What Is Nutritional Therapy?
The fundamental goal of Nutritional Therapy is to encourage people to become knowledgeable about—and responsible for—their own health. An NTP helps individuals reach their optimal level of overall health by supporting and bringing balance to the five foundations listed below. All five are built upon a single, solid base: a properly prepared, nutrient-dense diet.
- Digestion
- Blood Sugar Regulation
- Fatty Acids
- Mineral Balance
- Hydration
By supporting each of these foundations and helping clients adopt a more nutrient-dense diet, the body's chemistry can be brought back into natural balance, setting the stage for optimal health. Holistic in the Head is passionate about helping individuals with digestive issues, but NTPs have a holistic approach that focuses on all the foundations. Everything is connected and NTPs will always focus on the body as a whole.
Nutritional Therapy is not designed; however, to treat any specific disease or medical condition. A Nutritional Therapy Practitioner is trained to evaluate your nutritional needs and make recommendations of dietary change and nutritional supplements, not medical diagnoses or prescriptions. No comment or recommendation from your NTP should be construed as a medical diagnosis or prescription. Reaching optimal health requires sincere commitment, possible lifestyle changes, and a positive attitude. If you are not willing to change how you eat and live, Nutritional Therapy is not the right approach for you. Since every human being is unique on a biochemical level, we cannot guarantee any specific result from our programs.
If you suffer from a medical or pathological condition, you need to consult with an appropriate healthcare provider. An NTP is not a substitute for your family physician or other appropriate healthcare provider. A Nutritional Therapy Practitioner is not trained nor licensed to diagnose or treat pathological conditions, illnesses, injuries, or diseases or prescribe medications. If you are under the care of another healthcare provider, it is important that you contact your other healthcare providers and alert them to your use of nutritional supplements. Therapy may be a beneficial adjunct to more traditional care, and it may also alter your need for medication, so it is important you always keep your physician informed of changes in your nutritional program. If you are using medications of any kind while working with an NTP, you will be required to alert the NTP to such use, as well as to discuss any potential interactions between medications and nutritional products with your pharmacist.
NTPs are not licensed or certified by any state. The Nutritional Therapy Association, Inc.® (NTA) provides a certificate of completion to students who have successfully met all course requirements, including a written and practical exam. The NTA's science backed curriculum is approved and recommended by the National Association of Nutritional Professionals (NANP). The NTA is also a Cornerstone Member of the American Nutrition Association. Over the last 20 years, NTPs have become commonplace in holistic and allopathic medical practices and are sought after as practitioners, chefs, authors, and advisors.