Meet Selva |

Selva Wohlgemuth, MS, RDN

As a Bellingham, WA local I am an avid outdoors woman, enjoying the wonders of nature we have here in the Pacific Northwest. If I am not working, you can find me sharing a delicious meal with family or friends, behind a camera lens, knee deep in research articles, or adventuring with my husband and son.

My interest for nutrition began when I was an undergraduate at Western Washington University. In my free time I read nutrition textbooks and cookbooks, and even worked at a local health food store. I began to notice my health change for the better and consequently inspired those around me to do the same. My passion for nutrition never ceased and I went on to study it further at Bastyr University, completing their Master's in Nutrition Program and their Didactic Internship.

Initially, when starting my private practice I wanted to work with all types of patients and health conditions to further enhance my general knowledge. Eventually, I began to focus my attention on gut health. Not only because many people are struggling silently with chronic digestive issues but because the consequences of an inflamed gut are far reaching. If we do not digest and absorb our food properly, we are not benefiting from the healthy (or not so healthy) foods we eat. Nutrient deficiencies, leaky gut, food intolerances, hormone imbalances, and much more can develop. More and more research has been highlighting how the gut microbiome can impact the development of chronic disease. As Hippocrates once said, "Health and disease begins in the gut".

Recently, I became a new mom, which brought to light the lack of quality nutrition support for women wanting to conceive, during pregnancy, AND postpartum. I was distraught to find out that often nutrition is rarely talked about when women are struggling to conceive AND during the postpartum phase. During the 6 months leading up to conception, during pregnancy, and the year following birth, proper nutrition (and absorption) is essential! However, often this population is not getting the expert nutrition guidance needed to support optimal health for mama and baby. More often women are getting mixed messages, "you can eat whatever you want during pregnancy" and "bounce back to your pre-pregancy body with this fad diet and exercise routine". All of which can cause more harm than good. Nutrient status, gut health, lifestyle, and environmental factors are especially important in women who are struggling with amenorrhea (lack of period), infertility, and/or have had multiple miscarriages. Simply taking an over the counter multivitamin will not work!

Therefore, with my in depth knowledge of the gut and women's health, I have helped many patients meet their health goals, including alleviating irritating gut symptoms and helping women conceive successfully after many years of trying. It is my passion to provide expert nutrition guidance and make a lasting positive change in someone's life!

"Our bodies are beautiful machines that need tender love and care to work optimally."

EDUCATION:

BA in Environmental Studies & Recreation from Western Washington University -- 2008
MS in Nutrition from Bastyr University -- 2015
Completed Bastyr's 9 month dietetic internship -- 2015
Passed dietitian board exam -- 2015
SIBO Doctor Practitioner SIBO Mastery Program -- 2020
Ongoing self-led continuing education in gut health as well as women's health.

Note: As a RDN I am certified by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics as a certified nutrition professional.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Private Practice: I have been providing care to private clients since 2015 when I first opened my business Happy Belly Nutrition, LLC in the Downtown Bellingham Herald Building. I have recently transitioned to a virtual practice with the transition into motherhood.
Peace Health St. Joseph's Hospital & Cancer Center: Since 2016 I have been working as a part-time Clinical Dietitian in both the acute setting and in the Cancer Center.
Bellingham Community Food Co-op: I write monthly nutrition articles for the community food co-op newsletter and occasionally teach nutrition classes.

HELPING PATIENTS WITH:

Gut Health: Helping patients improve gut function and alleviate GI discomfort including diarrhea and chronic constipation.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Utilizing specialized diets and supplements to improve IBS.
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) and Large Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (LIBO): Utilizing specialized diets, herbal protocols, and breath/stool tests to help patients recover from SIBO/LIBO.
Prenatal Nutrition: Helping women have healthy pregnancies. Including assessing labs, supplements, and providing guidance on foods to eat to support the growth and development of the fetus.
Postpartum Nutrition: Helping women recover during the fourth trimester and support quality breastmilk. Nutrient quality of diet can help babies and mama thrive postpartum.
Women's Health & Fertility/Infertility: Improving fertility through dietary changes, lab analysis, and supplement support.

Note: Working with a ND or MD while working with me will enhance our nutrition care plan. I encourage an integrative approach to best meet your health goals. 

"A healthy outside starts from the inside."-Robert Urich

MY PHILOSOPHY:
My practice is based upon functional medicine and integrative nutrition principles. Everyone is unique, and therefore every treatment needs to be created accordingly. To accomplish this I take the time to get to know my patients extensively during the initial comprehensive case review and work alongside other members of their healthcare team (naturopaths, medical doctors, counselors, etc).

Furthermore, in order to find the key to health and wellness one must look at the body holistically...BODY, MIND, and SPIRIT as these are absolutely essential as part of healing. Therefore, I not only address nutrition but also lifestyle in a comprehensive treatment.

If you’re ready to make a real and lasting investment in your health and wellbeing come see me!

Work with Selva!

ABOUT

Selva Wohlgemuth, MS, RDN