What are the opening hours?

Monday 9am - 5pm Tuesday 9am - 5pm Wednesday 9am - 5pm Thursday 9am - 5pm Friday 9am - 5pm

Lisa Kirkman, MS, RDN, IFNCP, Ada, MI (2025)

09/13/2023

Nutrition has such a great impact on our mental health and cognition! 🥦🧠 Not only do we need carbohydrates, protein, fats, vitamins, and minerals for optimal brain function, but we also need a healthy gut microbiome! 🦠

Our gut microbiome affects our ability to absorb nutrients 🥕and supports neurotransmitter production, including serotonin and GABA. Serotonin helps prevent depression 😌 and GABA helps prevent anxiety 😬. The gut-brain axis involves constant communication and thrives with a healthy microbiome.

We also talked about the MIND diet 🧠and how to incorporate brain-boosting foods into an overall healthy lifestyle! 🏃‍♀️Nutrition can make a huge difference on how your brain functions today as well as long-term cognitive function.

I love to share what the power of nutrition can do for your mental health 😄 and overall health. What a great crowd and amazing questions!

If you are interested in one-on-one help with improving your nutritional intake to support optimal brain function, let’s connect. Click on the link in my bio👆 to schedule a complimentary Informational Call.

09/08/2023

Your gut health is the cornerstone of your overall wellbeing. 🌿✨ The trillions of microbes in your gut play a crucial role in digestion, nutrient absorption, and even regulating your immune system.

When your gut is in balance ⚖️ you're more likely to feel energized, maintain a healthy weight, and have glowing skin.🌟But an unhealthy gut can lead to a cascade of issues, from digestive problems to mood swings. It's like the control center for your body's health! 🙌 So, nourish it with fiber-rich foods, 🥦healthy probiotics, and mindful eating.

Your gut will thank you, and your whole body will thrive!

Check out my blog for more information on gut health at kirkmannutrition.com/blog. Wondering if you’re ready for a gut-healing program? Schedule a free Introductory Consult at kirkmannutrition.com/services or book a session via the link in my bio.

08/17/2023

Good nutrition is required for good gut health! The intestinal lining undergoes continuous renewal to keep up with the wear and tear that results from breakdown of foods, and from the presence of waste that can injure and kill cells. The gut lining needs to replenish itself regularly with healthy cells, and it has a great ability to regenerate new cells.

However, the body needs the right building blocks (i.e., nutrients) to build new healthy cells every day. In addition, it does not need artificial compounds in our food which just increases the toxic burden in the body. This creates extra work for our organs, including the intestines, liver, and kidneys, to remove these unnecessary ingredients from the gut and excrete them as waste.

The foods in this post are great for maintaining good gut health. If you have a digestive disorder, such as IBS or chronic bloating, constipation, or diarrhea, then you may need to modify your diet to accommodate gut healing and rebalancing of gut microbes. Consult a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist who specializes in gut health if you need help with developing a plan.

Check out my blog for more information on gut health at kirkmannutrition.com/blog. Wondering if you’re ready for a gut-healing program? Schedule a free Introductory Consult at kirkmannutrition.com/services.

07/22/2023

Nutrition and lifestyle have a significant impact on the development and management of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)! Nutrient deficiencies, poor diet, and an imbalanced gut microbiome all have an influence on mental health, including ADHD.

Thanks to Ada Village Pharmacy & Wellness Center for inviting me to be a guest speaker on your new podcast! I’m excited to share evidence-based information to help children, teens, and adults who struggle with this condition.

Check out this podcast (link to podcast in bio) and here are a few highlights:

• Certain nutrient deficiencies (vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids) are associated with ADHD.

• Nutrient deficiencies can be corrected with diet and supplementation (if needed)

• An imbalanced gut microbiome (i.e., not enough healthy bacteria and too many unhealthy bacteria) affects mental health via the gut-brain axis and can impact ADHD symptoms.

• The gut microbiome can be rebalanced via nutrition, supplementation (if needed), and lifestyle.

