What is Nutritional Therapy and how is it different from other modalities?
I’m Mariu Cabral and I am a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner (“NTP”). That’s a mouthful, isn’t it? I am sure you’ve heard about dietitians, nutritionists, and health coaches- but what exactly is an NTP and how are NTPs different from the rest?
Health Coaches:
“A Health Coach is a supportive mentor and wellness authority who helps others feel their best through individualized food and lifestyle changes that meet their unique needs and health goals.” (IIN) Having a health coach can be an excellent step towards your health however, this term is unregulated and anybody can call themselves a “health coach” which can be problematic. Health coaches are also not thoroughly trained in human nutrition and therefore they are not nutritionists unless they have additional credentials.
Dietitians:
A Dietitian “is an expert in dietetics; that is, human nutrition and the regulation of diet. A dietitian alters their patient's nutrition based upon their medical condition and individual needs. Dietitians are regulated healthcare professionals licensed to assess, diagnose, and treat nutritional problems.” (Wikipedia).
In my opinion, the issue with dietitians and why I did not want to become one in the first place is that most of them are trained in the same symptom-oriented, Westernized, fat-phobic perspective. This approach often 1) generalizes nutrition to one diet (the Mediterranean diet is NOT the only way to be healthy), 2) does not focus on prevention, 3) overly focuses on weight, and 4) is not a holistic approach, meaning that most dietitians you will encounter at a hospital or a private practice will give you a general diet without taking into consideration other aspects of your life which is necessary for compliance and success.
Nutritional Therapy Practitioner:
“A Nutritional Therapy Practitioner (“NTP”) is a professional trained by the Nutritional Therapy Association, Inc. NTPs are trained to evaluate a client’s nutritional needs and make bio-individual recommendations or provide follow-up support for dietary changes, lifestyle choices, and nutritional supplementation…” (Nutritional Therapy Association)
NTPs are not medical professionals and therefore they cannot treat illnesses, injuries, or conditions. We don’t treat, we support. If you have been recently diagnosed with an illness or a condition, an NTP can be that nutrition professional walking alongside you and working with your primary care physician so you can take your health back.
Nutritional Therapy Practitioners ARE trained to evaluate a client’s deficiencies and dysfunctions in the body. NTPs coach clients through nutrition, lifestyle, and supplement recommendations to bring the body back to balance. This approach is bio-individual (unique to the client) and science-based.
NTPs focus their practice on the Foundations of health: digestion, mineral balance, fatty acids, hydration, blood sugar regulation, and lifestyle factors such as sleep, stress, and movement. True health happens when all the foundations are in balance.
When and Why you should hire a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner:
NTPs can obviously help you start eating healthy if your diet is highly processed, high in refined sugars and fast-foods (no surprise there).
Below are also other common symptoms an NTP can help you figure out and get rid of, for good!:
Your digestion is not up to part: you experience bloating, gas, constipation, diarrhea, food allergies/sensitivities, heartburn… (my main focus)
You feel constantly tired or fatigued.
You do not sleep well.
You experience morning sickness.
Uncontrollable cravings or excessive appetite.
Lack of appetite (yup, that’s a sign of imbalance).
You are on any of the following medications: antacids, birth control pills, thyroid medication, high blood pressure medications, antidepressants, antibiotics, etc.
(The goal of nutritional therapy is not to get you off these medications, that’s your choice to make with your physician- but medications do deplete you of key nutrients in your body. As an NTP, I can assess those deficiencies and recommend an individualized nutrient protocol.)
You experience menstrual disorders: mood swings, excessive flow, casually skipping periods…
Other hormonal issues: decreased libido, uncontrollable weight gain (or the opposite), excessive hair loss…
Constant allergies.
…And much more.
Nutritional therapy is therapy. There’s not a one-size-fits-all approach or a magic pill that can solve your symptoms. Rather, an NTP can give you the tools (in the form of education, clinical assessment, and recommendations/guidelines) and work with you so you can support your health and feel empowered by doing so.
Whether you’re ready to put in the work or are unsure if Nutritional Therapy is for you, I encourage you to jump on a free discovery call with me so we can start taking steps toward your health and well-being.
If you’re yearning for a life-changing education, maybe a new career path, or being able to take your health into your own hands, consider enrolling in The Nutritional Therapy Program.
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