Transform Your Health Today!
About Me
My name is Karen Knudtson and I currently live in North Texas. I was born in Minnesota, but lived most of my life in Arizona. I am a mother and grandmother, a semi-retired Registered Nurse, and a Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner, FDN-P.
Why am I the Functional Wellness Cowgirl? Because one of my other passions in life is horses! I have been a "cowgirl" since I was very young. Riding and spending time with horses gives me great joy.
As a FDN-P I have a passion for helping people regain their health, energy and vitality. I know from experience what it is like to suffer from health conditions like constant indigestion, chronic pain and fatigue and a lifelong battle with extra weight and food cravings. Symptoms would get better for awhile, but would always return. It wasn't until I discovered FDN that I was able to dig deeper and discover the stressors (internal, external and hidden) that were causing dysfunction in my body. As part of my certification with FDN we ran functional lab screenings to investigate healing opportunities. It became clear that what I thought was a healthy lifestyle wasn't right for me. The tests revealed low cortisol, low hormones, poor immune function, poor detoxification and digestion as well as issues with my energy production and nervous system regulation. Through a holistic self-care protocol of proper nutrition, adequate rest, exercise, stress reduction and targeted supplementation I have been able to restore my health, resiliency and energy. The key is to create balance in all of the systems in your body and your life.
Following the FDN program has worked for me like nothing I have done before and I know it can work for you too! I would love to help.
Healthy Living Starts Today
I help people regain their health, energy and vitality through a holistic self care protocol of proper nutrition, adequate rest, exercise, stress reduction and targeted supplementation using functional lab screenings and comprehensive intake forms.
I have been able to restore my health and energy and I can help too.
Let's get you started on your healing journey. Email me at functionalwellnessscowgirl@gmail.com to schedule a free discovery call today.
Transform your health with Functional wellness Cowgirl, LLC
My Packages and Services
Vitality Weight Loss and Wellness 6 Week Group Program
This is great place to start your weight loss and wellness journey!
This is a 6 week group weight loss and wellness program designed for people who want to lose weight, regain their vitality and learn the skills to maintain their new life style. This program includes: weekly lessons, video group chats and support, as well as messaging support and reduced pricing on professional grade supplements.
This package does not include any lab screenings or supplements. Labs can be added at the participant's expense, ask me for details.
Enrollment is open now. Be sure to get enrolled early, so you are already to start on Monday, October 27, 2025.
Click the link to get started!
https://my.practicebetter.io/#/68810abf413c83a975eed4cd/bookings?c=68e280ce483be0765caf93a9
Bloodwork Review and Analysis
This service includes my review, analysis and recommendations based on your bloodwork results and comprehensive intake documents.
You may provide recent lab results or we can order new bloodwork labs to be drawn (cost of the lab is not included in this service).
This service includes: An initial consultation. A review and analysis session to go over your results and messaging support. Discount on professional grade supplements.
Ultimate Wellness Journey
This package is a 4 month one-on-one program designed specifically for you!
I will evaluate your current health status using a series of in-depth symptom, medical history, diet and lifestyle questionnaires along with functional lab testing related to your specific needs (cost of labs is not included). I will guide you on how to implement new health strategies that best support the results you’re looking for.
It includes: An initial consultation. A results and recommendations session. A personalize protocol individualized for your specific needs, and up to 8 follow-up sessions , messaging support and a discount on professional grade supplements.
Accountability
I will hold you accountable and provide support every step of the way to help you stay motivated and on track in order to achieve your health and fitness goals.
Free Consultation
Schedule a free consultation to learn how we can help you transform your health. I will discuss your goals and develop a plan to help you achieve them. Email functionalwellnesscowgirl@gmail.com
Frequently Asked Questions
The goal of Functional Wellness Cowgirl is to empower individuals to take control of their own health and wellness, make sustainable lifestyle changes, and achieve their personal health goals.
Functional Wellness Cowgirl takes a holistic approach to health and wellness, focusing on not only nutrition and exercise, but also stress management, sleep, and overall self-care. I work with clients to create personalized plans that fit their unique needs and lifestyles.
Anyone who is looking to improve their overall health and wellness can benefit from Functional Wellness Cowgirl services. Whether you are looking to lose weight, manage a chronic health condition, (remember I am not a medical doctor and my protocols do not replace medical care)
or simply adopt healthier habits, I am here to support you.
An FDN-P, or Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner, is a health professional who investigates and addresses the root causes of health issues using a holistic, data-driven approach. We utilize functional lab testing to assess various body systems (like digestion, hormones, and immune function) and create personalized protocols to restore balance and promote healing. FDN-Ps focus on identifying and addressing underlying imbalances rather than simply treating symptoms.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Investigation and Assessment:
- FDN-Ps conduct thorough health assessments, often including functional lab tests like stool analysis, hormone testing, and food sensitivity testing.
