Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, I accept BCBS PPO and United Health Care. I can provide superbills for insurance reimbursement for out of network coverage.

I’m located in Chicago’s Northshore and provide nutrition support virtually throughout Illinois and Iowa.

Teresa can provide 1:1 nutritional counseling throughout Illinois and Iowa. Teresa also offers nutrition courses and educational support groups in women's health and perinatal nutrition nationwide. Click the "work with me" tab to learn more.

Working with a prenatal nutritionist offers numerous benefits for both the expectant mother and the developing baby. A prenatal nutritionist can create a customized diet plan tailored to the specific needs and conditions of the mother, considering factors like age, weight, health status, and dietary preferences to support fertility, pregnancy and postpartum health. A prenatal nutritionist can ensure that the mother gets adequate essential nutrients such as folic acid, iron, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids, which are crucial for the baby’s development and the mother’s health. We ensures the mother’s diet supports optimal fetal brain development, bone growth, and overall health, impacting the baby's lifelong health positively. Proper nutrition can help manage common pregnancy symptoms such as morning sickness, constipation, and fatigue. A nutritionist can suggest foods and meal plans to alleviate these issues. A prenatal nutritionist can help prevent and manage complications like gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and anemia by recommending appropriate dietary modifications. Working with a prenatal nutritionist takes the guesswork out of what to eat and can significantly reduce stress and anxiety about nutritional choices during pregnancy. The blueprint for baby’s long term health is laid out in the gestational period. Good nutrition during pregnancy can have long-term health benefits for both the mother and the child, reducing the risk of chronic diseases later in life

Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) Definition: MCAS is a condition where mast cells, a type of white blood cell, release too many chemical mediators, such as histamine, leading to a range of symptoms. Symptoms: Flushing Itching Abdominal pain Diarrhea Low blood pressure Anaphylaxis in severe cases Causes: The exact cause is unknown, but it can be triggered by stress, certain foods, infections, or environmental factors. Diagnosis and Treatment: Diagnosis is challenging and involves clinical evaluation, blood tests, and possibly a bone marrow biopsy with a MCAS specialized MD. Treatment includes antihistamines, mast cell stabilizers. Nutrition considerations include identifying and avoidance of food triggers, supporting gastrointestinal health, increasing anti-inflammatory foods, and potentially avoiding high histamine foods. Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) Definition: POTS is a condition characterized by a significant increase in heart rate when moving from a lying down to a standing position. Symptoms: Rapid heartbeat Dizziness or lightheadedness Fainting Fatigue Chest pain Difficulty concentrating Causes: It can be related to issues with the autonomic nervous system, and it often occurs after a viral illness, surgery, or trauma. Diagnosis and Treatment: Diagnosis is through tilt table testing and heart rate monitoring with an MD. Treatment involves increasing fluid and salt intake, compression garments, medications like beta-blockers, and lifestyle adjustments. Nutrition considerations include increasing fluid, salt, and electrolyte intake, regularly balanced food intake, and limiting potentially triggering foods such as caffeine and/or alcohol Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) Definition: EDS is a group of connective tissue disorders characterized by hypermobile joints, stretchy skin, and fragile tissues. Symptoms: Joint hypermobility Skin that is easily bruised and hyperelastic Chronic pain Delayed wound healing Heart valve issues in some types Causes: It is usually genetic, caused by mutations in genes responsible for collagen production. Diagnosis and Treatment: Diagnosis is based on clinical criteria and genetic testing with an MD. There is no cure, but management includes physical therapy, pain management, and sometimes surgery. Nutrition considerations include hydration, collagen and protein support, and increase in vitamins and minerals. Histamine Intolerance Definition: Histamine intolerance occurs when there is an imbalance between the levels of histamine and the capacity of the body to break it down. Symptoms: Headaches or migraines Nasal congestion or sinus issues Fatigue Hives Digestive issues such as bloating, diarrhea, or abdominal pain Irregular menstrual cycle in women Causes: It can result from a deficiency of the enzyme diamine oxidase (DAO) which breaks down histamine, or from consuming too many histamine-rich foods. Diagnosis and Treatment: Diagnosis involves a clinical assessment, dietary history, and possibly testing for DAO levels with ana MD. Treatment includes following a low-histamine diet, supporting gastrointestinal health and taking DAO supplements.

