Who are you taking nutrition advice from?
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Hi Reader, Who are you taking nutrition advice from? That question matters more than you might think. Nutrition advice is everywhere. Social media, podcasts, friends, coaches, influencers, wellness programs—and sometimes from people calling themselves “nutritionists.” Some advice may simply be ineffective. But when someone has a medical condition, takes medications, or has specific medical restrictions, inappropriate nutrition advice can become dangerous. Recently, I worked with a client who came to me for help managing her cholesterol. As I reviewed her health history, I noticed medications that made me pay closer attention to her cardiovascular health. She also had a medically prescribed 1.5-liter fluid restriction. As we talked about eating balanced meals more consistently, she seemed hesitant. So I asked why. She told me that someone she had previously worked with for nutrition had placed her on a very-low-calorie diet. When she wasn't losing enough weight, according to the patient, she was encouraged to fast for a prolonged period. She told this person she wasn't feeling well. She also explained that she couldn't simply increase her water intake because of her medical fluid restriction. According to her account, her concerns were dismissed. That should never be considered normal nutrition care. Your symptoms are information—not an inconvenienceIf a patient tells me: “I feel dizzy.” “I feel weak.” “My doctor restricted my fluids.” “I take these medications.” “I don't feel well.” My response shouldn't be, “Just stick to the plan.” Those are pieces of clinical information that may completely change the nutrition recommendation. Sometimes I need to adjust the plan. Sometimes I need additional medical information. Sometimes I need to communicate with the physician. And sometimes the appropriate recommendation is to stop and have the patient evaluated by their medical team. Weight loss should never be pursued at the expense of someone's safety. Nutritionist vs. Registered DietitianThis is where credentials matter. The term “nutritionist” alone doesn't necessarily tell you someone's level of education or clinical training. Regulations vary depending on where you live. Registered Dietitians receive extensive education and supervised training in areas including physiology, biochemistry, disease processes, nutrition assessment and medical nutrition therapy. That matters when nutrition intersects with conditions such as: • Heart disease There's a difference between giving someone ideas for adding vegetables to dinner and providing medical nutrition therapy for a disease. 7 nutrition red flagsBe cautious if someone giving you nutrition advice:
Good nutrition care should be collaborative. I bring my expertise as a Registered Dietitian, but you bring expertise about your own body, culture, preferences and life. Both matter. Before taking nutrition advice, ask:What are your credentials? Are you trained to work with my medical condition? Will you collaborate with my healthcare team when necessary? And remember: A large social-media following isn't a credential. Personal weight loss isn't clinical training. Confidence isn't the same as competence. Nutrition should support your health—not require you to ignore it. This week's episode of Simple Nutrition Insights goes deeper into this conversation and explains why knowing who you're taking nutrition advice from matters. Listen to the episode → Who Can You Trust For Nutrition Advice? Fuel your body. Respect your health. And don't be afraid to ask questions. Leonila Campos, MBA, RD |