Introduction
The Chinese have always fascinated me when it comes to nutrition. Yes, what they don't call Chinese food but just food. I don't mean to 'noodle' around but seriously, any normal person would run out of fingers if they tried counting the number of food products that the Chinese given to the world beginning with 'lice'…
OK, before this begins to sound offensive, all I'm trying to point out that the Chinese live a healthy lifestyle, largely due to their food habits which should tells you (along with your poor doctor, who sometimes is only seen but not heard) that if you want to stay healthy, you have to eat healthy. Oh, and you can have your version of 'rice wine', if only sparingly…
However, if your Dad's last name doesn't even come close to sounding like the players you would find in the Mortal Kombat video games, there's no need to fear as Western medicine is here!
As corny as that sounded, for those of you who would like to take your health a bit more seriously, contacting a nutritionist could help you in make a fresh (although, an elementary) start when it comes to matters taking your first baby steps towards taking nutritional supplements.
Nutritionists & Dieticians: An Introduction
Before one consults a nutritionist, it is imperative to understand where they stand and what they're capable of in terms of medicinal practice first. To put it rather coarsely, the comparison between a dietician and nutritionist can be likened to the distinction between the fabled shaman and good old doctor who graduated from a college of medicine in the good old days based on which he/ she sets up his practice.
Undeniably though, they both have their uses and methods of healing and so despite the crude comparison, the 'medicine man' (much like the nutritionist) should be allowed to go about his business without any judgment just like doctors are, regardless of whether one thinks it works or not.
The point I'm trying to make is that the difference between the dietician and the nutritionist is that while the latter is effective in his own way does not necessarily possess the level of expertise and training that the system of medicine has offered the former.
So, in short, almost anyone who is working in a health-related field can be called a nutritionist, as he provides nutrition recommendations to improve one's health when consulted. However, some states do recognize the term 'nutritionist' as there are certifications for those who are interested in this profession.
Another twist to this is that some folks in the medicine community refer to themselves as 'nutritionists' even though they have the relevant education that certifies them as a 'Registered Dietician', so rather than being hesitant one should take note of whether the nutritionist is an RD.
So where can you find a nutritionist then?
One can find nutritionists online, but the preference should be given to making an appointment in person and here are some options that will point you in the right direction if not help get in touch with a qualified nutritionist immediately whether online or in person.
1. Dr. Whitaker's Directory of Nutrition-Oriented Physicians
2. Life Extension Foundation (LEF)
3. Well-Mind Association of Greater Washington (WMAGW)
4. American College of Advancement in Medicine (ACAM)
In Closing
A good nutritionist provides you with solid advice based on his/ her learning to achieve improvements in disease or to obtain optimal health, and nothing more. Yes, much like the Chinese have been doing for years now and are years ahead of us all…
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