- We analyze the results of these tests, along with health history and lifestyle factors, to identify potential imbalances and "healing opportunities".
- This investigation process aims to uncover hidden stressors and dysfunctions that may be contributing to a client's health problems.
Personalized Protocols:
- Based on the findings, FDN-Ps develop individualized wellness plans that may include dietary changes, nutritional supplements, lifestyle modifications, and stress reduction techniques.
- These protocols are designed to support the body's natural healing abilities and address the root causes of the client's health issues.
- FDN-Ps do not diagnose or treat diseases; instead, they focus on optimizing the function of the body's systems.
Key Areas of Focus:
- Digestion - FDN-Ps assess gut health and identify digestive issues that may be impacting overall well-being.
- Hormones - We evaluate hormone levels and imbalances that can affect energy, mood, and other bodily functions.
- Immune - FDN-Ps explore the immune system's response to various stressors and potential imbalances.
- Detoxification - We assess the body's ability to eliminate toxins and support detoxification pathways.
- Metabolism - FDN-Ps examine metabolic function to identify imbalances that may be contributing to weight issues or other health concerns.
Holistic Approach:
- FDN-Ps take a holistic view of health, considering the interconnectedness of all body systems and the impact of lifestyle factors.
- We work with clients over time, providing coaching, support, and resources to help them implement their personalized protocols and achieve their health goals.
In essence, FDN-Ps act as "health detectives," using a data-driven, holistic approach to help individuals identify and address the root causes of their health problems and restore their body's natural ability to heal.
Functional labs are not typically covered by insurance because they cannot be used to diagnose an illness or disease state. Insurance is only interested in sick care, diagnosis of illness and medical treatment. As FDN-Ps, we are interested in optimizing health and preventing disease. These goals are not typically included in conventional medicine and insurance models. Most insurances do not cover health coaching fees and I am not set to bill your insurance company.
The testing method depends on the particular tests that are recommended for you. Most of the tests or self screenings can be done in the comfort of your home. Examples include dried urine, dried blood spot (from a finger prick) or stool tests. In a few instances a test may require a blood draw at a lab.
What Labs Tests Are Typically Run in This Program
Stress and Hormone Profile
The stress and Hormone Profile is a simple saliva test that can be done at home.
This test measures salivary Cortisol, DHEA, Estradiol, Progesterone, Testosterone,
Melatonin, and SIgA. Hormonal balance is essential to good health and the adrenal
glands are at center stage in relationship to the body’s ability to regulate hormones. In
the event of adrenal or HPA Axis dysfunction, underlying causes must be determined
through lab testing. The FLUIDS iQ Stress and Hormone Profile (SHP) involves a simple collection of 4 saliva samples over the course of a day. Proper interpretation of the lab test results can also help identify where environmental and lifestyle stressors are located, as well as insights into how to support the endocrine system.
Here are some functions of the Stress and Hormone Profile:
• Tests for adrenal function, circadian rhythm, stress, and sex hormone levels
• Tests additional hormones for a more complete view of the impacts of chronic
stress on the individual’s core body systems
• Tests SIgA for insight into immune function.
• Can provide useful insights and information about what needs to be done and a
record of hormone levels at the outset of a health building process.
The Metabolic Wellness Profile
The Fluids iQ Metabolic Wellness Profile (MWP) is a dry urine screening that is done at home and measures levels of urinary indican, urinary total bile acids and urinary 8-OHdG, all key markers of digestion, detoxification, and oxidative stress. These markers can give us insights into:
• Poor protein digestion and absorption which can indicate gut dysbiosis
• Congested liver function and detoxification problems
Excess oxidative stress which can lead to free radicals and accelerated cell aging
The Mucosal Barrier Assessment
The Fluids iQ Mucosal Barrier Assessment (MBA) is a dry blood screening that is done at home and measures levels of the zonulin family of peptides, diamine oxidase (DAO), histamine, and the ratio between DAO and histamine. All of these markers further provide us with insights into intestinal permeability, also known as lean gut.
Zonulin (pre-Haptoglobin 2) is a protein that modulates the permeability of tight junctions between cells of the digestive tract wall. Once triggered, Zonulin plays an important role in the creation of what we think of as gut “leakiness.” Histamine is an important regulator of gut function and plays a key role in the body’s inflammatory processes. Diamine Oxidase (DAO) is one of the primary ways our body makes sure that Histamine levels stay in check.
