Nutritional therapy is a holistic approach to healthcare that uses nutrition as a means to support the body’s natural healing process and improve overall health and well-being. Nutritional therapy practitioners work with clients to assess their dietary and lifestyle habits, identify any imbalances or deficiencies, and create personalized nutrition plans to address these issues. This may include recommendations for specific foods, supplements, and lifestyle changes to improve digestion, boost immunity, and address chronic health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and autoimmune disorders. Nutritional therapy is not intended to replace conventional medical treatment, but rather to complement it and support the body’s healing process.
NTPs are not trained to provide medical nutritional therapy and do not give medical advice or diagnosis. They can’t diagnose, treat, prevent, prescribe, or cure any pathological condition, illness, or disease.
Nutritional therapy can, however, be an effective addition to complement and help support treatment for a wide range of health concerns, including chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and autoimmune disorders, as well as more general health goals such as weight management and improved energy levels.
A typical session with a nutritional therapy practitioner usually involves an initial consultation to discuss your health history and current concerns, followed by an in-depth assessment of your dietary and lifestyle habits. The NTP will then create a personalized nutrition plan for you, including specific recommendations for foods, supplements, and lifestyle changes.
The length of time it takes to see results from nutritional therapy can vary depending on the individual and the specific health concerns being addressed. Some folks may see improvements in their symptoms within a few weeks, while others may take several months to see significant changes.
Coverage for nutritional therapy varies wildly by insurance provider, but some providers may consider it nutritional counseling and offer coverage. Programs such as a Health Access membership, will reimburse up to $250 per year for nutritional counseling services, like nutritional therapy. It’s best to check with your insurance provider to see if nutritional therapy is covered under your plan.