• Client success stories – I have helped clients (children, teens, and adults) who have suffered from ADHD and watched their symptoms improve by addressing nutrient imbalances, dietary shortfalls, gut health, and other lifestyle factors that affect ADHD.

• A 14-year-old male client went from no appetite and lack of growth while on a medication that was not helping his ADHD symptoms to a thriving, calm, focused teen who regained his appetite and grew 3 inches in one year!

After you listen to the podcast…let’s connect if you’d like to chat about a personalized nutrition program to improve the management of ADHD using a natural approach! Schedule a free chat at kirkmannutrition.com/services.

06/27/2023

The microbiome is made up of trillions of microorganisms and the majority of them reside in the intestines. These include friendly bacteria that benefit our health in many ways!

• Aids digestion – beneficial microbes help break down dietary fiber and polyphenols (healthful compounds in plant-based foods) and in turn are fed by these food components to thrive

• Helps supply nutrients – some microbes help generate nutrients that the body can use, such as vitamin K, niacin, thiamin, folate, riboflavin, and biotin

• Supports immune system – over 80 percent of our immune system resides in the gut and is controlled by our gut microbiome

• Regulates mood balance – gut microbes produce the majority of the serotonin in our body which is needed for good mood balance and avoiding depression. GABA is another compound produced by gut bacteria and is needed to promote calm and prevent anxiety

• Helps with weight issues – an imbalance of good/bad microbes in the gut has been linked to obesity and difficulty losing weight. A healthy microbiome may lead to better weight control.

Take care of your gut microbiome for better health! For more information on the microbiome, check out my blog article What is My Microbiome and Why Should I Care at kirkmannutrition.com/blog and sign up for my newsletter for more information on gut health.

06/11/2023

Visit the Ada Farmers Market (or a farmers market near you) for inspiration and motivation to eat fresh fruits and vegetables! Every Tuesday through October 31, stop by the Ada Farmers Market at the Ada Village Pharmacy and Wellness Center booth where Kirkman Nutrition will provide a new recipe to inspire delicious and healthy meals using fresh vegetables and fruit! I will be at the booth along with Kirkman Nutrition Intern Chelsie Freeman this Tuesday, June 13 from 9-11 am. Stop by and say “hi.”

There are so many ways fruits and vegetables enhance your health! Eating more plant-based foods can help you feel better today and prevent disease in the future! Increase your intake gradually so that your new habit sticks, and build on your healthy habit for long term benefits.

Check out my blog article “10 Reasons Why You Should Eat More Vegetables” at kirkmannutrition.com/blog for farmers market inspiration!

06/05/2023

Pick up some farm fresh produce and grab your tasty recipe at the Ada Village Pharmacy & Wellness Center booth at the market. Every Tuesday at the Ada Farmers Market, from June 6 – October 31, Kirkman Nutrition will provide a new recipe to inspire delicious and healthy cooking using fresh vegetables and fruit! I will be at the booth this Tuesday, June 6 from 9-11 am. Stop by and say “hi.”

Check out my blog article “10 Reasons Why You Should Eat More Vegetables” at kirkmannutrition.com/blog for some pre-farmers market inspiration!

06/03/2023

Probiotics are important for supporting optimal digestive function and overall health. It is estimated that more than 80% of our immune system is in our gut and affected by our gut microbiome. Healthy microbes in the gut lead to a healthy you!

For more information about probiotics, check out the article “Should I Take a Probiotic” on my blog at kirkmannutrition.com/blog. If you want more nutrition information, sign up for my newsletter at kirkmannutrition.com.

06/02/2023

I'm excited to announce a new local collaboration with the wellness services offered at Ada Village - Pharmacy and Wellness Center! Personalized nutrition consultations and programs available to the Western Michigan community either in person or virtual. Book an Introductory Phone Call at adavillagepharmacy.com > Wellness Services > Personalized Nutrition Services. Chat with a dietitian to learn if a personalized nutrition program can benefit you.

For more information about Kirkman Nutrition and Lisa Kirkman, MS, RDN, IFNCP, visit kirkmannutrition.com.

