She is responsible for patient education and implementation of a wide variety of therapeutic diets with patients of the clinic. Maria is one of the most experienced nutrition therapists in the country regarding implementation of the unique ketogenic diet used in the cancer treatment programs. She does consulting with NDs and MDs around the country, assisting their patients with implementing this diet program.
Maria is also a Certified GAPS Practitioner. GAPS, or Gut and Psychology Syndrome, is an intensive program developed by Dr. Natasha McBride, a neurosurgeon in England. The diet is designed to restore the integrity of the digestive tract, prevent intestinal permeability (“leaky gut”), and ultimately heal the blood brain barrier. This therapy is used to reduce symptoms of autism, depression, anxiety, and even schizophrenia, in addition to relieving digestive problems. Maria has worked with hundreds of individuals on implementing the GAPS diet, in addition to teaching classes and leading support groups.
More recently Maria has worked closely with Dr. Nigh in developing a comprehensive nutritional program for individuals following the Low Sulfur Protocol they have created. This unique, first-of-its-kind therapeutic diet, in combination with supporting nutrients and detoxification therapies, has helped hundreds of patients resolve some vary challenging chronic health problems. Maria and Dr. Nigh conduct seminars training NDs, MDs, chiropractors, and nutrition therapists on implementing this Protocol with their patients.
Maria’s work on developing the Low Sulfur Protocol has resulted in her being widely recognized as an expert on the nutritional treatment of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, or SIBO. The close relationship between impaired dietary sulfur metabolism and the bacterial imbalances associated with SIBO have led to her developing a unique dietary program that has worked well for many SIBO patients.
In addition to her clinical responsibilities, Maria is also Director of Portland Natural Health, one of the largest integrative medical clinics in the Portland area.