The GI-MAP
The Diagnostic Solutions Laboratory GI Microbial Assay Plus (“GI-MAP”) its an at home stool test that includes markers for gluten sensitivity, inflammation in the gut, immunity in the gut, pancreatic enzyme sufficiency, and occult blood. It also looks for the presence of pathogens –including H. pylori and other bacteria, parasites, worms and viruses – in the gastrointestinal tract. The GI-MAP provides us with information on:
• Intestinal health issues like gas, bloating, distension, diarrhea, and constipation
• Possible overgrowth and excessive colonization by opportunistic bacteria
• Pathogenic parasites and protozoa
• Markers of intestinal health as pertaining to digestion, immune response,
inflammation, and detoxification
These four “flagship” labs are easy to do at home and incredibly important because they
assess the function of fundamental systems of the body including the hormone, immune, digestion, and detoxification systems. Together they help us assess Metabolic Chaos™ and identify healing opportunities in an individual. If any of these systems are
malfunctioning or out of balance, a cascade of health issues can arise causing a myriad
of symptoms and states of disease. This is what is meant by getting to the underlying cause!
MRT
The MRT screens for hidden inflammatory responses to 176 different foods and food-chemicals. Including: Fruits, Vegetables, Grains, beans, nuts, seafood, meats, poultry, dairy, chemicals, flavor enhancers, and some miscellaneous.
DUTCH
The Precision Analytical DUTCH hormone test panels provide you with detailed information on how adrenal and sex hormones are being produced AND metabolized in the body. DUTCH stands for Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive HormonesCollection by urinating on 4-5 strips of filter paper throughout the day as well as Saliva swabs for the for the cortisol awakening response. This Reports the diurnal cortisol pattern (or CAR) Reports free cortisol and free cortisone levels Reports metabolized cortisol (about 80% of cortisol production) Reports androgens and androgen pathways
Evaluates 3 estrogens and estrogen metabolism, Tests 8OHdG, Melatonin and OATs In addition to measuring daily free cortisol levels (the amount of available cortisol circulating in the body), the DUTCH test tells you about metabolized cortisol (the amount of cortisol the adrenals are producing or clearing), sex hormone levels, whether phase I (hydroxylation) and phase II (methylation) of estrogen metabolism is good or poor, and if DHEA and testosterone are being pushed down the more androgenic pathways. Because the DUTCH test kit is small, dried urine is fairly stable, and samples are mailed back to the lab in a standard envelope, the DUTCH Complete may be a less expensive adrenal/hormone test for those who are overseas.
At Functional Wellness Cowgirl, LLC we provide personalized health coaching tailored to your unique needs. Our goal is to empower you with the tools and knowledge to achieve your wellness goals and heal your own body.
Achieve Optimal Health with Functional Wellness Cowgirl, LLC
Functional Medicine
My functional medicine approach focuses on identifying the root cause of health issues and treating them with personalized, science-based interventions. We use advanced lab testing to get to the root of the problem.
At Functional Wellness Cowgirl, LLC we provide personalized health coaching tailored to your unique needs. Our goal is to empower you with the tools and knowledge to achieve your wellness goals and heal your own body.
Free Health Consultation
Schedule a free health consultation with one of our health coaches to learn how we can help you achieve optimal health. We'll discuss your health goals and develop a plan to help you achieve them. Email me at functionalwellnesscowgirl@gmail.com
Dangers of Ordering Supplements on Amazon
At Functional Wellness Cowgirl, LLC we do not recommend ordering supplements from site like Amazon, and here is why.
WHY YOU SHOULD NEVER BUY SUPPLEMENTS ON AMAZON OR EBAY!
A MUST-READ BY FORMER FDA SPECIAL AGENT GARY COLLINS
Posted Aug. 13, 2013 by Gary Collins, MS
In today’s difficult economy, everyday folks seeking a health-and-energy boost may be hesitant to purchase “expensive” vitamins and supplements from “upscale” stores and distribution outlets. Instead, honest folks turn to Internet sites such as Amazon and eBay to purchase vitamins on the cheap for themselves and their kids.
I urge you, NEVER buy supplements on Amazon or eBay.
As a former special agent and forensic investigator for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), my heart breaks for hardworking moms and dads trying to do right by their family by buying inexpensive supplements.
Little do they know that these “bargain” vitamins and capsules are worthless at best, and at worst may cost them and their children their health, and possibly their lives.
The fact is, it costs money to make quality dietary supplements such as vitamins, protein powders, fish oil capsules, energy bars, herbal blends, or sports nutrition products.
But if you have no morals and know how truly under-regulated the supplement industry is in America, you can make huge amounts of money selling dangerous counterfeit and expired supplement products.
