FAQS

frequently asked questions

Everything we get asked, in one place. If we missed something, email us at hello@alza-wellness.com and we’ll get back to you within one business day.

01 getting started

  • The process begins with a 30-minute fit call for $30. We credit this toward any program and recommend the most appropriate option based on your health concerns and goals.

  • We complement your medical care rather than replace it. If you're under medical supervision, we coordinate with your provider by sharing relevant lab results or recommendations to ensure all approaches align. Functional nutrition works best as part of a collaborative team approach.

  • We're Certified Nutritional Practitioners with advanced education in anatomy, physiology, biochemistry and functional lab interpretation. Our training emphasizes systems-based healing and root-cause investigation. We complete ongoing education in endocrinology, microbiome science and functional medicine to stay aligned with current research.

  • No. As Certified Nutritional Practitioners, we provide functional nutrition guidance, interpret laboratory results and recommend evidence-based nutrition and lifestyle interventions. We do not diagnose medical conditions or prescribe medications. We coordinate with healthcare providers when appropriate.

  • Outcomes vary based on individual health status and protocol adherence. Most individuals report improvements in energy levels, digestive function, sleep quality, mood regulation and relevant laboratory markers. We measure progress through symptom tracking, laboratory testing and clinical milestones.

  • We're creating a library of case studies that show real client journeys. From fatigue and gut symptoms to hormone and mood balance, each story highlights the process and what can shift when the right systems receive support. These will be available soon.

02 functional nutrition basics

  • Functional nutrition examines why symptoms exist rather than just managing them. It recognizes the deep connection between your body's systems: digestion, hormones, immune health and the nervous system. By identifying where dysfunction occurs, we use nutrition and lifestyle changes to help restore balance. It's about supporting your body's natural function, not imposing restriction or rigid rules.

  • Each protocol addresses your specific needs and may include personalized nutrition guidance, supplement recommendations based on lab data, lifestyle and nervous system support, and progress tracking tools. We explain the reasoning behind each recommendation and how it supports your physiology.

  • Functional nutrition investigates root causes rather than managing symptoms. We use comprehensive testing to identify biochemical imbalances, microbial dysfunction, nutrient deficiencies and inflammatory triggers that standard medical testing often misses. While functional medicine practitioners are often doctors who diagnose and prescribe, functional nutritionists translate that work into daily practice using food, supplements and lifestyle tools. We individualize protocols based on your specific clinical presentation and often collaborate with your medical team to ensure all approaches align.

  • Every symptom points to a deeper imbalance. We use detailed intake forms, health history and laboratory testing to connect the dots between your digestion, hormones, inflammation and stress responses. Once we understand the pattern, we can support your body where it needs it most.

  • Yes. Functional nutrition works with your physiology rather than against it. We use nutrition and lifestyle tools backed by research to help your body regain balance at a manageable pace.

03 labs and supplements

  • It depends on which service you choose. Bring Your Own Labs reviews labs you already have, so no new testing is required. Single Functional Test, Comprehensive Testing, and the Signature Program include functional testing as part of the service.

  • We have access to 100+ functional lab panels through our laboratory partners. The most commonly used tests include:

    • Gastrointestinal Microbial Assay Plus (GI-MAP): comprehensive digestive health assessment

    • Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones (DUTCH): hormone and cortisol analysis

    • Organic Acids Test (OAT): metabolic and nutritional biomarkers

    • Comprehensive Thyroid Panels: complete thyroid function assessment

    • Micronutrient Analysis: vitamin and mineral status

    • Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) Breath Testing: assessment for bacterial overgrowth

    • Cardiometabolic Markers: lipid panels, insulin, inflammation

    • Mycotoxin Testing: mold exposure assessment

    We select tests strategically based on your symptoms, health history and clinical presentation to provide the most relevant information for your case.

  • Functional labs measure how well your body's systems are performing, not just whether they meet a medical threshold. They use optimal ranges, which are tighter and more stringent benchmarks that reflect ideal function rather than just absence of disease. This allows us to assess patterns that standard testing often misses, like how stress affects hormones or how gut health influences immunity. We partner with Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)-certified labs such as Precision Analytical, Genova Diagnostics and Diagnostic Solutions. You complete most kits at home with clear instructions provided. Results typically arrive within two to three weeks.

  • Most functional lab tests aren’t covered by insurance, however we accept HSA and FSA. Our service fees include the labs listed in each offering. If additional testing is recommended beyond what’s included, we review your options and costs before ordering.

  • No. Program fees cover practitioner services and specified lab costs. Supplements are an additional out-of-pocket expense and vary based on your protocol needs. We provide personalized supplement recommendations as part of every program, but you purchase supplements separately.

  • Supplement costs vary depending on individual needs, but most individuals spend between $100 and $250 per month. We prioritize what's truly effective and keep your protocol as streamlined as possible.

  • We work with Fullscript and OK Capsule as our preferred supplement providers. Once enrolled in a program, you receive access to our practitioner accounts with these platforms, which offer professional-grade supplements at practitioner pricing to ensure safety and quality.

  • They can, which is why we review all medications and supplements before beginning. If needed, we coordinate with your prescribing doctor to ensure your care remains safe and supportive.

04 logistics and results

  • Most individuals spend around two to three hours per week preparing meals, implementing recommendations and tracking progress. We design protocols that fit your lifestyle so healing feels achievable rather than demanding.

  • Every plan is personalized. If you avoid certain foods or follow a specific diet, we build around that. Our goal is to help you eat in a way that feels nourishing and realistic for your body.

  • Yes. If you start with Bring Your Own Labs or Single Functional Test and decide you want deeper work, we credit the full fee toward Comprehensive Testing or the Signature Program within 90 days of your initial session.

  • The Signature Program can be paused for medical or major life reasons with advance notice. One-time services are non-refundable once labs are ordered, but session timing is flexible.

  • Yes. Alza Wellness is based in Austin and works with clients across the U.S. Most consultations are virtual, and many functional lab kits can be completed from home. For Austin clients, in-person appointments may be available depending on the service and schedule.

  • Each person’s pace is different. Many clients notice early changes in digestion, energy, or sleep within the first month. Deeper shifts like hormone or microbiome balance unfold gradually over several months.

  • Symptoms sometimes fluctuate as your body adjusts. We stay in close contact and adjust the protocol if anything feels off.