Illness and disease—especially chronic disease—don’t exist in a vacuum, but concurrently with the many other elements of our lives: work, play, sleep, stress, food, genetics, and environment. Functional Medicine Nutrition recognizes this, and addresses not just the symptoms of an illness but the client as a whole, with client and therapist working together to find the underlying causes of an illness, and shift from a disease-focused approach to a treatment that focuses on the whole person. In this way, FMN is a proactive, predictive, personalized medicine which empowers clients to take an active role in their own health. The guidance in partnership facilitates transformative healing via nutritional culinary immunology.
A holistic perspective considers physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects in fundamental wellness. My passion for illuminating the root origins of disease to restore vibrant health and function forms the foundation of my practice. I treasure the rapport developed over the years with my clients through our partnerships of trust, confidence and shared goals toward healing.
My 35 years as a healthcare practitioner have cultivated my belief that customized and compassionate preventive care is imperative in helping people achieve their personal health goals. My advanced education and experience in nutrition counseling has nurtured a patient-centered style specifically designed to each client’s individual needs.
Find out if you are ready for Edible Wisdom by taking this Readiness Assessment.
Suzanne Polo, M.S., R.D.N., C.L.T. is a Functional Medicine Nutritionist, Exercise Physiologist, and Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist. Suzanne is the owner of Edible Wisdom, a Functional Medicine based nutrition practice in California. Suzanne has been in private practice for over 35 years and consults with clientele in the Los Angeles and NYC areas, as well as nationwide and abroad. Certified as a specialist in food and chemical sensitivities, Suzanne specializes in inflammatory and gastrointestinal imbalances.
Education
* Dual Master of Science, Applied Physiology & Nutrition, Columbia University Teacher’s College.
* Graduate of the Institute for Functional Medicine’s Applying Functional Medicine in Clinical Practice (AFMCP).
* Bachelor of Science in Nutrition & Food Science with CUNY Hunter College
Suzanne is a passionate educator and has taught as Adjunct Nutrition Professor at Marymount Manhattan College, Hofstra University, and Pennsylvania State University. She has served as guest lecturer conducting dozens of local and national public presentations for corporations, private spas, hospital seminars, and education programs.
“I am so grateful to Suzanne.”
“For years I tolerated terrible gastrointestinal (GI) distress, DAILY: bloating; abdominal pain; inability to burp; excessive and at times forceful flatulence among the more aggravating symptoms. It became a “way of life” I had accepted, as the allopathic approach did not resolve the distress. The discomfort over time became my “normal.
From the onset, Suzanne addressed my condition with 100% attention. She listened, took detailed notes, gathered information by way of laboratory tests and began to connect the dots so as to make a correct diagnosis and treatment plan customized to my specific needs. When met with the development of unexpected symptoms, she researched till she found out the cause. She is so spot on! Her many years of clinical practice served me, the client, well. as she correctly diagnosed the unexpected symptoms, treated them, and then onto more good gut healing.
Throughout the process Suzanne was available to answer questions and explained the healing process and what I should expect as my body healed. She made me feel confident in her clinical skills and judgement. I, a medical clinician, know very well the process of diagnosis and treatment. Her acumen is to be acknowledged.
In addition to diagnosis and treatment, Suzanne educated me on what to expect in the future and how to remedy any GI distress, always being available to attend to my questions and concerns. This made me feel empowered and no longer simply tolerating what can now be alleviated as I had done before meeting her. She is courteous, thoughtful, and attentive. My many interactions with Suzanne have demonstrated the genuiness of her character. I am so grateful to Suzanne and I know you will be as well.”
“Vibrant, energized, and pain free are just a few of the words to describe how I’m feeling after working with Suzanne and following my personalized nutrition protocol. “
When I first met Suzanne I was experiencing intense joint pain and had concerns of an emerging autoimmune issue. I was experiencing headaches systemic pain and fatigue, as well as weight gain and bloating. I attributed my symptoms to factors outside of my diet like stress, aging and hormonal changes.
Armed with my food sensitivity results and with Suzanne as my partner, guide, and cheerleader we created an individualized plan that has changed my life in ways I could not have imagined just a few months ago. Not only have I experienced a complete cessation in each of my symptoms, I have learned how amazing I can feel when I eat foods that are nourishing and medicinal for my unique constitution.
Suzanne embodies the qualities of an educator, a trusted partner, and a caring friend. I have been changed and truly blessed by our work together.
“At the end of the first week, my daughter, who was always tired, had more energy than she’s ever had!”
Dear Suzanne,
Thank you so much for helping me better understand Sophie’s eczema. Getting the test done made all the difference for our family.
Here’s my long over due testimonial:(it’s a little long)
My daughter has had eczema since she was 3 weeks old. After seeing dermatologists and doctors, who wanted to keep her on a topical steroids to keep the symptoms at bay, I began to read up on eczema and found that it was more than just a skin issue. At the UCLA Eczema and Asthma clinic, they confirmed that it was due to allergies. After extensive allergy testing, we continued a trial and error method to figure out my daughter’s triggers. Whenever we saw some improvement, however, she’d get an infection or lay in bed on her belly all afternoon because her stomach hurt. Finally, when my now 6 year old got a staph infection that spread all over her body (due to her scratching constantly), I called Suzanne and we scheduled her blood test. After implementing her food restrictions, we began to see results. At the end of the first week, my daughter, who was always tired, had more energy than she’s ever had! She stopped napping and she stopped complaining that her stomach hurt! Her stomach has not hurt her since we made these changes! We cheat a lot on her food restrictions, but I now know how to keep my daughter’s eczema under control. I know what is going to upset her system and what is fine. I don’t have to guess anymore! Suzanne is so easy to work with, understanding, and extremely knowledgeable. I am so thankful that our paths crossed. My daughter feels so much better!
“Ive finally stepped off the merry go round of chronic pain and into a life that works!”
Working with Suzanne has been the single best thing I have done for my health.
For five years I have been in chronic pain and discomfort. Working with Suzanne I have experienced a return of my health and vitality and a solution based on diet and loving self care. Ive finally stepped off the merry go round of chronic pain and into a life that works!
I couldn’t recommend Suzanne enough! Holy. Game. Changer.
To read more about what clients have to say about Suzanne click here.
Functional Medicine Nutrition empowers clients to take an active role in their own health, it also requires clients to take responsibility for their health. This includes open communication and partnership with their FMN practitioner, honest evaluation of diet and lifestyle, and a willingness to change certain habits. While FMN is an effective, vital, and liberating course of action, it may not be for everyone. Or it may be that you are interested in FMN, but not ready to commit to it just yet.
To determine if you are ready to begin, take this Readiness Assessment before making your first contact.