Welcome to Wellspring Nutritional Therapy
Deep Nutrition for Vibrant Health
My Mission
Cultivate awareness and love of nutrient dense, whole foods produced without chemicals and as locally as possible to promote the health of our bodies and the health of our planet.
How I Can Help
Restoring the Microbiome
The Microbiome and Leaky Gut have become household terms lately and we now know that vibrant health is dependent upon a healthy gut.You will learn about nutrient dense whole food nutrition and how to get the most out of your food with proper digestion. Taking it to the next level, a GI-MAP stool test is used to identify imbalances and pathology in the gastrointestinal tract and food sensitivities testing identifies which foods could be causing gut inflammation. The information gleaned from these two tests is used to create a diet and supplement protocol to address your specific issues and ultimately heal and seal your gut.
Cancer Support and Prevention
Based on the Metabolic Approach to Cancer by Dr. Nasha Winters, ND and Jess Kelley, MNT this is a systems based approach that uses diet and lifestyle strategies along with targeted supplements to manage the drivers of cancer including inflammation, high blood sugar, stress, toxicity, gut issues, and poor sleep. Since sugar feeds cancer, a low carbohydrate/ketogenic diet and fasting are critical to starving cancer and optimizing conventional medical treatments. Specific blood markers are used to monitor progress and nutrition genome testing helps determine the best diet for your genetic makeup. This approach is intended to compliment your oncology team and it is required that you be working with a medical or naturopathic oncologist.
Autoimmunity
There are more than 100 known autoimmune diseases and 50 million Americans have one or more. They can be tissue or organ specific like Hashimoto's Thyroiditis and Type I Diabetes or systemic like Multiple Sclerosis and Lupus. Autoimmunity occurs when the immune system attacks the body's own tissues. The causes are thought to include viruses, stressful events and leaky gut. In the case of increased intestinal permeability, undigested food particles and toxic waste products of bacteria can enter the blood stream and trigger autoimmuinity, food sensitivities and even cancer. Autoimmune paleo diets, stress management and specific supplements can help manage, and in some cases reverse, autoimmune disease.
Hormone Balance Support
Stress, endocrine disrupting chemicals in the environment and the use of hormones for birth control and hormone replacement can disrupt the balance in the endocrine system.You will learn about natural approaches to overcoming adrenal fatigue, thyroid Issues and male/female hormone imbalances including PMS, PCOS, infertility, menopause and andropause (male menopause). Saliva, DUTCH (dried urine) and blood testing are used to identify specific imbalances and to monitor progress throughout the healing process. To be clear, I do not offer hormone replacement therapy as it is not in my scope of practice.
Who I Am
Michele Riggio, PT, FNTP, RWS, ONC
I was a physical therapist for thirty years and in 2015 was certified by the Nutritional Therapy Association as a Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner. Since then I have done advanced coursework in the digestive, immune and endocrine systems integrating lab testing into my practice and earning the designation of Restorative Wellne
I was a physical therapist for thirty years and in 2015 was certified by the Nutritional Therapy Association as a Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner. Since then I have done advanced coursework in the digestive, immune and endocrine systems integrating lab testing into my practice and earning the designation of Restorative Wellness Specialist. Additionally, I am trained in the functional interpretation of blood panels in order to identify imbalances before they cause disease. In Spring 2022, I completed the 250-Hour Oncology Nutrition Certification program based on Dr. Nasha Winters' and Jess Kelley's book, The Metabolic Approach to Cancer.
My interest in nutrition and natural healing stem from a lifelong struggle with digestive issues and watching my mother die of ovarian cancer. During my studies, I discovered that I had gluten sensitivity, adrenal fatigue and Hashimoto's Thyroiditis. I gave up gluten and never looked back, started practicing yoga again, watch my carbs, make sleep a priority, take some targeted supplements, get out in nature, and stay curious about the world.
I love to garden, cook, eat, mountain bike, sew, hike with my dog and go camping with my hubbie.
I am very passionate about this work and would be honored to be a part of your healing journey!
In Health,
Michele
Partners and Affiliations
Resouces
Online Dispensary
You will be able to order your prescriptions directly from www.fullscript.com based on recommendations that I make for you.
Pasteured Meats
If you live in Chaffee County, CO www.badgercreekranch.com is a great source for pastured eggs, beef, pork and lamb with weekly deliveries to Salida and Buena Vista or during the summer at the local farmer's markets.
Autoimmune Protocol Resources
AIP Soup
www.CaptainSoup.com is a great option for people with busy lives who are trying to do the Autoimmune Protocol. This is a family owned company that uses lamb bone broth, local grass-fed meats and organic vegetables to create truly delicious soups delivered frozen to your doorstep.
Shop AIP
This is a one stop shop for all things free of gluten, grains, dairy, eggs, refined sugar or oils, nuts, seeds, soy and nightshades. Let www.ShopAIP.com help ease the feeling of deprivation caused by being on an elimination diet and get you on the path to healing.
EMF Protection
We live in a world that is becoming more and more polluted with EMFs (electromagnetic fields) that are affecting our health invisibly at a cellular level. To protect yourself from the harmful effects of EMFs I recommend www.DefenderShield.com. They have a wide range of protective equipment from cellphone and laptop shields to blankets and protective eyewear.
Skin and Beauty
For the highest quality handcrafted skin care products, I recommend Elemente'. Herbalist Lindsey Lund has created a whole line of clean products for skin, health and household cleaning. Visit the website at www.vitallivingherbs.com.
General Information on Healthy Living
The Environmental Working Group is an excellent source of information on anything imaginable health related from product reviews to pesticides. Check it out at www.ewg.org.
Testimonials
JW Salida, Colorado
I began seeing Michele i n September of 2016. My chief complaint was a longterm diarrhea condition. My weight was 210 lbs. and now 178.
We began with testing saliva, blood and stool. I had zero friendly bacteria in my gut. I was sensitive to corn and a host of other things. We eliminated these from my diet and I started eating more Paleo. It is a joy to no longer have diarrhea after 20 years.
I also had an endocrine imbalance which left me feeling tired and old. Through testing and nutritional supplements, we have turned this around and I now feel energetic and well.
Detoxifying...ah, yes. We eliminated sugars and, through a long process, I have eliminated alcohol as well, which has certainly added to my well being.
Once started on my wellness path, I appreciate Michele for her knowledge and guidance.
Thanks Wellspring and Michele for turning my life balance around. I enjoy a new found sense of energy and well being.
Ed, D. Pittsburg, PA
I am well into my new protocol and I trust it has contributed to my state of mind and body. I am feeling very well and am experiencing enthusiasm in my daily work and exercise routines.