What is a Nutritional Therapy?

I am often asked if being a Nutritional Therapist is the same as being a Nutritionist or Dietitian.

While Dietitians and Nutritional Therapists both use food to support health, their approaches often differ, as outlined below.

I will explore how Nutritional Therapy addresses the whole picture behind the symptoms.

 

Nutritional Therapy

Nutritional Therapists take a more holistic and overall view of the body. They focus on finding the root cause of the problem and treat the whole person. They consider lifestyle factors alongside diet, offering individual solutions that may include herbal medicine, natural supplements and functional testing. However, the term “Nutritional Therapist” is not protected by law, so it is important to ensure the practitioner has the appropriate qualifications, such as a UK Level 6 Bachelor-equivalent accreditation, and is registered with reputable organisations such as the Association of Naturopathic Practitioners (ANP), General Naturopathic Council (GNC), or Naturopathic Nutrition Association (NNA).

Dieticians

Dietitians are typically found in clinical or NHS settings, working to manage specific medical conditions with established guidelines. In the UK, they are registered with the statutory regulator Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) after a degree-level education.

Naturopathy

Naturopathy can be a separate course or an additional post-graduate qualification after Nutritional Therapy or Herbal Medicine. Naturopaths use natural methods, such as Homeopathy, Bach Flower Essence, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Iridology and Tissue Salts, in their holistic practice. Herbal Medicine practitioners are specialised in herbs and tinctures allowing them to create their own concotions.

Seeing the Whole Picture

Imagine visiting a doctor for chronic fatigue. You might leave with a prescription for medication to manage pain relief or improve sleep. While this approach addresses the symptom, a Nutritional Therapist would explore a deeper set of questions: Why are you tired? Is it your diet, your stress levels, your gut health, or something else entirely? Fatigue, for example, might stem from nutrient deficiencies, mitochondrial dysfunction, hormonal imbalances, or a sluggish digestive system. By addressing these root causes, Nutritional Therapists aim to support your body’s natural ability to heal and thrive.

Nutritional Therapy views the body as an interconnected system rather than isolated parts. For example, skin conditions like eczema might stem from histamine reactions, liver congestion or hormonal imbalances. Instead of addressing the symptom, eczema, with a corticosteroid cream, Nutritional Therapists aim to identify and resolve the root causes across different, interconnected parts. This holistic approach helps to restore balance, allowing the body to heal naturally.

A Personalised Approach for Every Challenge

Every consultation starts with your story: your condition, medical history, a thorough review of all your systems, looking at your diet and lifestyle, and any conventional treatments you might be doing. Additional testing such as hair or stool analysis may be recommended to uncover specific imbalances or deficiences. A deeper dive into nutrigenomics is also an option as it allows for a tailored program based on your genetic makeup (I will explain this further in the next blog article).

From there, your specific plan is created – whether that means tweaking your diet, suggesting targeted supplements, or exploring lifestyle changes that fit into your routine.

If you’re ready to explore how Nutritional Therapy can support you and help provide the balance your body needs, schedule a Free 15-minute call below to discuss it further.


References:

https://www.ion.ac.uk/news/whats-the-difference-between-a-nutritional-therapist-nutritionist-and-dietitian

https://www.naturopathy-uk.com/home/home-what-is-naturopathy/

https://www.webmd.com/chronic-fatigue-syndrome/medicines-treat-chronic-fatigue-syndrome


Sophia Nylander, Nutritional Therapist resting on kitchen worktop beside colourful fruit and vegetables

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If you're tired of struggling with health issues and are ready to take the first step towards a healthier, happier you, I invite you to schedule a free 15 minute consultation below.

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