Frequently Asked Questions

About Our Approach

WHAT IS FUNCTIONAL DIAGNOSTIC NUTRITION?

Functional Diagnostic Nutrition® is a science-based holistic approach to investigating and identifying the root cause/s of your health challenges. Imbalances in your body can lead to symptoms such as digestive complaints, fatigue and weight issues. As a therapeutic partnership between client and practitioner, it is an evolution in the practice of nutrition that better addresses the health needs of our modern society.
A functional nutrition approach addresses the whole person, not just an isolated set of symptoms. It uses individualized lab testing, completed in the comfort of your own home, to identify healing opportunities within the hormone, immune, digestion, detoxification and intestinal barrier systems. In order to restore balance to the systems of the body, functional nutrition uses a combination of interventions including therapeutic diets, sleep hygiene, exercise recommendations, stress reduction strategies and supplementation protocols.
For more information, please read the ‘Functional Nutrition’ page.

WHAT KIND OF CONDITIONS DO YOU HELP WITH?

Here at The Functional Gut Health Clinic, we support clients with a wide range of gut, hormone and other imbalances. The most common conditions we support clients with include (click each one to learn more):

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A FUNCTIONAL NUTRITIONIST AND A MEDICAL DOCTOR?

Functional Nutrition Practitioners are trained to use only natural products, dietary interventions and lifestyle changes (what we call the D.R.E.S.S. framework) to bring balance to the systems of the body. Functional Nutrition Practitioners are trained in functional lab testing and use minimally invasive interventions. Functional Nutrition Practitioners do not replace the role of a medical doctor. A Functional Nutrition Practitioner is not able to prescribe medications like antibiotics.

What to Expect

What does the process look like?
Our process is designed to be personalized, thorough, and supportive. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Initial Consultation

Before your first appointment, you'll complete detailed intake forms so we can understand your health history and current challenges.
During the session, your practitioner will review this information, any relevant previous lab testing, discuss your health goals, and recommend any necessary functional lab tests.
You’ll also receive initial recommendations tailored to your needs, including adjustments to diet, lifestyle modifications and natural supplement recommendations.

2. Lab Testing and Results

If lab tests are required, you’ll receive at-home testing kits, which are easy to complete and send to the lab.
Once the results are available, we’ll schedule a Results & Recommendations Consultation to review the findings.
During this session, you’ll receive a personalized plan based on the D.R.E.S.S. framework (Diet, Rest, Exercise, Stress Reduction, and Supplementation).

3. Follow-Up Support

Healing is a journey, so we typically schedule monthly follow-up consultations for 3–6 months to monitor your progress, address any challenges, and adjust your plan as needed.
These sessions are a time to review symptom changes, test results (if applicable), and ensure you're fully supported throughout your process.
Once your primary concerns are resolved, we help you transition to a sustainable maintenance plan that supports your long-term wellness goals without the need for regular check-ins.

Every client’s journey is unique, and we work closely with you to ensure your plan evolves based on your needs and progress.

Logistics and Costs

HOW DO VIDEO/TELEPHONE CONSULTATIONS WORK?

Our consultations are conducted online via video or phone, offering flexibility and convenience. Here's how it works:

Before Your Appointment:
- You’ll complete a detailed health intake questionnaire to provide your practitioner with a clear picture of your health history and current challenges.
During Your Appointment:
- Your practitioner will contact you via phone, Zoom or Practice Better’s integrated teleconference feature at the scheduled time. Consultations typically last 40–90 minutes.
- Resources, test ordering, and protocol documents will be shared through your client portal on Practice Better or via email.
After Your Appointment:
- At-home lab tests, if required, will be mailed to you. Results are discussed during consultations, and supplements ordered online are conveniently delivered to your address.

Our streamlined online process ensures you can access world-class care from the comfort of your home.

HOW MUCH DO APPOINTMENTS, TESTING AND SUPPLEMENTS COST?

Consultations: appointment types and current costs are listed on the ‘How We Work’ page of the website and vary by practitioner and region/currency. The standard client pathway includes an Initial Consultation, R&R Consultation and Follow-Up Consultations every 4-6 weeks (or as needed).
Testing: We offer testing at wholesale prices with no mark-up and generally suggest clients budget USD$600-750 for the two most common tests we recommend - SIBO Breath Test and a GI Stool Test.
Supplements: this will depend on the type and number of healing opportunities identified. We typically recommend budgeting around USD$300-$500 per month for supplements, including antimicrobials, biofilm disruptors, digestive and detox support products. We pass on a 20% discount on supplements to our clients by using wholesale platforms where possible.

Are refunds or cancellations allowed?

Yes, we have a clear policy for refunds and cancellations to ensure transparency and fairness. Here's what you need to know:

Cancellations

Initial Consultations: Cancellations must be made at least one week before your scheduled appointment to receive a full refund, minus any admin and transaction fees.
Follow-Up Consultations: Cancellations must be made at least 48 hours before your scheduled appointment to receive a full refund, minus transaction fees.

Rescheduling

You can reschedule your appointment up to 48 hours before your scheduled time using our online booking tool.
For Initial Consultations, rescheduling must be requested at least one week in advance.

