Maketa Dixon, MS, CNS, LDN

My journey in nutrition began while I was attending college and struggling with chronic fatigue. I had been diagnosed with low iron at the time and was constantly feeling exhausted and drained. I knew I needed to take more control over my health, and I decided to take a proactive approach. At first, I focused on lifestyle changes that improved my overall health and well-being, such as exercising more regularly and getting more sleep. Nutrition discovery is sometimes a trial and error, it is not a one size fits all approach. Eventually, I realized that the right nutrition was the key to improving my energy and overall health.

Little did I know eight years later I would go through the most stressful period of my life and in that same year was diagnosed with cancer. After going through 6 months of chemotherapy, I had to look at nutrition with a different lens to manage my side effects. I started to research the best foods and supplements to help my body recover from the chemotherapy and reduce my risk of cancer recurrence. This experience taught me the impact of stress and health and to have daily practices of self-love, laughter, fun, gratitude and meditation for a balanced life.  After making all these changes to my life, I noticed a significant improvement in my overall wellness and well-being.

Functional Integrative Nutrition has been a key part of my recovery journey, and it has empowered me to want to help and empower others. My background in research has further my love for nutrition because it is always evolving and changing. I knew this would be the best path for me so I started formal training in nutrition to help others and went back to school for my Master’s at Maryland University of Integrative Health.  I have since dedicated my life to helping others through nutrition counseling.  I am passionate about educating others on the many benefits of nutrition and the impact it can have on their health and healing.

I strive to help others not only become aware of the importance of good nutrition, but also to find the right life balance that works for them. I use evidence-based research to create personalized nutrition plans tailored to the individual. I assess the person’s medical history, lifestyle, and current eating habits and make recommendations to help them reach their health goals and providing education on the importance of nutrient-rich foods and the role of vitamins, minerals, and supplements.  I encourage people to make small changes in their food choices, as these changes can have a big impact on their overall health. I believe in the power of good nutrition, and I strive to help people learn how to make healthier choices that will improve their lives. As a cancer survivor, I am constantly reminded to keep my mind, body, spirit and health at the forefront of my choices. Functional Integrative Nutrition has helped me heal and I am passionate about helping others do the same.

Location: CIH Potomac Office

Education and Certification

  • Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist, Maryland Board of Dietetic Practice, 2023

  • Applying Functional Medicine in Clinical Practice, 2023

  • Certified Nutrition Specialist, Board of Certified Nutrition Specialists, 2021

  • Maryland University of Integrative Health, MS in Nutrition and Integrative Health, 2020 graduate.

  • University of Maryland, BS in Life Science specialized in Neurobiology, 2003 graduate.

Experience

  • Nutrition Experience Intern, Maryland University of Integrative Health, 2021-2022

  • Nutrition Intern, Endoscopy Wellness Center, 2020-2021

  • Nutrition Volunteer, SOME (So Others Might Eat), 2018-2019

Publication

  • Patel BB, Li XM, Dixon MP, Blagoi EL. et al., APC +/- alters colonic fibroblast proteome in FAP. 2011.  Oncotarget. Vol 2(3) pages 197-208

  • Patel BB, Li XM, Dixon MP, Blagoi EL. et al., Searchable High-Resolution 2D Gel Proteome of the Human Colon Crypt. 2007.  Journal of Proteome Research. Vol 6(6) pages 2232–2238 

  • Patel BB, Li XM, Blagoi EL, Patterson M. et al., Analyzing alkaline proteins in human colon crypt proteome.  Journal of Proteome Res. 2004. Vol 3(4) pages 821-33



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