Ada Village Pharmacy & Wellness

05/27/2023

As the weather becomes more pleasant to relax and dine outdoors, many of us are looking for recipes that are both delicious and nutrient-dense to support our health goals. This recipe is perfect for grilling out with family and friends. It is simple, visually appealing, and a healthier alternative to hotdogs and burgers.

Recipe for Grilled Chicken & Vegetable Kabobs

Ingredients:

• 1-pound boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/3 cup tahini sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tsp minced garlic
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 red bell pepper cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 yellow bell pepper cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 small zucchinis cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 red onion cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes
• 1 Tbsp chopped parsley
• 4 wooden skewers

* Vegetarian alternative: replace the chicken with firm tofu or eliminate the chicken for a veggie kabob instead

Directions:

1. Place the olive oil, tahini sauce, honey, garlic, salt and pepper in a large bowl.

2. Whisk to combine.

3. Add the chicken, bell peppers, zucchini, red onion, and cherry tomatoes to the bowl. Toss to coat in the marinade.

4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 8 hours.

5. Soak wooden skewers in cold water for at least 30 minutes and preheat grill or grill pan to medium high heat.

6. Thread the chicken and vegetables onto the skewers.

7. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side or until chicken is cooked through.

8. Sprinkle with parsley and serve.

Serves 4

For more information about the health benefits of the ingredients in this recipe, check out the extended version of this recipe on my blog at kirkmannutrition.com/blog. If you want more nutrition information and healthy recipes, sign up for my newsletter at kirkmannutrition.com. (References for recipe available at kirkmannutrition.com/blog)

05/26/2023

From left: Lisa Kirkman, MS, RDN, IFNCP; Senator Mark Huizenga (MI); Chelsie Freeman (student - Ferris State University, Kirkman Nutrition Intern, and future dietitian)

It was a great day meeting Senator Mark Huizenga during his public office hours today to communicate the importance of passing the bill that would license Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) to practice medical nutrition therapy (MNT) in Michigan. Michigan and Arizona are the only 2 states in the country that have no regulation at all for practicing medical nutrition therapy!

It is time to move forward and join the rest of the country in regulating the provision of MNT or the qualifications and/or titles of those providing it. Benefits of passing this bill include:

• Protect public health and safety – RDNs have a 4-year degree in a dietetics/nutrition field, a required clinical internship, a mandatory national exam to obtain registration, and continuing education requirements to maintain registration. A self-taught nutritionist does not have the training to practice medical nutrition therapy for people who have medical conditions.

• Reduce confusion to the public – Anyone can call themselves a “Nutritionist,” but the “RDN” credential is only awarded to those who meet academic and supervised practice requirements and pass a registration exam.

• Increase access to MNT for MI citizens - Most insurance companies require a licensed professional to provide these nutrition services. Greater insurance reimbursement would be possible with RDN licensure.

• Improve health and reduce health care costs – Greater access to MNT can significantly reduce health care costs for diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.

And…health coaches and personal trainers would be able to continue to provide information within their scope of practice – the bill would not change the services they already deliver.

Thanks again to Sen. Huizenga for listening to the reasons why this bill is so important to the citizens of Michigan! Let’s get this bill passed!

05/24/2023

The number of people affected by seasonal allergies continues to grow. Research indicates that certain nutrients and probiotics may help prevent allergy symptoms! The key is to eat these foods daily to prevent symptoms before they occur. Already have allergy symptoms? Try adding several of these foods daily and over time, your symptoms may become more manageable, or disappear.

Check out this list and add a variety of these foods to your weekly grocery list:

1. Citrus Fruits: Foods that are high in vitamin C, such as oranges, grapefruits, and kiwi, can help reduce inflammation in the body and boost the immune system.

2. Omega-3 fatty acids: Found in foods like fatty fish (e.g., salmon, tuna, mackerel), walnuts, and flaxseed, omega-3 fatty acids are known for their anti-inflammatory properties.

3. Quercetin: Berries, onions, grapes, apples, broccoli, and green tea are good sources of quercetin, which blocks the production and release of histamine and other inflammatory substances.

