Holistic Nutrition Practitioners Near Me

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FAQs:

What is Holistic Nutrition?

The philosophy of holistic nutrition is that one’s health is an expression of the complex interplay between the physical and chemical, mental and emotional, as well as spiritual and environmental aspects of one’s life and being. As such, professionals who are trained in holistic nutrition approach health and healing from a whole-person perspective. Using nutritional education as a primary tool, holistic nutrition professionals emphasize the building of health by approaching each person as a unique individual. This requires fully engaging the individual in their health recovery process and honoring their innate wisdom by working in an empowering and cooperative manner to chart a course to optimal health.

What Holistic Nutrition Can Do For You?

Holistic nutrition can improve your immune system and benefit your health in many ways. Some benefits of a holistic diet include improved digestion, hormonal balance, weight management, increased energy, stress reduction, decreased inflammation, restoration in blood-sugar levels, and improved recovery time. 

What is a Holistic Nutritionist?

A holistic nutritionist or holistic nutrition practitioner is someone who is educated in alternative and complementary healing techniques. Holistic nutrition focuses on building knowledge of various kinds of therapeutic nutrition and recognizing that there is no ‘one size fits all’ diet. The goal is to evaluate the whole person, create long-term sustainable results, and educate clients on a self-care model so that they can tune into their bodies at any time.

What Does a Holistic Nutritionist Do?

Holistic nutritionists work with patients to help them identify how their diet might impact their physical or mental health. They help patients manage a wide range of conditions including:

1. Autism spectrum disorders

2. Developmental disorders

3. Emotional disorders

4. Autoimmune disorders

5. Diabetes

6. Heart disease

7. Kidney disease

8. Chronic pain conditions

Holistic nutritionists can also help people who are looking to boost their energy levels or improve their overall wellness. No matter what the goal is, holistic nutritionists work with each patient to create a plan for long-term success. They do this by helping patients find the right balance of nutrients for their lifestyle and health needs and educating them so they can make positive changes.

Why is Holistic Nutrition Important?

Holistic nutrition is important because it encompasses all aspects of a person’s diet and health. It considers the whole person, not just their physical appearance. Holistic nutrition helps to prevent chronic diseases and promotes overall health and well-being. Holistic nutrition also helps to improve overall cognitive function and reduces inflammation in the body. Understanding how food affects us, both positively and negatively, as well as where our food comes from, allows us to make better-informed decisions about what we eat and, as a result, restore our bodies to optimal wellness.

What Does a Holistic Nutrition Plan Look Like?

Your holistic nutrition guide will help you learn about other benefits of holistic nutrition and healthy eating when you talk about your plan. You will be able to learn about the foods that you can have in your diet, potential recipes you may want to try, and how to meal plan within your nutritional goal restrictions. Your health professional will also talk to you about other things, including:

- How often you should eat

- How much you should eat at a time

- Planning your meals with mindfulness

- How to enjoy your food more

- Being “at the moment” while eating 

- How to balance your diet over time

A nutrition specialist knows the “ins and outs” of creating a tailored plan for your specific needs. For this reason, working with someone that is aware of how to meet your needs and being honest about your goals is a crucial step in being holistically healthy.

Why Not Just Eat Healthy Foods?

You may be wondering why you would need to create a specific holistic nutrition plan when you could just eat clean foods on your own. This is a valid question, but remember that holistic nutrition focuses on treating the whole body and mind. Eating clean without a plan in mind is healthy, but you aren’t targeting anything specific this way. Having a plan that explains why you’re eating what you’re eating helps you be sure all of your needs are met. A nutritional specialist will be able to create a plan that is geared toward your specific needs and ensures you get all of the nutrients you need within your diet.

What is a Holistic Diet?

Some people use the term to refer to a diet that prioritizes whole and unprocessed foods like fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, unprocessed meats, eggs, and nuts. In other words, “whole foods.” However, rather than the types of foods themselves, some professionals–like holistic nutritionists–use the term “holistic diet” to refer to a way of eating that benefits the whole body. A holistic diet looks at an individual’s specific nutritional needs. This includes the macronutrients—carbohydrates, fats, and protein—as well as micronutrients like vitamin C, iron, and zinc. Of course, not everyone needs the same amounts of these nutrients, so this diet focuses on your specific needs and how they relate to other components of a holistic diet.

What is the Mission Statement of Holistic Nutrition?

