Last Updated: September 13, 2025
I need to be completely upfront with you about what ZestyUM is and isn’t. This disclaimer isn’t just legal protection – it’s my honest explanation of the boundaries of what I can offer you as a Certified Nutrition Coach who’s passionate about gut health but isn’t a medical doctor.
General Information Purpose
What ZestyUM Is: ZestyUM is an educational resource focused on nutrition strategies that support digestive health and overall wellness. Everything here is based on:
- Current scientific research on gut health and nutrition
- My personal experience healing my own digestive issues
- Success stories from community members who’ve implemented our protocols
- Evidence-based approaches to improving digestive function through food
What ZestyUM Isn’t:
- A medical practice or healthcare provider
- A replacement for professional medical care
- A diagnostic tool for health conditions
- A treatment protocol for specific diseases
- Personalized medical advice for your individual situation
Health and Nutrition Disclaimers
My Qualifications and Limitations: I’m Marcus Rodriguez, a Certified Nutrition Coach through Precision Nutrition and Gut Health Specialist certified by the Institute for Functional Medicine. These credentials allow me to provide nutrition education and support, but they don’t make me a doctor, registered dietitian, or medical practitioner.
What I Can Do:
- Share evidence-based information about nutrition and gut health
- Provide recipes and meal planning strategies that support digestive wellness
- Offer educational content about how food affects gut function
- Share my personal experience and that of our community members
- Point you toward reputable scientific research and resources
What I Cannot Do:
- Diagnose any medical condition or digestive disorder
- Prescribe treatments for IBS, SIBO, Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis, or other conditions
- Replace the care you receive from licensed healthcare providers
- Provide medical advice for pregnancy, breastfeeding, or pediatric nutrition
- Treat serious digestive or systemic health conditions
No Professional Medical Relationship
Our Relationship Is Educational, Not Medical: When you subscribe to ZestyUM, download our resources, or implement our recommendations, you’re not becoming a client or patient. We’re sharing information that has helped many people, but we’re not creating a professional healthcare relationship.
Your Healthcare Team Comes First: Before implementing any significant dietary changes recommended on ZestyUM, especially if you have:
- Diagnosed digestive disorders (IBS, IBD, SIBO, etc.)
- Food allergies or intolerances
- Chronic health conditions
- Eating disorder history
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding status
- Taking medications that affect digestion
…please discuss our recommendations with your healthcare provider first.
Results Not Guaranteed
What We’ve Observed: Many ZestyUM community members report improvements in:
- Digestive comfort and regularity
- Energy levels and mood stability
- Reduced bloating and gas
- Better sleep quality
- Overall sense of wellbeing
What We Cannot Promise:
- You’ll experience the same results as others
- Any specific timeline for improvement
- Complete resolution of digestive issues
- Weight loss or other specific health outcomes
- Results that occur without consistent implementation
Factors That Affect Your Results:
- Your individual gut microbiome composition
- Underlying health conditions we’re not aware of
- Stress levels and sleep quality
- Exercise habits and lifestyle factors
- Consistency in following recommendations
- Other medications or supplements you’re taking
- Genetic factors that influence digestion
Food Safety and Allergy Warnings
Ingredient Safety: While we focus on whole, unprocessed foods, you’re responsible for:
- Checking ingredient lists if you have known allergies
- Sourcing ingredients from reputable suppliers
- Following proper food safety and storage guidelines
- Stopping any food that causes adverse reactions
Common Allergen Notice: Our recipes may contain or reference:
- Tree nuts and peanuts
- Dairy products (though we often provide dairy-free alternatives)
- Gluten-containing grains (we always note gluten-free status)
- Shellfish and fish (in some recipes)
- Eggs and soy products
Always read ingredient lists carefully and adapt recipes for your specific needs.
Supplement and Product Recommendations
When We Recommend Supplements:
- Information is for educational purposes only
- We base recommendations on scientific research
- We may earn affiliate commissions (always disclosed)
- You should consult healthcare providers before starting new supplements
- We’re not prescribing or treating any condition
Quality and Safety:
- Choose reputable supplement brands with third-party testing
- Check for interactions with your current medications
- Start with lower doses to assess tolerance
- Discontinue if you experience adverse effects
External Links and Third-Party Content
When We Link to Other Websites:
- We believe they provide valuable additional information
- We don’t control their content or claims
- Their accuracy and safety are their responsibility
- We’re not endorsing everything they say or sell
Research Citations: When we reference scientific studies:
- We provide links to original research when possible
- We interpret findings in context, not as absolute proof
- We acknowledge when research is preliminary or limited
- We update our understanding as new research emerges
Children and Special Populations
Content Not Designed For:
- Children under 18 without parental guidance and medical supervision
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women without healthcare provider approval
- Individuals with active eating disorders
- People with severe chronic conditions requiring specialized medical care
If You’re in a Special Population: Please work with qualified healthcare providers who understand your specific needs before implementing any ZestyUM recommendations.
Emergency Situations
When to Seek Immediate Medical Care:
- Severe abdominal pain or cramping
- Blood in stool or vomit
- Signs of dehydration or electrolyte imbalance
- Severe allergic reactions to foods
- Symptoms of serious digestive disorders
ZestyUM Cannot Provide Emergency Support: If you’re experiencing a medical emergency, contact emergency services immediately. Don’t delay seeking medical care to email us or try dietary interventions.
Limitation of Liability
What This Means: While we’re committed to providing accurate, helpful information, we cannot be held liable for:
- Health outcomes from following our recommendations
- Adverse reactions to foods or supplements we discuss
- Time or money invested in our protocols
- Indirect consequences of implementing our suggestions
Your Responsibility: You’re responsible for:
- Making informed decisions about your health
- Working with qualified healthcare providers
- Monitoring your body’s responses to dietary changes
- Seeking professional help when needed
Content Accuracy and Updates
Our Commitment to Accuracy:
- We base all information on current scientific evidence
- We cite reputable sources for health claims
- We update content when new research emerges
- We correct mistakes promptly when discovered
What to Expect:
- Regular content reviews and updates
- Transparency when we change recommendations
- Acknowledgment of limitations in current research
- Honest communication about uncertainty in evolving science
Contact for Clarifications
Questions About This Disclaimer? Marcus personally handles all disclaimer-related questions:
Email: marcus@zestyum.com
Subject Line: Disclaimer Question
Response Time: Within 48 hours
For Medical Emergencies: Do not email us – contact emergency services immediately or consult with your healthcare provider.