Refunds

A refund will be provided for cancellations made within the required notice period, minus a $25 admin fee for Initial Consultations and any non-refundable transaction fees (~4%).
Lab test fees are non-refundable once the kit has been shipped.
Missed appointments or cancellations made outside the required notice period will result in forfeiture of the appointment fee.

For more details, please refer to our full Terms and Conditions or contact us at hello@bellalindemann.com.

WHAT PAYMENT METHODS DO YOU ACCEPT?

Payment for appointments is made at the time of booking using Credit/Debit card via Stripe that is built into our patient management platform, Practice Better.

DO YOU OFFER ANY GOVERNMENT OR INSURANCE REBATES?

No, government or insurance rebates are not available for the cost of consultations in any country. Some testing may be reimbursable in your country, if ordered through a medical doctor.

Testing and Protocols

WHAT TYPE OF TESTING DO YOU CONDUCT?

We use advanced, functional lab testing to identify underlying imbalances contributing to your symptoms. Common tests we recommend include:

Comprehensive Stool Analysis (GI Map): To assess gut health, microbiome balance, and pathogens.
SIBO Breath Test: To detect bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine.
Organic Acids Urine Test: To evaluate metabolic markers and nutrient deficiencies.
Food Sensitivity Dry Blood Spot Testing: To identify trigger foods that may be contributing to inflammation.
DUTCH Hormone Urine Test: To assess hormone levels, adrenal function, and hormone metabolism.
Mycotoxin Urine Testing: To detect exposure to mold toxins that may impact detoxification, immune function, and overall health.

For more information, please read the ‘Functional Nutrition’ page.

HOW DOES TESTING WORK?

All of our testing is able to be done at home and we will organize for ‘at home test kits’ to be sent to you. All labs are organized by local providers, specific to your country. Lab fees are typically paid at wholesale prices directly to the lab.
Once you have completed your tests and sent them to the lab, we will be notified of your results once available. After receiving your results from the lab, we will arrange a Results and Recommendations appointment to discuss your results and protocol recommendations.

Will I need to repeat tests?
We only recommend retesting when it provides valuable insights for your health journey and where possible we try to avoid unnecessary costs. If you already have results from recent testing, share them with us during your Initial Consultation to determine if they are sufficient or if further testing is required.

If you’ve recently completed relevant tests (e.g., GI Map, SIBO Breath Test, DUTCH Test), we can often use those results without retesting.
Retesting may be recommended if:
- Your symptoms persist after completing the initial protocol.
- We need to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions (e.g., eradication of pathogens or bacteria).
- Additional insight is needed to guide the next phase of your plan.

Online Consultations

WHY ARE ALL YOUR CONSULTATIONS ONLINE?

Online consultations allow us to provide world-class care to clients based the USA, UK, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Canada. Here’s why this approach works so well:

Convenience: You can access our services from the comfort of your home, avoiding the need for travel or waiting in a clinic.
Flexibility: Our online format allows you to schedule appointments at times that suit your busy life.
Consistency: If you relocate or travel, you can continue your healing journey without needing to find a new practitioner.
Cost Savings: By operating online, we save on overhead costs, allowing us to pass those savings on to you.

Lab tests and supplements are shipped directly to your door, and consultations are conducted via platforms like Zoom, ensuring the process is seamless and accessible.

HOW DO I BOOK AN APPOINTMENT?

Booking your appointment via our ONLINE BOOKING SYSTEM is very simple.
1. Select your region; USD/Canada; UK/Europe; Australia/NZ
2. Under your preferred practitioner, select the appointment type you want
3. Times listed are in your timezone, and available dates are circled in green
4. Select an available date and time. Scroll through the months for availability.
5. Enter your details, accept the terms and conditions and proceed to payment
6. You will receive a confirmation email and an appointment reminder

Other Important Information

CAN WE WORK TOGETHER IF I AM CURRENTLY UNDERGOING OTHER MEDICAL TREATMENT?

Yes. The benefit of most natural therapies, when prescribed correctly by an experienced practitioner, is that they provide a safe and complementary addition to conventional medicine. In our experience, the two can work synergistically to enhance the effectiveness of conventional treatments.
We will ask that you detail your current medications on your intake forms to ensure there are no contraindications between the nutritional and herbal supplements we recommend and your current medication. We may also request consent to communicate with your Medical Practitioners. In our experience, working together as a part of a multi-disciplinary team ensures the best outcomes for our clients when they are seeing multiple practitioners.

WHAT ARE YOUR QUALIFICATIONS/CREDENTIALS?

Our practitioners are highly trained and experienced in functional and integrative health:

Qualifications: Each practitioner holds a relevant nutrition qualification and has completed advanced training in functional diagnostic techniques.
Specializations: We are experts in gut health and hormone imbalances, with extensive experience using functional lab testing such as GI Map, SIBO Breath Test, and DUTCH Hormone Testing.
Experience: Collectively, our team has decades of experience and have worked with thousands of clients, addressing complex health challenges with evidence-based, personalized protocols.

To learn more about each practitioner’s individual credentials and personal health journey, visit the ‘Meet the Team’ section of the ‘Who We Are’ page of the website.

What if I can’t find the answer I’m looking for?

If you have additional questions, we’d love to help! Please contact us at hello@bellalindemann.com or visit our Contact Page.