About
Alexa Aboudaram
Hi, I’m Alexa, a Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner and the founder of Navigating Nutrients. I studied Biology at Mississippi State University and earned my certification through the Nutritional Therapy Association. My work is rooted in science and real-life application, helping you understand how food impacts your energy, mood, digestion, and hormones. I believe there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to health. Each body tells a different story, and my role is to help you listen, nourish, and rebuild balance from the inside out.
I live in Charleston, South Carolina with my husband, our 2 year old daughter, and our dog. I love the simple things that keep life grounded, bike rides, beach days, exploring local coffee shops, and discovering new gluten-free treats. When I’m not with clients or building new courses, I’m usually soaking up time with my family by the ocean or learning something new about nutrition and wellness.
My Story
From Surviving to Thriving
I was living in a fog, experiencing debilitating fatigue, underwent half a dozen surgeries, and had a list of questions my doctors couldn't answer.
It began when I was an exotic zookeeper. I loved my job! Running around feeding giraffes, lions, and baboons kept me active and outside. As a result, I viewed myself as healthy. I ate a salad almost daily and cooked at home several times a week. Of course, pizza, cereal, and fast food were still a part of my diet, but why not? I was doing fine. (Sound familiar?)
Fast forward two years, I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's Disease (an autoimmune disease of the thyroid), prescribed medication (which would increase as I got older), and told there was nothing I could do about it. What a shock! I felt helpless and "doomed" to my symptoms and medication forever.
Throughout the following year, my medication dose tripled, yet I was feeling worse than ever. I received a second, third, and fourth opinion, with the same result each time. I was frustrated that my body seemed like it was falling apart so young. In addition, everywhere I turned, there was conflicting information about the right way to eat and how it affected one's health. (Ever felt confused by all the "health noise" as I did?)
I refused to stand idly by; I wanted to take charge of my health and find the truth. So I started researching on my own soon after enrolling in the Nutritional Therapy Association. What I learned throughout my studies was life-changing. Finally, I could decipher what I was sensitive to and my deficiency. While being perfectly acceptable for the next person, what I ate was wreaking havoc on my body because of MY specific needs.
My journey to better health was a long and complex one. Now I help others navigate a path through the confusion surrounding nutrition and food that I once felt. I had to do this independently, but you don't have to!
I work with clients to discover the nourishment for their biology so they can confidently enjoy guilt-free meals. If you are ready for change, no matter how big or small, I will be there to guide you on your nutritional journey.