Nutritional therapists tailor diet and exercise recommendations to individual clients, believing that many health issues can be traced back to eating problems. Education requirements vary, and they may work independently or in clinics. Follow-up appointments allow for adjustments to be made, and pay varies based on certifications and experience.
A nutritional therapist meets with clients to make diet and exercise recommendations for health, tailoring those recommendations to the specifics of a patient’s situation. This is a form of complementary and alternative medicine, focusing on using diet to improve health. Education requirements vary, depending on where one practices and what types of services the nutritional therapist wants to provide. Some people participate in formal certification programs and may be registered dietitians, while others may offer nutrition therapy as an adjunct to a core clinical practice such as chiropractic medicine.
The philosophy that a nutritional therapist uses can vary depending on where they train. Generally, nutritional therapists believe that everyone has unique dietary needs, making it necessary to tailor a diet to the individual rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach. These professionals also believe that many health issues can be traced back to eating problems, and they can use diet as a preventative medicine to prevent illness, as well as offer treatments to help people resolve ongoing health issues.
When a client meets with a nutritional therapist, the two discuss why the client is seeking help and the therapist will ask a series of questions to gather information about the client’s medical history, documented problems, and current eating habits. The therapist can make recommendations for adjustments, usually revolving around integrating more whole foods, such as fresh fruits, whole grains, and green leafy vegetables. The client may also need a more varied diet to meet nutritional requirements.
At follow-up appointments, the nutritional therapist can discuss how the patient is feeling and make adjustments to recommendations. This may include adding new foods, eating foods that are not working well in the diet, and working with the patient to develop an exercise plan. The nutritional therapist helps the client make permanent lifestyle changes with the goal of improving overall health and well-being. The therapist can work with other care providers to ensure that the client’s needs are met.
Nutritional therapists may work in independent clinics and practices, and the available rate of pay varies. People with more certifications and experience generally make more money. Freelancers need to consider the costs of doing business, such as maintaining premises, purchasing proper insurance, and so on. People working in clinics may need to follow specific protocols, but their advertising, insurance, and other costs are taken care of by the practice, allowing them to focus on working with clients rather than having to run their own businesses while providing care.
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