As a Naturopathic Doctor, I’m often asked about the various nutritional fads that are popping up left and right with claims of a “better quality of living”. Increasingly, I’m also asked to “mop up the damage” with disappointed clients that have been misled by “self-appointed experts” who have misrepresented their nutritional knowhow.
There is an ever growing evidence that everyone from personal trainers, massage therapists, and a plethora of health coaches are dishing out nutritional advice today with no or limited experience in individual healthy outcomes. Making the wrong choice could be leaving your health in the hands of an under qualified “professional” rather than a properly qualified nutrition expert. Many who call themselves “nutritionists” lack proper credentials, which is both confusing and unhelpful to the public. The title alone is not enough to indicate whether the person has Ph.D. or Naturopathic Doctor (ND) level education or simply completed a 6-month part-time course, if any.
Anyone can call Themselves a Nutritionist
Don’t be fooled by “certifications” and fancy-looking ads. There are only two things that guarantee you will receive balanced and correct nutritional information from a qualified professional – either an undergraduate (BSc Hons) or postgraduate (MA) degree in nutritional science, plus at least three years of professional experience. Best choice is a Naturopathic Doctor (ND) from an accredited “in person” university who has the Nutritional background and experience.
How to get the Best Nutritional Guidance
Beyond Health and Wellness Naturopathic nutritional evaluation is highly individualized. Each patient has a unique story, history, genetics, dietary habits, lifestyle and associated health concerns. Dr. Aaron Bardwell ND, DC, MSOM will work with you to determine your nutritional goals and any underlying health concern cause(s) and create an individualized treatment plan to stimulate your innate healing ability. Patients are involved in their nutritional program and learn to make effective, educated, self-care decisions that can prevent future health problems.
Optimizing Nutrition and Supplementation
The most commonly reported reasons for using supplements were to “improve” (45%) or “maintain” (33%) overall health. Women used calcium products for “bone health” (36%), whereas men were more likely to report supplement use for “heart health or to lower cholesterol” (18%). Older adults (≥60 years) were more likely than younger individuals to report motivations related to site-specific reasons like heart, bone and joint, and eye health. Only 23% of products were used based on recommendations of a health care provider according to a recent article on “Why Adults use Supplements”.
Best practice is not to engage in supplementation to achieve Nutrition but to address Nutrition to determine what, if any, supplementation may be needed to improve your nutrition, health and quality of life. Making the right choice initially guides you to the best outcomes without the disappointment of less than expected results. Your Health depends on it!