Interview with Karri Ball, CPA, FNTP from Karri Ball Nutritional Therapy in Columbia, MO

Karri Ball is a Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner in Columbia, MO. She focuses on healing through a holistic approach that includes nutrition and lifestyle. I asked her some questions about how she became interested in functional medicine nutrition, what it would look like to work with her, why functional nutrition is important, and how this can impact the perinatal timeframe. Here is a link to her site. Check it out!

Me: What caused you to become interested in functional medicine nutrition?

Karri: I’ve always been passionate about health and wellness, which started when I became a group fitness instructor in my 20s. I learned early on that I couldn't out-exercise what I put in my mouth, even though diet culture would say otherwise. I was over-exercising, under-eating, dealing with fatigue, digestive issues, brain fog, etc. I kept seeing other women dealing with the same struggles with fatigue, digestive issues, hormonal fluctuations, and mood challenges despite doing all the “right” things. That’s when I discovered functional medicine nutrition: it’s all about using a root cause, systems based approach to using food and nutrients as medicine, not just treating symptoms. I love that it’s personalized, science-based, and empowering. I'm helping women feel like themselves again, rather than just surviving day-to-day.  

Me: What are some of the most common things that your clients are surprised about once they start working with you? 

Karri: Most women are guessing what their body needs - why guess when you can test? Through comprehensive testing, we get actionable steps to help the body course correct. Having the right data is the first step. One of the biggest surprises for my clients is usually how imbalanced or depleted their nutrients are, even when they have been doing "all the things - eating clean, taking supplements, etc". I show them how connected their nutrition, lifestyle, and stress really are, and how they reflect in the symptoms they are experiencing. Many expect that a few dietary tweaks will solve everything, but the truth is that energy, digestion, and hormones are deeply interconnected. Clients are also often surprised by how quickly they can notice changes once we address root causes, sometimes in ways they never expected, like better sleep, fewer mood swings, or improved digestion. Many are amazed at how much empowerment comes from understanding their own body and how to adjust their daily routine or habits, such as the timing of coffee/caffeine, can have on their day. It’s like turning on a light switch and finally seeing the path to real, sustainable health.  

Me: How does working with you differ from working with a registered dietician? 

Karri: This is really hard to answer because it's going to depend greatly on the person and their training. In general, registered dietitians are trained through programs affiliated with medical schools, and their nutrition guidance is focused on managing medical conditions. When I was looking at programs, I wanted a different approach. I wanted to learn how to actually fix the problem, not just control symptoms. Most of my clients realize that medications are just treating the symptoms and not fixing the root of the problem. They are coming to me to help figure out what's causing their symptoms so they can fix it.

Functional nutrition takes a deeper, investigative approach. I focus on why symptoms are happening, not just what to eat. I combine lab testing, functional assessments, and individualized strategies to balance blood sugar, hormones, digestion, and vitamins and minerals. It’s a highly personalized process, tailored to each woman’s unique body chemistry, lifestyle, and goals. Essentially, we’re not just talking about food, we’re addressing the full picture and setting women up with lifestyle habits and education for a lifetime of health.  

Inside my Functional Nutritional Therapy Program, you don’t see me once and then get sent on your way. You get real-time, unlimited access to me, which is one of the ways why, when you work with me, you get results. You don’t pay extra every time you have a question or a flare-up or even just need some encouragement or a reassuring ear. You can check in, share what’s working (or not), tell me how a supplement feels, and we can pivot your plan in real time, hold your hand, and just plain be there for you, as much as you need or want. No waiting weeks. No extra fees. No figuring it out alone.

And honestly? The women who reach out the most - the ones who worry they’re “bugging me” - are the ones who see the fastest, most meaningful changes. Because real-time support creates real-time progress.

Me: Why is functional nutrition so important, and how have you seen clients' lives change?

Karri: Functional nutrition shifts the focus from short-term fixes to long-term wellness. When we uncover and address root causes - whether that’s thyroid imbalances, adrenal fatigue, blood sugar dysregulation, or digestive issues - women often experience big transformations. I’ve seen clients regain their energy, stabilize their moods, sleep better, and feel more like themselves than they have in years. It's more than just physical health - it’s about confidence, mental clarity, and the ability to show up fully and enjoy life. 

Me: How can you support women through the perinatal timeframe? 

Karri: I help support women during preconception, pregnancy and postpartum. I've worked with women that have struggled with fertility and thought having a child was impossible. Hearing the excitement when a client tells me they are pregnant when they didn't think possible is one of the reasons I love doing what I do! The female body is made to reproduce, so miscarriages or trouble conceiving are signs that there are imbalances in the body. Once we remove the stressors and correct the imbalances, the body does what it's made to do! 

Pregnancy and postpartum are incredible but demanding times for a woman’s body. I help support women through this phase by focusing on nutrient density, blood sugar balance, digestion, and hormone support - essentially giving the body the tools it needs to thrive for both mom and baby. Postpartum, I focus on replenishing nutrients, supporting sleep, balancing mood, and addressing lingering fatigue. The goal is always to help women build their body back up after the stress of pregnancy so they are nourished, resilient, and thriving. Too many women are dealing with postpartum depression due to the stressors from pregnancy - nutrient depletion, hormonal changes, caring for a newborn, etc. It is very common for them to be prescribed anxiety or depression meds. When I work with women during these stages and have the right testing and data on their body, I can support them and address their body's needs during this time of change.