4. Leafy greens: Foods like spinach, kale, and collard greens are packed with nutrients like vitamins A and C, as well as antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation.

5. Nuts: Nuts such as almonds, walnuts, and cashews are high in magnesium, which has been shown to help reduce inflammation.

6. Spices: Certain spices like turmeric and ginger have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce allergy symptoms.

7. Olive oil: Extra virgin olive oil can reduce inflammation and block the release of histamine.

8. Probiotic-rich foods: Eating foods rich in probiotics, such as yogurt, kefir, and kimchi, can help promote a healthy gut microbiome and reduce inflammation throughout the body.

If the above strategies are not enough to beat seasonal allergy symptoms, consider consulting a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist who practices functional nutrition therapy to help identify other potential nutritional imbalances that may be contributing towards symptoms. Check out the recent blog post on this topic at KirkmanNutrition.com/blog.

04/22/2023

Research has shown that spending more time in nature can provide many health benefits, even beyond the five listed here. Take time on Earth Day to get outside and appreciate what nature can do for your health! Take time to think about what you can do to help preserve the health of the earth!

Other evidence-based health benefits of being in nature (according to a research review):

• Reduces anxiety
• Promotes greater happiness, wellbeing and life satisfaction
• Reduces aggression
• Reduces symptoms of ADHD
• Increases prosocial behavior and social connectedness.
• Lowers blood pressure
• Improves postoperative recovery
• Improves birth outcomes
• Improves congestive heart failure
• Improves child development (cognitive and motor)
• Improves pain control
• Reduces obesity
• Reduces diabetes
• Improves eyesight
• Improves general health
• Reduces mortality

Get outside everyday if possible, particularly around grass and trees, and your health will thank you for it!

04/08/2023

Holidays are meant to be enjoyed without focusing on perfect nutrition. However, if you have digestive issues, such as bloating, gas, or bowel irregularities, then you may want to choose foods that are easy on the gut so you can enjoy the day pain free!

Here are some swaps that can support your gut:

• Poultry or fish instead of ham – Ham is high in sodium, which can promote water retention and add to feeling bloated. Too much sodium is also not good for a healthy microbiome.

• Quiche with veggies instead of cheese & bacon – Cheese & bacon are sources of saturated fat and sodium, both of which are hard on the gut.

• Green beans instead of veggie casseroles – Green beans are a vegetable that is easy to digest and does not promote bloating. Casseroles tend to be high in sodium and saturated fat, both not good for gut health.

• Fruit-infused water instead of a mimosa – Mimosa’s contain alcohol and carbonation which are irritating to the gut and can promote bloating. Fruit-infused water will encourage hydration without irritation and add some nutrients.

• Regular chocolate instead of sugar-free? Chocolate in moderation can provide health benefits, such as reducing inflammation and protecting the heart. Sugar-free chocolate typically contains sugar alcohols which can promote bloating and diarrhea if too much is consumed (or if you’re just prone to these symptoms).

Enjoy your day with family and friends and leave the gut symptoms behind!

04/04/2023

It’s estimated that 5-10% of people have IBS, yet that number may be higher because many people don’t report their uncomfortable digestive symptoms, such as bloating, gas, constipation, and diarrhea to their healthcare provider. Some people even think those symptoms are just their “normal” and live with it.

IBS can be very disruptive to quality of life. Individuals with IBS restrict their activities an average of 73 days out of the year! (That’s 20% of the time).

In a survey conducted by IFFGD (International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders), nearly 2,000 patients reported that they suffered from IBS symptoms for 6.6 years before being diagnosed.

If you have frequent symptoms of gas, bloating, constipation (i.e., you don’t have a bowel movement daily), or diarrhea, then I encourage you to:

✅ See your doctor and discuss these symptoms.

✅ Ask your doctor for a referral to a gastroenterologist if symptoms aren’t resolved.

✅ Work with a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist who specializes in gut health to develop a personalized nutrition and lifestyle plan to help you keep GI symptoms under control.

