Nutritionist vs. Nutrition Response Testing Practitioner: What’s The Difference?

You know you’re ready for someone to help you reach your nutrition goals, but you’re not sure where to start. Sound familiar? I understand that it can get confusing. After all, there are so many options out there. As a nutrition response testing practitioner, prospective patients sometimes want clarification specifically between me and a nutritionist. So whether you choose to work with me or someone else, hopefully this can help you.

A nutritionist and a nutrition response testing practitioner both know a lot about healthy food. We can both discuss the benefits of eating organic versus conventional items. We will both discourage processed foods and encourage vegetables. We can both share lots of healthy recipe ideas. And we both studied extensively in our respective fields.

Patients see me to help alleviate just about any health-related symptom. While some seek assistance with weight loss, many have other issues that need addressing. Some patients turn to nutrition response testing after traditional medicine failed, and some skip Western medicine all together and come straight to me.

Nutrition response testing is based on the proven theory that your body knows what’s wrong with it. We begin with a questionnaire and in-person assessment. I conduct a series of non-invasive muscle tests that allow me to see which organs aren’t functioning properly. When your organs are stressed by a food sensitivity, nutrient deficiency, or a toxic substance, I’ll catch it in my assessment. The muscle testing part of the process is the only thing that’s the same for everyone.

Once I’ve determined the root cause of your symptoms, I put together a custom-designed plan that includes nutrition, whole food supplementation, and lifestyle guidance. I work one-on-one with all of my patients, many of whom start to see improvements in just a few weeks. It would be impossible for a nutrition response testing practitioner to work with patients in a group setting because of the practice’s individualized nature.

Clients generally go to nutritionists just for assistance with weight loss, and usually see success. Nutritionists typically use the USDA’s food pyramid as a basis for meal plans, which provides general guidance on how much to eat of each food group.

A nutritionist can recognize that what works for one person doesn’t work for another, but his/her approach to the situation is likely different from a nutrition response testing practitioner. For example, if you’re allergic to nuts a nutritionist won’t put nuts in your meal plan. But, if you’re getting migraines a nutritionist is more likely to address the symptom. A nutrition response testing practitioner won’t do that. S/he will know which foods trigger migraines and can advise you on what to eliminate so those migraines disappear permanently.

Some nutritionists practice privately (and may even take insurance) but others are on staff at hospitals or at schools. Because their approach to nutrition planning is more generalized, a nutritionist can work well in larger group settings.

If you want to know more about the differences, drop your email below and I will happily discuss it with you.