MCAS/POTS/Histamine intolerance symptoms like flushing, itching, and abdominal pain, dizziness and fatigue, may worsen during pregnancy due to hormonal changes. These conditions can increase pregnancy symptoms and complications. Read more from about how these conditions effects pregnancy here: Mast cell activation syndrome in pregnancy, delivery, postpartum and lactation: a narrative review: Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology: Vol 40 , No 7 - Get Access (tandfonline.com) While there is no direct evidence linking histamine intolerance to infertility, histamine plays a role in reproductive health, and its imbalance could potentially affect fertility in the following ways: Hormonal Imbalance: Histamine is involved in the release of certain hormones, such as estrogen. An imbalance in histamine levels might affect the menstrual cycle and ovulation, potentially impacting fertility. Immune Response: Histamine is a mediator in allergic and inflammatory responses. An overactive immune response might create an unfavorable environment for conception and implantation. Inflammation: Chronic inflammation caused by histamine intolerance can affect the reproductive organs, potentially impacting fertility. Nutrient Absorption: Histamine intolerance can lead to digestive issues, affecting nutrient absorption. Proper nutrition is crucial for reproductive health, and deficiencies in essential nutrients could affect fertility. While more research is needed to establish a direct link between histamine intolerance and infertility, managing histamine levels through diet and lifestyle changes may help improve overall reproductive health. These conditions can impact pregnancy, requiring a multidisciplinary approach and close monitoring. Working with healthcare providers, including specialists and dietitians, is crucial to ensure the best outcomes for both mother and baby.

It's recognized that individuals with chronic illnesses like MCAS and POTS may be at higher risk for developing disordered eating patterns or eating disorders due to the complex interactions between physical symptoms, psychological factors, and the impact of treatment regimens on daily life and eating behaviors. Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), and eating disorders can be interconnected through several mechanisms: Autonomic Dysfunction: POTS involves dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary bodily functions like heart rate and digestion. This dysregulation can affect appetite, digestion, and absorption of nutrients, potentially contributing to disordered eating patterns. Symptom Overlap: Both MCAS and POTS can present with symptoms such as nausea, abdominal pain, and gastrointestinal issues, which may lead to avoidance of certain foods or eating behaviors that mimic eating disorder symptoms. Chronic Illness Impact: Living with chronic conditions like MCAS and POTS can lead to psychological stress, anxiety, and depression, which may manifest in disordered eating habits as coping mechanisms. Nutritional Concerns: Managing MCAS and POTS often involves dietary modifications to avoid triggers or support symptom management, which can inadvertently impact nutrition and eating behaviors. Overall, the connection between MCAS, POTS, and eating disorders underscores the importance of comprehensive care that addresses both physical and psychological aspects of these conditions. A multidisciplinary approach involving healthcare providers, including specialists in eating disorders and MCAS/POTS, can help individuals manage their health holistically and promote well-being.

Histamine intolerance can potentially impact women's mental health and symptoms of PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder) in several ways: Neurotransmitter Effects: Histamine is involved in regulating neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which play crucial roles in mood regulation. An imbalance in histamine levels can potentially disrupt these neurotransmitter systems, contributing to mood swings, anxiety, and depression symptoms associated with PMDD. Inflammatory Response: Histamine intolerance often involves an inflammatory response triggered by histamine-rich foods. Chronic inflammation is linked to mood disorders and can exacerbate symptoms of PMDD, such as irritability and mood swings. Hormonal Influences: Histamine can influence hormonal pathways involved in menstrual cycles and mood regulation. Fluctuations in histamine levels throughout the menstrual cycle may coincide with changes in PMDD symptoms. Gastrointestinal Distress: Histamine intolerance is often accompanied by gastrointestinal symptoms like bloating, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Digestive disturbances can contribute to stress and discomfort, potentially worsening mood symptoms in PMDD. Individual Sensitivity: Some women may be more sensitive to histamine or have impaired histamine metabolism, leading to heightened symptoms during the premenstrual phase. Managing histamine intolerance through working with a registered dietitian, lifestyle changes, and possibly medications to stabilize histamine levels can help alleviate symptoms and potentially improve mental health outcomes for women with PMDD. Consulting with a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian specializing in histamine intolerance can provide personalized guidance and support.