Synergy Health & Nutrition 2024: Alaska USA's Master of Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine and Nutrition Response Testing!

In today's fast-paced, technology-driven world, the quest for genuine, holistic health solutions often gets overshadowed by the allure of quick fixes and pharmaceutical advancements. Marie Sternquist, the visionary founder of Synergy Health & Nutrition, stands as a beacon of hope and wisdom in this landscape. With a remarkable journey that spans over three nearly four decades, Marie has dedicated her life to empowering individuals to achieve optimal health using natural and effective healing tools. At Synergy Health & Nutrition, Marie’s approach is refreshingly personalized; there is no "one size fits all". What works for someone writing a blog or a well-meaning friend, most likely won't doesn't work for all. Getting results largely depends on each individual's state of health, nutrition, and lifestyle choices. "Our bodies may need concentrated nutrition, detoxification, hormone balancing, improved circulation and blood flow, and/or immune support," she asserts. After nearly six decades in clinical research, Marie settled on a practical whole body approach based on natural methods that restore balance and backed by science. For Marie Sternquist, the essence of healing lies in listening to nature and understanding that every individual requires a uniquely individual approach to reduce unwanted health situations and achieve a high quality of life and happiness. As she eloquently puts it, "When it comes to human beings, Nature knows best. Sometimes we need to listen." Join Delivery Rank as we delve deeper into Marie's inspiring journey and her invaluable insights into the world of natural healing.

Can you share an example of a patient success story where you applied your knowledge in both physical therapy and holistic health coaching to address chronic pain effectively? What treatment approaches did you use?

When I started seeing Marie because friends referred to me, I couldn't go out to eat with them, or work in my yard, or play with my dog... Allergic to "everything" Marie helped me fix both my "allergies" which were actually leaky gut and all my food and chemical sensitivities. I'm leading a normal life now. That means I eat smart; not junk. I can live and love all.

Managing a chiropractic office that emphasizes nutritional healing requires a comprehensive understanding of both disciplines. How do you integrate chiropractic care and nutritional strategies to accelerate recovery for patients dealing with injuries and chronic lifestyle diseases?

I work with many Chiropractic offices in Anchorage, Alaska and for ten years helped run one here. Before that I was a clinical research scientist exploring methods that support the body's natural healing. For nearly ten years I ran a physical therapy clinic in Colorado. Integrating clinical nutrition is a game changer. Why? When you provide genuine building blocks and reduce sources of inflammation (infectious bacteria, parasites--more common than we believe,viruses, yeast, toxic chemicals and/or metals, food sensitivities) our bodies return to balance and can finally heal. This is different for everyone. What worked for a neighbor, friend, someone on Google ...doesn't work for all. It's all individualized.

It all started when an Olympic diving champion needed help calming inflammation. Next up my competitive nature was impeded by Lyme that I acquired at eight years old before we even had a name for it so after many "unremarkable" tests and "we don't know" Nutrition Response Testing finally gave answers. Great example here http://synergynutrition.info/nutrition-response-testing/

With your certification as a Holistic Health Coach, how do you tailor your approach to meet the individualized needs of patients? Can you provide an example of a customized wellness plan that you've developed for a client?

I hesitate providing an exact example. I use a functional medicine approach to understand each client's story, history, what they've tried, did any of that work or not... I evaluate labs if they have recent (1 year or less), I get a detailed picture. Everyone is different. One person might need to remove toxic waste. Another might need to address Lyme disease which was not heard of 40 years ago so never addressed, another might  be "eating what I've always eaten" yet the standard American diet isn't very healthy... I meet my clients where they are and help them shift by giving options. Over 16 years I've put up recipes and makeovers for favorites using non-inflammatory ingredients at ournutritionkitchen.com It's free, no membership or adds... my community service.

The Institute for Integrative Nutrition emphasizes a holistic approach to health and wellness. How has your certification as a Holistic Health Coach influenced your perspective on patient care, and how do you incorporate these principles into a clinical setting?

IIN is a good program yet it isn't certified. If a license is required, recommend University of Western States. Before my Masters in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine,; I worked toward a PHD program in biochemistry with a focus on early nervous system development at the University of Colorado. Later highlights of my research was working worked with police officers in Utah. They would respond responding to a 911 domestic violence call only to enter a methamphetamine kitchen this illicit and addicting drug causes anger and violent behaviors. s in Utah... Officers responding to a domestic violence call do not wear hazmat gear; many officers became incapacitated... same By delivering a regimen of nutrition, exercise and sauna... most were able to return to work. The results and safety of this regimen are published here https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3573677/ This same regimen was set up in lower Manhattan New York after the attack and collapse of the World Trade Center. I helped monitor the results achieved on over 1000 rescue workers some of whom we tested for persistent chemicals--dioxins and PCBs known to store for decades in the body. The abstract is available here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17234251/ and free full text with figures showing the reductions in persistent chemicals here: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/6568925_Persistent_organic_pollutants_in_911_World_Trade_Center_rescue_workers_Reduction_following_detoxification.

With your diverse background, how do you educate and empower your patients to take an active role in their own health and well-being? Can you provide an example of a patient who experienced positive outcomes through lifestyle changes and self-care practices you recommended?

I have thousands of happy clients who are living their lives. from addressing the toxic exposures after the 9-11 attack and collapse of the NYC world trade center to others; it's one client at a time.everyone has their own history and story. Then we start.

Another aspect of Marie's holistic health work is in the realm of substance abuse. She has looked into both prevention among our youth and treatment for those who need it; all holistic and life skills based. Marie, what caused you to investigate this?

I was made aware of a program that used the same vitamin, exercise and sauna  regimen as an early component of a behavioral series. I reviewed its merits and saw the results with my own eyes. The behavioral and life skills parts are vital. For youth it's about getting them aligned, for adults finding out why and also realigning. None of this has to do with replacing illicit drugs with a prescription just because a prescription is legal. Find the root cause. Usually it is some problem(s) one doesn't have knowledge to handle.

We published a peer-reviewed science article on prevention here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18348735/ and on the safety and results incorporatingthe sauna regimen within the toxic exposure called drug addiction here: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0300060518779314

To read more about Synergy Health & Nutrition, please visit https://synergynutrition.info/