Holistic nutrition is based on the understanding that health is complex and is comprised of the entirety of the individual. Health is not just based on the physical aspects, but also the emotional, spiritual, chemical, and environmental. Holistic nutrition sees the individual as a whole and does not dictate their state of health or the actions that need to be taken based on only one aspect of oneself. Each area of health is vital and must be considered when seeking to better oneself.

The Difference Between Holistic Nutrition and Integrative Nutrition

Two of the most popular specializations in nutrition are holistic and integrative. Given the similarities between these two specializations, many people wonder: what differentiates holistic from integrative nutrition?

First and foremost, they are distinctive specializations given by different professional organizations. As mentioned above, the holistic specialization can be earned through the National Association of Nutrition Professionals (NANP), while the integrative specialization is earned through the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND), the professional organization which accredits nutritional education programs and provides licensure standards for RDNs.

Secondly, holistic nutrition focuses on the comprehension of interconnected elements of nutrition, while integrative nutrition strives to unite the many parts of a whole that comprise nutrition.

5 Aspects of Holistic Health

When it comes to holistic health we are looking beyond the physical body and are addressing physical, emotional, social, spiritual, and intellectual health. All of these 5 aspects of holistic health are what enables a person to truly live each day in the healthiest, happiest way possible.

Physical

When it comes to supporting your physical health there are a few key practices that everyone can benefit from and can make a huge difference in your overall well-being:

- Sleep for 8 hours each night to allow your body to truly rest and repair from the day.

- Eat a nutrient-dense diet that is high in plant-based foods and organic/pastured animal products. Limit processed foods and hydrogenated oils which are highly inflammatory and can increase the risk of chronic disease.

- Maintain a balanced blood sugar by eating meals and snacks that contain fat, carbohydrates, and protein.

- Move your body for at least 30 minutes each day.

- Do not smoke, and avoid excessive alcohol consumption.

Emotional

While often overlooked, our emotional health is just as important as our physical health — especially because our emotional health can affect our physical health if it is not prioritized. Here are ways you can support your emotional health:

- Seek out therapy, if needed. Therapy is an essential part of supporting our emotional health.

- Practice mindfulness and stress reduction habits that can help you better manage life’s daily stressors. 

- Keep a journal to record your thoughts and feelings. Use this to record what you are grateful for as it can help bring positivity into times of stress.

Social

Research has shown that the happiest people on earth have deep connections with their friends, family, and community. Here are a few ways that you can support your social health:

- Make time for an in-person connection. The virtual connection still does not provide us with the same level of happiness as the in-person connection does.

- Get involved in your local community. This is one of the best ways to support your social health and improve happiness.

- Set boundaries with people in your life that may increase stress or bring about toxic energy. Also, do not be afraid to walk away from friendships and relationships that negatively affect your health.

Spiritual

Your spiritual health should focus on how you are connecting with your inner soul, and the greater world around you. Here are ways you can support your spiritual health:

- Spend time in nature

- Spend a few minutes each day meditating

- Take the time to practice your faith

Mental

Mental health often overlaps with our emotional and physical health. The big distinction between our mental and emotional health though is that while our emotional health refers mostly to our daily mood and emotions, our mental health refers to our cognitive abilities that affect how our brain functions. Here are a few ways that you can support your mental health:

- Seek out learning opportunities and problem-solving practices that challenge your brain.

- Consume nutrient-dense foods that are high in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids that will help reduce overall inflammation and support cognitive function.

- Avoid drinking alcohol and smoking

- Improve gut health with gut-healing foods like bone broth and prebiotic and probiotic-rich foods.

Reasons to See a Holistic Nutritionist

Holistic Nutritionists work with people holistically on a wide range of concerns including:

- Food allergies or intolerance

- Stress/anxiety

- Insulin resistance

- Depression/low mood

- Immune system optimization

- Children’s nutrition

- Digestive concerns (gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, cramping, etc.)

- Chronic pain

- ADHD

- Hormone imbalances

- Pre/Postnatal nutrition

- Weight gain/loss

- Low energy

- Specialized diets (such as vegetarian or vegan)

- Pre-natal/post-natal nutrition

- Disease prevention

- Skin health

- Poor sleep

- Noncommunicable diseases (such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease)

- Reconnecting  to our bodies + nature (soil health and human health)

Benefits of Holistic Nutrition

Holistic nutrition can not only help you live a healthier lifestyle but also make you feel better physically and mentally. Following a holistic nutrition plan can have a number of positive effects, including:

- Weight lose/weight management

- Improved digestive health

- Relief from constipation

- Disease prevention

- Increased energy levels and improved mood

- Sleep improvement

- Reduced blood pressure and cholesterol levels

- Balanced blood sugar levels

- Strengthened immune system

- Improved skin tone and texture

Fundamentals of a Clean Holistic Diet

Holistic or clean eating is another name for a natural diet. The world has become overburdened with processed foods and items deprived of nutrients, which means that people’s diets have become less healthy.

