Christina’s Story: IBS

My name is Christina. I’m 28 years old and live in New England. I’m the Co-Founder of a film tech company, as well as produce/write films. I have always been very active and healthy and have practiced mindfulness as much as possible. That being said, prior to working with Russell, I also had a lot of digestion issues (gas, bloating, irregular bowel movements mostly) and random allergies that would pop up out of the blue. Nothing too crazy but just little annoyances that I would prefer not to have to deal with anymore.

I tried a lot of different diets; paleo, whole30, vegan, etc but nothing seemed to help with these issues. And then I found Russell Mariani and The Center for Functional Nutrition. Russell talked me through everything and I was sold. I started as soon as possible. I think the most difficult part for me was taking certain foods out of my diet (temporarily) like fruit but I stuck it out because I knew it would be worth it in the long run.

By the end of the program, I was feeling the best I had felt in a very long time — healthier overall, more energized and I had no more digestive issues! Even after bringing things back into my diet I rarely have had any issues and when I do I know exactly what caused it and what to avoid and/or what to do/change moving forward.

Something else happened that I didn’t expect. I don’t really have menstrual cramps anymore. My monthly symptoms are very mild compared to before which goes to show how much your gut really does have an impact on your entire body. Another thing I realized during the program is that I wasn’t truly chewing/enjoying my food. When Russell told me to count my chews, I tried it and realized I wasn’t getting the most out of every bite and this has impacted me in a much bigger way. I now am incredibly more present not just during meals but in every moment.

Lastly, even though my program has ended Russell and Megan are still very supportive and are always there when I have a question or need advice. I would highly recommend anyone who is having not just digestive issues but health issues in general to work with The Center for Functional Nutrition. I will be forever grateful for their knowledge and unconditional support.

Christina Chironna, age 28
Norwalk, Connecticut
January 2021