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Microbiome Treatment

Eating Disorder Nutrition Counseling in Richmond & Across Virginia

Why the Gut Matters in Eating Disorder Recovery

Recovery isn’t just about food, it’s about healing the whole person.

At Cedar Virginia, we go beyond surface-level symptom management to address the root causes of eating and anxiety disorders. One of the most exciting breakthroughs in this area is the gut-brain connection. Your digestive system is home to trillions of bacteria that influence not only your physical health but your mood, cravings, anxiety, and even your body’s ability to recognize hunger and fullness.

Through our new partnership with Tiny Health, Cedar now offers advanced microbiome testing and analysis for all clients. Whether you’re navigating anorexia, ARFID, binge eating, or disordered eating during menopause, your gut may hold vital clues to your recovery.

Take the first step toward whole-body healing, discover what your gut can reveal about your path to recovery

Benefits of Microbiome-Informed Treatment at Cedar

Understand What’s Going On Beneath the Surface

We offer science-backed microbiome testing that helps explain symptoms like bloating, nausea, lack of appetite, or chronic GI discomfort. By understanding your unique gut profile, our team can personalize care that gets to the root cause, not just the visible behaviors.

Support Real, Lasting Healing with Food-First Interventions

Our Registered Nutritionists and Dietitians create customized nutrition plans rooted in gentle, evidence-based strategies to restore gut balance, improve digestion, and rebuild trust in the body, without fear or shame.

Empower Clients and Families Through Education

When clients and parents understand the gut-brain connection, it makes recovery feel less mysterious and more manageable. We break down complex science into practical steps, helping you feel informed, hopeful, and confident in the recovery process.

How Can Microbiome Testing at Cedar Help?

Whether you’re recovering from restriction, navigating menopause, or unsure where to start, our dietitians integrate microbiome support into every treatment plan.

Offer Microbiome Testing Through Tiny Health

During your Nutrition Assessment, you’ll have the option to complete a microbiome test at a reduced cost. Results are analyzed by our team in consultation with your provider.

Create a Personalized Gut-Supportive Nutrition Plan

We use the test insights to build a tailored plan that may include gentle fiber reintroduction, probiotic-rich foods, and nutrition strategies to regulate hunger and fullness cues.

Address Digestive Symptoms That May Fuel Disordered Eating

Whether it’s ARFID-related food fear or post-menopausal bloating, we take your symptoms seriously and help relieve discomfort, so food feels safer.

Offer Food-Based Interventions Before Supplements

We prioritize whole foods first and only recommend targeted supplements (like enzymes or probiotics) when necessary to support absorption and reduce GI stress.

Build Sustainable Habits That Support Mood, Hormones & Immunity

The gut affects everything from mood swings to immune function. A healthy microbiome may ease anxiety, improve sleep, and support your overall resilience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When it comes to something as complex as the gut-brain connection, it’s natural to have questions. At Cedar Virginia, our goal is to make science approachable and treatment practical. We know parents, teens, and adults want clear answers about how microbiome testing fits into recovery, what it involves, and whether it could really make a difference.

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What is microbiome testing?

Microbiome testing involves sending a simple stool sample to our lab partner, Tiny Health. The results give insight into your gut bacteria and how they may be affecting your digestion, appetite, mood, and inflammation.

Do I need to be in a full program to access this service?

No, microbiome testing and consultation can be part of your treatment plan or accessed as a standalone service for adults or parents seeking guidance.

Is this service covered by insurance?

The microbiome test is offered at a reduced self-pay rate. Some insurance plans may reimburse nutrition counseling services; our team can help provide a superbill upon request.

Who is this service especially helpful for?

We’ve seen the greatest benefit for:

· Teens and adults with ARFID, anorexia, or chronic GI distress

· Women in perimenopause/menopause experiencing new digestive or appetite shifts

· Clients struggling with reintroducing variety or rebuilding hunger cues

Testimonials

Client’s We’ve Helped

"Our son has battled with gagging, coughing and throwing up after meals since he was in second grade. His sophomore year he began playing football for the first time. Excitingly this led to him being offered scholarships to play in college. Our family is grateful that we found Richmond Center for Eating Disorders. Most importantly, they correctly diagnosed our son and were the experts he truly needed."

"Our daughter is now fully recovered. We feel a relief and gratitude that can hardly be described. FBT works. We were fortunate to find the Richmond Center for Eating Disorders and their unique FBT program. Not only will you get your loved one back, your family will emerge stronger and more united than before."

"My daughter is the happiest she has been in years. I had heard of other families who stressed the importance of getting to that higher weight, that true "recovery weight" where the ED sufferer's psychological challenges dissipate. Now we were actually seeing living proof of its benefits. I cannot express enough gratitude to the Julies for helping us get here."

"I would recommend Julie Knopp from Richmond Center for Eating Disorders. She is an excellent listener who authentically cares about her clients' recovery, growth, and health."

"I am so excited to have Richmond Center for Eating Disorders doing this much needed work in our community. The team is very dedicated, knowledgeable, and skilled in treating eating disorders and providing wholistic support to their clients. In a family system, healing one person takes the efforts of the entire system and this team understands that. Richmond Center for Eating Disorders is a part of my referral base, and I are confident people will get the very best treatment there."

"So excited to see the work of this wonderful team growing in the Richmond community. The staff and providers at the Richmond Center for Eating Disorders are experts in their field. I deeply appreciate their skills, expertise and compassion. The level dedication to supporting patients and their families is incredible."

"As a therapist specializing in eating disorders, I am thrilled to have the Richmond Center for Eating Disorders in our community. I have worked with both Julie Guild and Julie Knopp for a number of years and am always impressed with their care, compassion, and treatment expertise."

Your Recovery Begins Here

Don’t let eating disorders or anxiety stand in the way. Your journey to a healthier, happier you starts now. Take the first step towards recovery and contact us today!