In order to improve your health and live your best life, it becomes necessary to adapt your eating habits. To help make things more simple, especially for those with busy schedules, we have put together a list to help make it easier to incorporate a natural diet, by providing these seven simple fundamental rules. 

1. Drink Plenty of Water

Grocery stores and home refrigerators are overflowing with diet sodas and juice drinks, but one thing continuously lacking in people’s diets is water, specifically purified water. Dehydration is a real problem, and it can lead to significant unhealthy side effects, such as headaches, joint pain, and illness. 

2. Consume Raw Vegetables

Vegetables are a powerhouse of essential nutrients, and variety is key to a healthy Holistic diet. However, it is necessary to try to consume them in their raw form because many vegetables, such as broccoli, lose vital nutrients when cooked. If you must cook them, try steaming them to retain nutrients.

3. Get Your Daily Fruit Intake

Fruits are another staple in a Holistic diet. However, many people try to limit fruits because they are high in calories and natural sugars. While fruits do contain more calories, they also include essential nutrients, like fiber, and are crucial to a balanced diet. Therefore, you should try to consume at least the suggested daily amount.

4. Avoid Artificial Ingredients

A Holistic diet is about getting as close to a natural diet as possible. Artificial ingredients are as far away from nature as you can get and they offer little nutritional value. Look at the ingredients before you buy something in the grocery store – rule of thumb: if it is filled with ingredients that you cannot pronounce, then it is probably better avoided.

5. Limit Processed Foods

Like artificial ingredients, processed foods should be avoided as much as possible. These food items are essentially devoid of any nutritional value. Unfortunately, many companies in the food industry aim for extended shelf life rather than health, which is why it is often better to shop the perimeter of the grocery store rather than the aisles.

6. Eliminate Added Sugars

Natural sugars are usually OK. However, you should watch for added or refined sugars, which contribute to weight gain.

7. Watch Salt Consumption

Last, always choose low-sodium options when you have a choice, and limit adding table salt to your food. While salt is necessary, your diet does not require a lot of it.

10 Things That Holistic Nutrition is Not

So, now that we have a better idea of what holistic nutrition is, here are 10 things that Holistic Nutrition is not:

1. HOLISTIC NUTRITION IS NOT HOMEOPATHIC MEDICINE

Homeopathic and holistic are used interchangeably. However, Homeopathic is a very specific form of medicine. Homeopathic medicine is prepared by a Homeopath and is a heavily diluted substance that usually comes in the form of a small lactose pill. If you visit a homeopath, they will often provide you with customized remedies. Homeopathic remedies are one small part of holistic health and may or may not be used in a holistic nutrition practice.

2. HOLISTIC NUTRITION IS NOT NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE

The main difference is a naturopathic doctor will prescribe natural solutions instead of prescription drugs. These natural solutions may include supplements, herbal remedies, or dietary changes. Naturopathic doctors usually work with holistic nutritionists either in the same clinic or through referrals. A naturopath will provide general solutions, but holistic nutrition will get into all the dirty details. This will include specific foods to eat, meal plans, recipes, and more! But not all naturopaths have the same practice model. In general, while a naturopathic doctor’s and holistic nutritionist’s practice may overlap slightly, they also work great together.

3. A HOLISTIC NUTRITIONIST IS NOT A DIETITIAN

Dietitian and holistic nutritionist are also words used interchangeably, so this is an important point to mention when it comes to what is holistic nutrition. While both deal with food, their respective approaches are very different. A dietitian mainly focuses on food science, such as how many calories, fats, carbohydrates, and protein a food contains. While a holistic nutritionist will focus on the individual and the overall impact foods have on their health.

4. HOLISTIC NUTRITION IS NOT ALLOPATHIC MEDICINE

Allopathic medicine is the opposite model of holistic. It’s all about addressing the problem at hand with a focused solution. It is the model for modern medicine: addressing a medical ailment with either a drug or surgery intended to treat a very specific problem. In general, the allopathic method works best when applied to acute issues and the holistic method works best when applied to chronic problems. However, you can use both at the same time.

