What kind of nutritionist should I go to for a specific health issue?
Regular nutritionist? Nutritional therapy? Functional Nutrition? Which do you recommend?
Happy New Year:)
The terminology may vary depending on where you live. In the US, you are looking for a registered dietitian (RD or RDN). If you have a specific health concern it is always best to consult your physician and they should be able to direct you.
Registered Dietitian (RDN) ONLY.
Avoid anyone who says they’re a “Nutritionist” without RDN credentials, or anyone that says “functional/integrative” without RDN credentials.
Your doctor should be able to give you a referral to an RDN because they’re an actual healthcare provider and will be able to bill your insurance for Medical Nutrition Therapy.
RDN’s can also specialize in a myriad of things such a Diabetes Care and Education, Oncology or Bariatric Surgery or even more niche things like IBS/IBD and so on.
RDN’s have 4-6 years of accredited and rigorous education in person at college and a 1 year clinical supervised internship in community and hospital settings. They must pass a registration exam and become licensed in each state they practice in and continue education to maintain their rigor.
Anyone can call themselves a “nutritionist” and have 0 to a few months of education, or years of unchecked or unaccredited education. They are not fit to treat people with medical conditions and in some states like Florida, it is illegal for them so do so. This applies to certified nutritionist or trainers or whatever else they call themselves.
Please see an RDN through your doctor and be safe (: Good luck.