Health is a combination of a peaceful mind and a thriving gut!
You deserve to feel your best. And the best starts in your gut.
Plant-Forward Nutrition
“Research shows the importance of plant-based foods in nutrition. Transitioning to more plant-focused eating offers a diverse range of nutrient-rich options, supporting your long-term health goals."
Lifestyle
“Healthy Living is more than what you eat. The best way to improve your health is through lifestyle changes, including nutrition optimization, exercise, and stress management.”

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Your FREE Guides to Better Health

10 Recipes to Start Your Health Journey FREE
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Optimal gut health comes from a diversity of whole plant foods. Get started with these easy recipes.
Super Smoothies FREE
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Busy and on the go? Ensure you’re getting tons of gut-friendly nutrients with these quick smoothie recipes.
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Environmental toxins are everywhere from pesticides to PFAS, VOCs to heavy metals. Here's what you need to know.
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Stop pinning recipes to Pinterest you never make! Get our FREE 90-page recipe book delivered straight to your inbox for easy meals you'll love.

Healthy Facts

Why Gut Health Is So Important

You’ve probably heard the term “gut health” and know that “good” gut health is desirable. But what does it really mean to have a healthy gut?

It means feeling your best when you eat without discomfort, pain or bloating. It means getting enough nutrients to support your energy levels, immune system,and other organs so your body can function at its best.

Manages digestion and absorption

Houses 70-80% of our immune system

Produces 30 vital neurotransmitters

Provides energy for the body

Excretes harmful waste

Home to 100 trillion essential microbes

My Mission

I am a triple board-certified gastroenterologist, internist, and lifestyle medicine physician. I specialize in digestive disorders, which include liver disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and nutrition based-disorders, such as obesity and constipation.

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My Mission

I am a triple board-certified gastroenterologist, internist, and lifestyle medicine physician. I specialize in digestive disorders, which include liver disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and nutrition based-disorders, such as obesity and constipation.

What I Provide

I educate and empower you with the evidence-based digestive strategies you need to feel your best. These stem from my 10+ years of medical training, three board certifications, and clinical experience in guiding people just like you through their different digestive and medical conditions.

Medical Consulting

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Speaking

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Digital Marketing

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Courses

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Media Inquiries

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Patient Care

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Start Your Healing Journey

Dr. Vanessa Méndez

Doctor Méndez is a triple board-certified gastroenterologist, internist, and lifestyle medicine physician

She specializes in digestive disorders, which include liver disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and nutrition based-disorders, such as obesity and constipation. Her approach to patients and their diseases is holistic and comprehensive; her goal is not just to treat the symptoms, but to get to the root cause of an ailment and provide lasting relief. All her methods are evidence-based and she is a proponent of lifestyle changes first to promote wellness.

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Blogs

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Book Dr. Vanessa Mendez to Speak

I am available for speaking engagements nationally, globally, and virtually.

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Health Guides

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Featured Articles

<img src="https://www.drvanessamendez.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/health-logo.png"><br>Elimination Diet: Everything You Need To Know

Elimination Diet: Everything You Need To KnowRead More ➔
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If you believe you’re living with a food sensitivity, food intolerance, or a food allergy, you’re not alone—about 10.8% of U.S. adults have a food allergy[1], and food intolerances are estimated to affect up to 20% of the general population...
<img src="https://www.drvanessamendez.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/hl_logo_21-1.png"><br>7 Latina Gut Experts to Follow to Learn More About Gut Health

7 Latina Gut Experts to Follow to Learn More About Gut HealthRead More ➔
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When your gut feels good, that means your immunity and mental health are good because what you eat has a huge impact on your overall healt...
<img src="https://www.drvanessamendez.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Livestrong-trans.png"><br>Your 7-Day Kickstart Plan for Healthier Poops