How? You undercut the price of legitimate supplement companies. Cheaper wins. And the consumer loses.
Why should you believe me? For many years, not too long ago, I worked in the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as a Special Agent.
I’ve been behind the curtain of the supplement industry – way behind – so what I say is not based on some far- fetched conspiracy theory. I was there and witnessed it firsthand.
Now, as a public health advocate and creator of the Primal Power Method, here’s what I want you to know about the vitamins, capsules and pills that can make or break your health.
There are three main ways that supplements end up on the market at unbelievably cheap prices:
- They are counterfeit and probably dangerous.
- They are useless expired products that have been repackaged as new.
- They are stolen products released on the black market without any quality control.
Here’s how each scenario plays out...
COUNTERFEIT PRODUCTS
One of the easiest ways to make a dishonest buck in the supplement world is to create a pill that mirrors a name-brand health supplement. Create lookalike packaging and you can sell your worthless pill on the Internet for a “discounted” price. And a counterfeit operation is born!
People would be appalled if they knew how prevalent counterfeit dietary supplements truly are. Sadly, fake vitamins and “health” capsules have made their way into the general consumer market.
These dangerous pills masquerade as the real thing on the shelves of the name-brand department stores that virtually every family in America patronizes – and they certainly are available on the Internet.
Here’s the bottom line: If an above-board supplement or pharmaceutical drug is popular, you can bet someone, primarily in China or India, is counterfeiting it. I’m not saying this as some off-the-wall scare tactic. I was there and this was my job.
Even worse? Fake pills virtually never have the correct amount of the active ingredient they are supposed to contain.
During my FDA tenure we ran lab tests on all kinds of lookalike pills and capsules. Some cheap/counterfeit supplements had ten times or more the amount of “medicinal” ingredients as was indicated on the label. Worse, some had none, and others simply contained large amounts of sawdust!
Criminals are not moral, but they are often smart. They not only counterfeit health supplements, but also all of the paperwork that goes along with them. They have numerous distribution shell companies set up all over the world, so it is almost impossible to figure out the paperwork trail and the actual origins of these dangerous pills. (Trust me, I’ve been paid to untangle this kind of web many times.)
The real-world result is that there are virtually no legal consequences to selling fake pills, capsules or vitamins, and the criminals know it.
How prevalent are fake supplements? The IACC (International Anti-Counterfeiting Coalition) estimates that brand-holders (the legitimate companies behind name-brand, non-counterfeit products) lose approximately $600 billion of revenue annually because of counterfeiting.
Michael Danel, the secretary general of the World Customs Organization, has said that if terrorism did not exist, counterfeiting would be the most significant criminal act of the early twenty-first century.
That’s why it is so important to buy directly from a legitimate manufacturer or from a trusted health practitioner whenever you can. Read the labels on the pills you buy. Call the customer service number and ask a few questions. Many companies will only give vague, uneducated answers about the contents of their products and the nature of a product’s manufacturing processes.
Frankly, a lot of Internet pill-pushers won’t even list a phone number or address online. Not good.
Bottom line: if it seems fake, it probably is. And if it’s really cheap, it’s almost certainly a counterfeit.
EXPIRED PRODUCTS
Another way to make a dishonest living is to purchase a genuine product that has expired for pennies on the dollar. Change the dates on the package labels, and voila: a cheap “new” product ready to be brought back to market.
Legitimate supplement companies often have fire sales when they have products that are about to expire. The counterfeiters love this as it fits right into their business model. They can purchase these legitimate products and package them with counterfeit products and no one is the wiser.
I have seen this done in a couple ways: The criminals might simply replace the label with a new label and a fictitious expiration date. Or, if they received the expired product in raw form (not in the bottle) they will sometimes mix it with counterfeit tablets or capsules.
Bottom line: If criminals can make a couple bucks on something they will. It all boils down to money. And by purchasing expired, legitimate products they can have “genuine” product on hand if something goes wrong and someone complains.
Once again, it’s the consumer who will pay the price.
STOLEN PRODUCTS RESOLD BY CRIMINAL ENTERPRISES
This scheme is pretty straight-forward. Criminals simply break into the warehouses of an above-board supplement company or take the big rig truck transporting nutritional products by force. They then distribute the product to other criminal fencing enterprises and the supplements end up on the Internet at a super-cheap price.
Alternatively, employees of a genuine supplement company might steal product while at work and then sell it on the black market to criminals.
You may think, well in this case it’s a genuine supplement, so why should I care? Here’s why: Criminals don’t just work with stolen products, but with expired and counterfeit products as well. They all get mixed together.
