Norma Flood, MS, RDN

05/27/2025

I was stopped in my tracks when my second child became a toddler. I saw myself in his temper, his OCD, and his social troubles. I realized that I was recognizing behaviors that were genetic. While this gave me some peace of mind to realize that many of my own problems were likely genetic and not created by me, it also terrified me. How could I save my son from the same emotional and physical pain that I lived through every day?

By the time my son was in elementary school, his teacher had asked that we seek treatment for his disruptive behavior. I decided to apply what I was learning about the microbiome and Orthomolecular Medicine to help my son. Head to youtube.com/ to learn the full story.

05/19/2025

Sometimes you need to do things that make your heart sing. 🥰 Such an amazing experience to treat myself to a lesson with Sky Falconry. I always love watching the hawks that nest near my home. What a gift to hold one up close!

05/12/2025

Functional and integrative medicine address the root causes of illness instead of just treating symptoms. Too often, medication becomes the default solution without first identifying and addressing the underlying issues.

By examining a patient’s genetics, environment, and lifestyle factors including nutrition, functional medicine can promote balance and restore health and well-being. When medication is necessary, proper nutrition and targeted supplements can enhance its effectiveness while minimizing side effects. By replenishing and rebalancing systems that have been depleted or disrupted, we can support the body’s natural ability to heal. This is why my mission is to treat health challenges at their source—because true healing begins there.

As a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with a Master of Science degree in Nutritional Sciences, I’ve applied functional nutrition in my practice for years, transforming lives one client at a time. But as the mental health crisis continues to escalate, I feel an urgent need to share this message on a larger scale. Our children deserve better support, and addressing mental health at its root is a vital part of that. My hope is to shine a brighter light on the potential of functional medicine to revolutionize how we care for mental health—starting where it matters most.

On my Youtube and blog, I share small, easy steps you can take each day to support better mental health using an integrative and functional approach.

05/02/2025

Today’s teens are constantly juggling extracurriculars, sports, academics, and social lives. It’s easy for activities to feel like just another item to check off a college resume. As parents, we become executive assistants—chauffeuring, reminding, managing. But that all changes the moment we show up to help in the community. When we are able to step outside of our bubble, and witness the deep struggles that people experience to meet even their most basic needs, we quickly see what matters most in life.

This week, my son Carson marked a meaningful milestone—six years of service with Teen Volunteers in Action (TVIA). At the Senior Sendoff, he shared heartfelt reflections on how giving back has shaped his character and perspective. I also had the honor of addressing the group as their grade-level advisor, which inspired me to reflect on the powerful impact volunteering can have on teens. I’d love to share some of those thoughts with you. Visit my blog (normaflood.com/blog) to read “Teen Volunteering: The Lasting Gift of Giving Back.”

In the meantime, here are some photos of my kids volunteering over the years. I am unbelievably proud of the compassionate young adults they’ve grown up to be.

04/28/2025

So nice to have Quinn home for the week to see Carson play his final weeks of lacrosse.

04/25/2025

With grocery prices on the rise, buying all-organic isn’t always realistic. But did you know a little common sense can go a long way in deciding what’s worth the extra cost? Here are some smart tips to help you decide on organic vs. non-organic produce:

When choosing organic, focus on produce where you eat the skin. Thin-skinned fruits and veggies like berries, grapes, apples, tomatoes, bell peppers, and kale are more exposed to pesticides and worth buying organic.

On the flip side, thicker-skinned produce like avocados, pineapples, papayas, kiwis, mangoes, and melons are safer non-organic options since their skins act as a barrier. Veggies like onions, cabbage, cauliflower, mushrooms, and asparagus are naturally more resistant to pests and tend to have lower pesticide levels.

And don’t forget—a simple soak with water and baking soda can help reduce pesticide residue on non-organic produce.

Head to my latest blog to learn more: https://www.normaflood.com/blog/2025/4/23/organic-groceries-when-to-buy-when-to-skip

04/23/2025

The FDA has announced the intent to phase out synthetic food dyes. Check out my video post from April 10th about why artificial dyes are harmful.

WASHINGTON – Today, following the lead of state legislators, the Trump administration announced plans to ban harmful petroleum-based synthetic food dyes.

04/12/2025

A lot of people don’t realize their bodies are deficient in these six essential nutrients. Head to the homepage of my website to download my free guide on “6 Essential Nutrient Supplements” or comment “yes” and I’ll send you the link. You’ll learn the benefits of these six important nutrients and how to increase your intake.

04/10/2025

Artificial food dye consumption has increased by 500% in the last 50 years, and children are the biggest consumers. These commonly used food dyes are made from petroleum and are responsible for the bright colors of candy, sports drinks and baked goods and I’m seeing them all around the grocery stores right now for Easter or spring baskets. Many dyes have been banned because of their adverse effects on laboratory animals. However, reports still find that several of the nine currently FDA-approved dyes continue to raise health concerns.

People often think since kids are young, they can eat whatever they want—but the truth is, their developing bodies are actually more sensitive to the chemicals found in things like artificial dyes. These additives can be even more harmful to children than adults because their systems are still growing and more vulnerable.

There are safer alternatives to artificial coloring using natural dyes from beets, pomegranates, turmeric, blueberries, and more. When shopping for snacks or baking at home, look for products that use plant-based dyes. Not only are you making a healthier choice for your family, but you're also sending a message to the food industry: we want better options. The more we choose clean ingredients, the more companies will feel the pressure to change. Head to my blog to learn more.

04/06/2025

Each week, I'm posting more information about taking care of our microbiome to support better mental, digestive, and overall health. There's plenty of information out there, but real-life stories provide better understanding and help us see the human side to each experience.

Please contact me if you have a story to share regarding food or lifestyle changes that you or your loved ones have made to make a difference in their health. It is through our stories that we can help others most. You can reach out to me at normaflood.com/contact or send me a DM. I look forward to hearing from you!

04/03/2025

40% of pollinator species face extinction - largely fueled by our food system’s dependence on toxic pesticides. Pollinators are responsible for 1 in 3 bites of food we eat, including our favorite crops such as apples, cherries, and tomatoes.

This year alone, honeybee deaths have hit record highs in the US. An unsuspecting culprit? Popcorn. Nearly 100% of corn seeds grown in the U.S. are coated with neonicotinoids, the most widely used class of insecticides in the world. Fill out the short form to urge ConAgra (owners of brands like Orville Redenbacher, Act II, and Angie’s BOOMCHICKAPOP) to phase out the use of neonicotinoid-coated seeds in its popcorn supply chain.

We’re facing an insect apocalypse! 40% of pollinators are at risk of extinction. A surprising culprit? Popcorn! Nearly all corn seeds in the U.S. are coated with bee-killing neonic pesticides. We're urging ConAgra (Orville Redenbacher, Act II) to phase out these toxic seeds. Join us!

04/01/2025

As a child, no matter what was happening at home or school, nature was my constant companion to nurture my soul and lift my spirits. In my latest blog, I talk about hiking as my favorite path to self-discovery and share some fun photos of my family’s hiking experiences over the years. Head to normaflood.com/blog (link in my bio) to check the blog out.