Category: Functional nutrition

Approximately 70% of chronic diseases in the United States are linked to diet and lifestyle factors. This powerful statistic highlights why a new approach to nutrition is necessary and underscores the value of a functional RD, who seeks to address the underlying reasons for health issues rather than merely managing symptoms.

According to the World Health Organization, chronic diseases are the leading cause of mortality globally, with many influenced by diet and lifestyle. iThrive offers a science-backed, functional nutrition approach that helps individuals address the root causes of their health issues, moving beyond symptom management to achieve long-term well-being.

Recent studies have uncovered that adherence to certain dietary patterns can lower cardiovascular disease mortality by 14% to 28%. This growing body of research shows that the traditional one-size-fits-all approach to nutrition is becoming obsolete, paving the way for advanced, personalized strategies that optimize health and wellness.

The Functional Nutrition Alliance notes that functional nutrition counselors usually start with a thorough client assessment before ordering labs. This highlights a key difference in practice, but the question, "Can a functional nutritionist order labs?" requires a nuanced answer depending on their credentials and jurisdiction.

According to the Nutritional Therapy Association (NTA), the role of Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioners is becoming increasingly important in various healthcare fields. For many aspiring wellness professionals, becoming an FNTP offers a path to providing personalized, root-cause-focused dietary and lifestyle support to clients.

According to the World Health Organization, poor nutrition is a leading cause of chronic diseases globally. The food as medicine protocol uses personalized, whole-food nutrition to address the root causes of illness and foster long-term wellness.

Becoming a functional nutritionist does not follow a single, standardized path, with timelines ranging from as little as 6-12 months for a focused certification program to several years for an advanced degree. This wide variation means that how long it takes to be a functional nutritionist depends entirely on your prior education, desired credential, and chosen educational route.

According to a 2023 study by Northwestern Health Sciences University, millions are seeking personalized, root-cause health solutions, driving demand for new wellness professionals. A functional nutrition certification is a powerful credential that equips you with the skills to address this need and build a fulfilling career in the health and wellness industry.

The autoimmune protocol (AIP) diet, developed around 20 years ago, is an intentional, phased dietary approach aimed at managing autoimmune conditions. The diet's origin is closely tied to the Paleolithic diet movement and the emerging understanding of gut health's link to systemic inflammation.

Up to 80% of individuals with autoimmune disease report an unusual emotional or environmental stressor before the onset of their condition, pointing to a multifactorial origin. A functional nutrition approach seeks to understand *what is the root cause autoimmune diet* by addressing the complex interplay of genetics, lifestyle, and environmental triggers, rather than just treating symptoms.