Meet Shannon Sokolow | Functional Nutritionist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shannon Sokolow and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shannon, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?

It is my genuine commitment to my clients and their success, my passion for nutrition and health, and using a scientific basis as my foundation.

I run specific tests such as a stool test, food sensitivity, an organic acid test, and a complete blood workup. These tests serve as a cornerstone of my approach to holistic wellness. It’s more than just a strategy; it’s a commitment to precision and effectiveness.

Labs eliminate guesswork by letting us see a detailed picture of individual health, which allows me to tailor strategies that align with the precise needs of everyone individually. This accuracy is pivotal in crafting personalized plans, as it eliminates the trial-and-error approach that can lead to frustration and setbacks. Instead, we can confidently implement strategies knowing they are built on concrete data.

Client compliance hinges on knowledge and understanding. When clients see their lab results, they’re empowered to make informed choices. These choices cease to be abstract guidelines; they become tangible steps toward improvement. This knowledge ignites a sense of ownership over their wellness, nurturing long-term commitment.

My journey through my own horrible gut issues has brought me to this place, and it allows me to understand and empathize with my clients’ struggles on a profound level. My approach is deeply personal and hands-on. I leave no stone unturned in my pursuit of healing for my clients. There is no test I recommend that I haven’t first conducted on myself, and no supplement I suggest that I haven’t taken personally. This level of dedication and transparency instills trust and confidence in my clients, knowing that I stand behind every piece of advice I offer.

Understanding the limitations of conventional medicine is a significant aspect of my brand. I know what it’s like to feel sick and to recognize that conventional solutions may not always provide the answers we seek. This recognition drives me to provide alternative and holistic approaches to wellness, offering a comprehensive toolkit to support my clients’ healing journeys.

Holding space for people is a crucial element of my practice. I provide a supportive and non-judgmental environment for my clients to share their stories, struggles, and triumphs. This safe space fosters a sense of belonging and trust, allowing for deeper healing and growth.

Beyond the physical aspects of wellness, I acknowledge that true health encompasses multiple dimensions. Mindset, the stories we tell ourselves, the quality of our relationships, and the importance of movement all play integral roles in overall well-being. I take a holistic approach, using all these facets to work with my clients and help them achieve profound transformations in their lives.

In summary, the key to my brand’s success lies in my authenticity, personal experience, dedication, empathy, and holistic approach. By forging genuine connections with my clients and providing a comprehensive and supportive healing experience, I empower them to unlock their potential for lasting health and wellness. My brand is not just a business; it is a reflection of my life’s purpose, and I am committed to making a positive impact on the lives of those I serve.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
It’s funny how life works out sometimes. My journey really kicked off with my own struggles. I’ve battled stomach issues all my life, but in 2017, they escalated to a whole new level. Despite what I believed was a super clean lifestyle – no dairy, no gluten, strict organic diet, regular workouts – my stomach just wouldn’t cooperate. It was honestly frustrating and perplexing. I kept shrugging it off as a passing phase, thinking it would eventually get better. Until that one day at work when things went south, literally. I had this accident, and it hit me that this wasn’t normal anymore.

I remember it so vividly. I left work that day, tears streaming, and found myself in an elevator with a woman. Somehow, I ended up blurting out my entire horror story to her. Turns out, she was a Functional Medicine expert specializing in gut health. Talk about fate, right? She asked me to see her the next morning. It was like a sign.

So, we ran a bunch of tests and the results pointed to SIBO – small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. We teamed up to tackle it head-on and heal my gut. That’s when it hit me – this is what I want to do. That’s the path I was meant to take.

Starting my own practice was terrifying at first. I didn’t have a detailed plan, but I had the knowledge and the desire to help people. I took a leap, grabbed my first client, and dived in. Honestly, I don’t think anyone’s ever completely ready. I used to tell myself, “Once I find the perfect name, I’ll start.” Then it became, “Once I nail the logo, I’ll start.” Eventually, I just told myself, “You know what? I’m signing up my first client this week.” And I did it. From there, it’s been a wild ride, and I wouldn’t change a thing.

I totally get the frustration of being told you’re perfectly fine by conventional doctors, despite feeling anything but fine. I mean, I’ve been through it. Picture this: I went in for an endoscopy and colonscopy, and they gave me a thumbs up, saying I’m in the clear. Meanwhile, I’m practically dealing with an emergency in my pants at work. It’s like, really?

And oh boy, the struggle with the mysterious body issues. Hormones acting up, energy taking a nosedive, brain fog clouding your thoughts, anxiety messing with your peace – you name it. And yet, you’re told everything’s “normal.” It’s beyond frustrating.

But here’s the twist: functional testing came to the rescue. It’s like a superhero that digs deeper. And after hours and hours of diving into these issues, I’ve learned a ton. It’s been like unlocking secrets about how the body really works. So, yeah, I’ve been there, done that, and now I’m using all I’ve learned to help others untangle their own health mysteries.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

I’m from Miami, so I am a beach girl a heart, so definitely organizing multiple beach days. We’d head straight to Malibu, but with a pitstop at Erewhon in the palisades for lunch, and obviously loading up on extra snacks for the beach. After that, we’d stroll around the Malibu Country Mart and shop around. For dinner, I’m heading to one of my favorite restaurants, Dudley Market. They have amazing fresh fish, great salads, an amazing burger (a must), and only natural wine. It’s a great vibe!
I go to the farmers market every Sunday- usually Mar Vista! I love to hike so I’d definitely do one with a water view like Los Leones or Solstice Canyon.

Nutrition is my main squeeze but I also do stand-up comedy, so I always take visitors to the legendary Comedy Store! It’s one of my favorite spots in the city and a guaranteed great time. If I wanted to eat before I’d go to Night and Market for yummy Thai that’s super close by.

I’d do brunch at the Waldorf Astoria rooftop- it’s a bit of a splurge but you can’t beat the views and the food is great (especially the raw fish!)

I’d take them into Monarch Athletic Club, where I also work as their nutritionist- and get a good workout in and then recover with a sauna and cold plunge session.

If I wanted to see a museum I’d take them to the Broad downtown, it has amazing contemporary art and a great Yayoi Kusama installation. Then hop over to Sushi Gen for lunch.

For a night out, I prefer the east side, I’d start at Cafe Stella for drinks and then head to the Resident in the arts district. It’s really fun and a place where you can actually dance.

I would try and see a show at the Hollywood Bowl as it’s the most incredible venue.

Another few spots I can’t leave out is Gjusta in Venice and wandering on Abbot Kinney.

Beverly Hills Juice has the best smoothies in LA, they’re amazing. They mix fresh pressed juices with their banana frozen cream and homemade almond and sunflower butter. Not to mention they have great wheatgrass and ginger shot and they’re only $1

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

Sarah Greenfield, my mentor, and guide, has been a total game-changer. She’s the one who unveiled a whole new dimension of being a practitioner. Instead of just focusing on diets, she taught me to see the whole person and to grasp that diet is just one piece of the puzzle. She’s the reason I can now decode and interpret lab results. And let me tell you, data is like a treasure map; it guides us to better solutions.

But that’s not all. Sarah cracked open my perspective. She made me see that this journey isn’t only about food and supplements. It’s way deeper than that. She taught me that our mindset and even unresolved emotions can have a massive impact on our physical well-being. It’s like a lightbulb moment – understanding that our body and mind are a powerful team. Thanks to Sarah, I’m equipped to guide others in a truly comprehensive way.

Website: www.nutrishan.health

Instagram: nutri.shan

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Image Credits
Raychel Israel