So you as the consumer will never know which variation of the product you are getting. You may get lucky one time, another time you may not be so lucky. Is it really worth your health to save a couple of bucks? Absolutely not!
BUYING SAFE SUPPLEMENTS
When I created the Primal Power Method my vision was to create a company beyond reproach. So I personally vet each and every product that I sell for legitimacy and quality.
I buy my supplements directly from the manufacturer to re-sell to my clients. Practitioner-grade supplement companies (such as the ones my website supports) work extremely hard to make sure you have the best product possible. There are some great, useful, genuine supplements out there. Just make sure you buy from a source you can reach (preferably via phone), research, and trust.
Readers of my book The Primal Power Method Change Your Body. Change Your Life. The Modern Caveman Lifestyle, Simplified will be familiar with what I call my “rules” for purchasing pills. The book talks about this subject in-depth, as well as which supplements your body actually needs. For now, here are a few of my most important tips:
- Buy supplements that are considered pharmaceutical grade or professional grade if possible. They contain higher quality ingredients, and usually undergo stringent testing before being brought to market.
- Only buy supplements from a reputable company. Do your research and check them out.
If the website is based in a foreign country and has no contact information or customer
service number, there is a good chance this is a company involved in nefarious activities. Believe me, these companies exist, and we are talking about your health, and possibly your life.
- Find out what standards are used to test the quality of the ingredients and the final products of the supplement companies you want to patronize. Reputable companies will have an informative label on their supplements and will have more information about their testing measures on their website.
- If it is cheap, avoid it. No reputable company using high-quality ingredients can manufacture high-end supplements cheaply. It just isn’t possible. Don’t waste your money. Another insider fact: health practitioners who sell supplements (such as a chiropractor, doctor, or dietician... or my company!) are only allowed to sell practitioner-grade supplements at the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) or at a maximum of fifteen percent off of the MSRP, depending on the company. Basically, we all sign legal agreements that we will not discount the products on our website. This is pretty common practice to protect legitimate supplement companies. With this insider information, you can protect your family as well.
WHAT MY FDA EXPERIENCE TAUGHT ME
The sad truth is that fake-pill-pushing criminals often operate in countries at a distance far further than the arm of Uncle Sam’s laws can reach. It’s easy to sell counterfeit supplements at reputable online venues such as Amazon and eBay. But for the consumer, it’s a disaster.
Here’s what a decade of forensic investigation really taught me: Your instincts are usually right. If you can’t easily trace the origins of some “miracle” pills or are given the run-around by a supplement sales rep when you ask complex questions about ingredients or packaging, your gut will tell you what’s up. Go with your gut.
Times are tough in America. But I urge you not to save dollars buy buying deeply discounted pills off of the Internet. Risking the health of your family and children is not worth it. Instead, buy high quality supplements, eat nutritious food, and get some exercise. That’s the only real way to beat the criminals and achieve life-long health.
Sources:
Bate, Roger and Amir Attaran. “Counterfeit drugs: a growing global threat.” The Lancet 379 (2012): 685.
Collins, Gary. Primal Power Method Change Your Body. Change Your Life. The Modern Caveman Lifestyle, Simplified (Albuquerque, NM: Second Nature Publishing, 2013). FDA. “Melamine Pet Food Recall of 2007.” FDA. 29 NOV 2010. Web. 19 APRIL 2012.
Mast, Carlotta. “GAO: Supplements and drugs from China lack regulatory oversight.” Newhope360. 8 NOV 2010. Web. 19 APRIL 2012.
Newton, Paul, et al. “Counterfeit anti-infective drugs.” The Lancet. 6.9 (2006): 602-613.
Richetto, David. “Advanced security prevents counterfeit products.” Edn. 3 NOV 2011. Web. 19 APRIL 2012.
Singer, Natasha. “Ingredients of Shady Origins, Posing as Supplements.” Nytimes. 27 AUG 2011. Web. 9 APRIL 2012.
Free Health Consultation
Schedule a free health consultation with one of our health coaches to learn how we can help you achieve optimal health. We'll discuss your health goals and develop a plan to help you achieve them. Email me at functionalwellnesscowgirl@yahoo.com
Disclaimer
Functional Diagnostic Nutrition® health coaches do not diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease or condition. Nothing we share with our clients is intended to substitute for the advice, treatment or diagnosis of a qualified licensed physician. Functional Diagnostic Nutrition® (FDN) Practitioners may not make any medical diagnoses or claim, nor substitute for your personal physician’s care. It is the role of a Functional Diagnostic Nutrition® Practitioner to partner with their clients to provide ongoing support and accountability in an opt-in model of self-care and should be done under the supervision of a licensed physician.
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