5. HOLISTIC NUTRITION IS NOT ENERGY MEDICINE

Holistic nutritionist deals with the physical body. Our recommendations come from the Newtonian-based science, traditional chemistry, and biology. We focus on the tangible matter. However, a part of our education also includes the ethereal body. It’s no secret that holistically-minded people can also be spiritual. Some holistic nutritionists are also trained in acupuncture, yoga, reiki, or other practices that focus on balancing energy.

6. HOLISTIC NUTRITION IS NOT A BUZZ WORD

the concept of holistic medicine has been around long before it was even given a name. Two of the most well-documented forms of ancient medicine are Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda. Both of these teachings have the same underlying principles as modern holistic health. The focus is on creating overall balance in the body for optimal health.  The teaching of Hippocrates, the father of medicine, focused on the use of nature to encourage the body’s own healing process. Socrates said in the 4th century B.C., “The part can never be well unless the whole is well.” Although not everyone may agree with the principles behind Holistic health, one thing we can say is that it is certainly nothing new.

7. HOLISTIC NUTRITION IS NOT A DIET FAD

A common misconception is that in order to be healthy or to lose weight, you need to have a label on your diet. Either you’re vegan, paleo, or keto.  However, holistic nutritionists generally do not promote specific diets. Instead, they will guide you in finding a diet (or eating plan) that fits your specific needs.

8. HOLISTIC NUTRITION IS NOT A PSEUDOSCIENCE

Often holistic health is considered to not be science-based. A holistic nutritionist will base recommendations on empirical data and scientific studies. Science is all about asking questions and they are always happy to explain the scientific reasoning behind their recommendations to their clients. They believe in inspiration through education. It’s not about just knowing that food is healthy for you; if you know how and why, you will be more excited to eat that food.

9. HOLISTIC NUTRITION IS NOT A MIRACLE CURE

There is no herb, food, or vitamin that will cure the body. All they do is enable the body to heal itself. In the end, it is you that has to put the work in

10. HOLISTIC NUTRITION IS NOT A LAST RESORT

The holistic approach can take time and effort and it becomes more difficult if you are already sick and tired. It’s important to listen to your body and try to address issues as soon as possible. Nutrition works great with subclinical ailments. This means that tests and blood work appear normal, but you’re still just feeling generally imbalanced. Perhaps you’re always tired, or having digestive issues or headaches. The hope is that by incorporating preventative lifestyle changes, you may be able to correct an imbalance before it becomes a chronic problem.

Where to Find a Holistic Provider

Holistic providers may include medical doctors, doctors of osteopathy, naturopathic doctors, chiropractors, and homeopathic doctors. To find a holistic practitioner in your area, visit the American Holistic Medical Association website. There you can use an online provider search to find a practitioner near you.

Here are some tips to keep in mind when choosing a holistic provider:

1. Don't go to just anyone. As with all professionals, there are those who are good at their jobs and those who are not as good. Before choosing a holistic medicine doctor, get a recommendation from someone you trust, or contact a credible health organization and ask for a recommendation.

2. Do your homework. When selecting a holistic doctor, find out as much as you can about that person’s training, experience, specialty, and association with professional organizations and hospital affiliations. Are they board-certified in holistic medicine by a credible medical board? Also, consider the doctor's treatment philosophy. Is it similar to your views?

3. How do you feel? Consider how comfortable you are with the provider. Do they make you feel at ease? Is the provider respectful of your concerns and beliefs? Remember, holistic medicine takes a team approach, involving you and the provider, so make sure you feel comfortable and respected and that they are someone with whom you would like to work.

4. Appointment time. Choose a provider who will spend enough time with you so that they can gain a full understanding of your needs.

5. Are the right questions being asked? To understand you as a whole person and not just a disease, be prepared to answer lots of questions, including questions about your diet, exercise, sleep habits, how you feel emotionally, your religious beliefs and practices, close relationships, and more. 

6. Treatment options. When determining a treatment approach, does the wellness plan go beyond pills? Make sure the practitioner examines all lifestyle factors, along with medical factors that could be contributing to your illness.

Sources:

NANP

HealthierU

Platinum Health & Wellness

Natural Healers

Peakmens Health

Dody Chiropractic

Holistic Vitality Center

Escoffier

The Holistic Feast

Essential Balance

Taylormade Wellness

Healthcare Degree

 

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.