Your 7-Day Kickstart Plan for Healthier PoopsRead More ➔
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We can all agree that being backed up is miserable. But here's another indisputable fact: Simple behavioral shifts are often enough to relieve constipation and make your bathroom trips more pleasant...
<img src="https://www.drvanessamendez.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Livestrong-trans.png"><br>The 5 Best Bathroom Stools for Healthier Pooping

The 5 Best Bathroom Stools for Healthier PoopingRead More ➔
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Whether you've experienced constipation or pelvic floor issues, you know that going number two can be a huge struggle. Thankfully, bathroom stools (aka squatty potties) have come to the rescue...
<img src="https://www.drvanessamendez.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/shefinds_blackhorizontal.png"><br>Nutritionists Say This Is The Worst Ingredient You Could Add To Your Smoothie If You Struggle With Chronic Bloating

Nutritionists Say This Is The Worst Ingredient You Could Add To Your Smoothie If You Struggle With Chronic BloatingRead More ➔
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Smoothies are generally a fantastic breakfast (or lunch, or snack!) that can help aid your weight loss journey. They can be an excellent source of fruits, veggies, and all-around healthy nutrients.
<img src="https://www.drvanessamendez.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Eatthisnotthat-trans.png"><br>Ways You're Ruining Your Liver, According to Experts

Ways You're Ruining Your Liver, According to ExpertsRead More ➔
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The liver is a truly vital organ—it helps the body process fats and carbs from everything we eat, and detox from medications, chemicals, and toxins we encounter every day...
<img src="https://www.drvanessamendez.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/cropped-pbn-logo.png"><br>Plant-Based Doctors To Educate The Public About Colon Cancer

Plant-Based Doctors To Educate The Public About Colon CancerRead More ➔
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March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month in the United States and seven plant-based medical doctors have teamed up on Instagram to educate the public about one of the most lethal yet highly preventable cancers in existence...
<img src="https://www.drvanessamendez.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/catdogma_logo_smallerish-e1565637803386.png"><br>Surviving Pandemic And Motherhood

Surviving Pandemic And MotherhoodRead More ➔
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I’m a medical doctor, and I have a background in public health and epidemiology (the study of disease)- This has made me keenly aware of the impact COVID-19 would have on our lives, as well as the lasting changes it would make on our society...

Patient Testimonials

“I love Dr. Vanessa because she takes her time to educate you on proper nutrition instead of just giving a prescription to help your problem. She is not a basic doctor. She educates her self daily on holistic and plant eating benefits.”
-Patient
My experience with Dr. Mendez has been phenomenal. She is very compassionate and patient during my visits; fully explaining my illness, treatment options, and corresponding diet to not only me but my family. As her patient, I feel secure that she has my best interest in mind, and that she is equipped to treat my illness.
-Patient
Dr. Mendez is very professional and caring. She takes the time to explain things and has attention to detail. I would recommend Dr. Mendez without any reservations.
-Patient
Dr. Mendez is very professional and caring. She takes the time to explain things and has attention to detail. I would recommend Dr. Mendez without any reservations.
-Patient
First time I feel confident in the Parkview Gl dept. Dr Mendez is a huge asset to this hospital.
-Patient
Very good way to start with an intake appointment. Especially to get started sooner than having to wait for an in person appointment.
-Patient
Dr Mendez is the best Gastroenterologist I have seen. She listened and provided more teaching than anyone previously. I highly recommend her!
-Patient
My appointment with Dr. Mendez was truly a wonderful experience... She was kind, compassionately, listend attentively and provided incredible advice, direction and mist of all hope! Thank you for taking the time to make a difference!!
-Patient

Whole Health Starts Here

Are you ready to take control of your health?

Planted Forward is my multi-specialty telemedicine practice that serves patients worldwide and focuses on whole health care. Planted Forward uses an integrative approach to healthcare delivery where you work with a collaborative team of physicians, dietitians and fitness and health coaches to achieve all your health and wellness goals. You aren’t a bystander in your healthcare – YOU are in charge! Meet your new wellness team today.

See Where Your Journey Can Take You
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