You can control your GI symptoms rather than your GI symptoms controlling you! (I know because I have learned how to control my own digestive health symptoms through research and experience).

👆Click the link in my bio to join us for an upcoming webinar – 5 Essential Steps for Better Gut Health on Wed, April 12 at 7 pm (EDT)!

02/14/2023

Happy Valentine’s Day! This dessert is perfect for those who avoid gluten, dairy, and/or egg, but is delicious regardless of food sensitivities. Your non-sensitive partner won’t know the difference! A coconut-based whipped cream would be the perfect topper!

Recipe:

2 tbsp Coconut Oil (melted and cooled)
1/2 cup Unsweetened Almond Milk
1/2 tsp Apple Cider Vinegar
1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract
1/2 cup All Purpose Gluten-Free Flour
1/4 cup Coconut Sugar
2 tbsp Cocoa Powder
1/2 tsp Baking Powder
1/8 tsp Baking Soda
1/8 tsp Sea Salt
1 1/2 oz Dark Chocolate (squares)
1/3 cup Raspberries

❤️ Preheat oven to 350ºF. Grease the ramekins with oil.
❤️ In a large bowl, whisk the coconut oil, milk, vinegar, and vanilla.
❤️ Add the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk until just combined.
❤️ Add half of the batter into each ramekin. Place the chocolate into the center and then fill the ramekins with the remaining batter.
❤️ Place the ramekins on a baking sheet and transfer to the oven. Bake for 14 to 15 minutes, until the sides are cooked through and the top is mostly firm to the touch.
❤️ Remove from oven and let stand a few minutes to continue cooking. Top with raspberries and serve. ❤️ Enjoy!

For more information, access to recipes and meal plans, or assistance with food sensitivities, contact us at kirkmannutrition.com.

01/12/2023

Thinking about doing a detox? There are so many detox programs being promoted on the internet.
Find out what your body REALLY needs for detoxification and who can benefit from a detox.

Register for the webinar at:

https://kirkmannutrition.lpages.co/webinar/

See you on Tuesday, Jan 17 at 7:00 pm (EST)!

12/07/2022

There are many factors that affect gut health, but one that is often overlooked is vitamin D. About 40% of the American population is deficient in vitamin D, which makes it even more important to have your blood level checked and supplement if needed.

Vitamin D and gut health is an ongoing area of research, but here’s a bit about what we know so far:

• Vitamin D promotes a healthy microbiome. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with an imbalance of microbes in the gut, called dysbiosis. Dysbiosis causes negative health symptoms (e.g., GI upset or irregularity, poor immune function, etc.) and can contribute to disease in the long term.

• Vitamin D supports the intestinal barrier lining. Vitamin D promotes healthy tight junctions in the intestinal lining, which is the space between intestinal cells, and therefore may reduce risk of leaky gut. Leaky gut leads to negative symptoms, such as bloating, constipation, diarrhea, fatigue, headaches, confusion, difficulty concentrating, joint pain, skin problems, and others.

• Vitamin D prevents immune overreaction at the gut level. Normalizing immune function in the gut could potentially reduce food sensitivity reactions or reduce risk for autoimmune disease in the long term. More research is needed to determine this.

It is recommended for everyone to have their vitamin D blood level checked. You may ask your physician to add vitamin D to your next lab draw or order a vitamin D home test kit which requires a simple finger stick.

For more information on this topic and others related to gut health, check out my blog at kirkmannutrition.com/blog and sign up for my newsletter at KirkmanNutrition.com.

Lisa Kirkman, MS, RDN, IFNCP

09/13/2023

09/08/2023

08/17/2023

07/22/2023

06/27/2023

06/11/2023

06/05/2023

06/03/2023

06/02/2023

05/27/2023

05/26/2023

05/24/2023

04/22/2023

04/08/2023

04/04/2023

02/14/2023

01/12/2023

12/07/2022

Address

Opening Hours

Telephone

Website

Alerts

Contact The Practice

Shortcuts

Share

Category

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm