrative Functional Nutrition and Lifestyle protocols could be truly life-changing!
The contents of this website are for informational purposes only and are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other QUALIFIED health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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