A Registered Nutritional
Consulting Practitioner (RNCP) is a professional trained in
natural or holistic nutrition and complementary therapies.
RNCPs focus on educating the public about the benefits of
a sound nutritional and supplement program in concert with
a healthy lifestyle. Their goal is to empower and to encourage
people to achieve optimum health and energy.
At Wellness Wizards, we use the term natural nutrition interchangeably
with holistic nutrition. We prefer to use the term "natural
nutrition" wherever possible because many people do not
understand what "holistic" really means. Holistic,
for our purposes, refers to the evaluation of and recommendations
for, the whole person, in all aspects of their life, as opposed
to dealing with their symptoms in isolation.
Every person is bio-chemically unique. That
is why a personalized "health action plan" is so
crucial! RNCPs assess an individual's nutritional imbalances
and weaknesses by using questionnaires, a complete medical
history, various non-invasive techniques, and certain medical
test results. Specific diets, foods, and nutritional supplements
are often suggested.
An RNCP will help you make the best possible
food choices in accordance with your needs and special requirements,
to ensure that you receive all of the essential nutrients.
An RNCP may introduce new dietary practices, incorporating
the latest nutritional breakthroughs. Most people are overwhelmed
by the wealth of information about food, diet and supplements
in the media. Digestion, environmental pollution, metal toxicity,
micro-organism imbalances and food intolerances are just a
few of the factors that an RNCP will consider prior working
with you to design an individualized program to achieve your
health-related goals.
In the past, it was taken for granted that one
should follow the Canada Food Guide for nutrition information.
Most people are painfully aware that this guide does not work
for them…it is vague, devoid of information on quality,
and does not allow for individual needs - which may fluctuate
from day to day, and according to conditions that one may
have.
For example, until food sensitivities are corrected,
some people must avoid certain foods, such as breads and pastas
(grain intolerance), or dairy (lactose or casein intolerance).
Those with true food allergies must omit entire food "groups"!
Others may need mostly alkaline foods while detoxifying, thus
the two or three servings of meat or alternatives per day
(suggested by the Canada Food Guide) would be inappropriate.
The preceding examples outline just how valuable the services
of an RNCP can be!
RNCPs are certified by the International
Organization of Nutritional Consultants (IONC), a non-profit,
incorporated organization, founded in 1983 to create public
awareness about registered nutritional consulting. Today,
the organization has an impressive list of accredited advisors
and directors, including Jeffrey Bland, PhD, founder of Metagenics.
The board of directors & advisors participate in: regulating
education standards; facilitating continuing education courses;
newsletters; obtaining insurance coverage for, and generally
advocating on behalf of Nutritional Consulting Practitioners
world-wide. Applicants must complete their training in Holistic
Nutrition at an approved college or school with at least an
80% average, AND meet various other IONC requirements and
strict ethical standards. It is important to note that anyone
may call oneself a nutritional counsellor, natural health
practitioner, or a nutritionist! However, only those persons
who have thoroughly studied nutrition and have met the requirements
of the IONC are granted the RNCP or the NCP (in Alberta) designation.
Members of the IONC include: registered nurses, naturopathic
doctors, clinical pharmacists, dentists, dietitians, chiropractors,
veterinarians, acupuncturists, herbalists, homeopaths, iridologists,
and registered massage therapists!
Many RNCPs offer nutritional counselling in
concert with complementary therapies such as iridology, homeopathy,
fitness, yoga, and herbal or natural supplements. Qualifications
for these other disciplines are not granted by the IONC, and
as such, the public should ask for proof of certification
and experience if they are seeking services (from an RNCP)
outside of nutritional counselling. An important business
tool for any practitioner is the ability to network with other
healthcare professionals - both conventional and alternative,
and to make referrals when necessary.
A consultation with an RNCP is an educational
experience that will teach you how to make lifestyle changes
that are specific to your needs. Many extended health care
plans are now covering RNCP service fees for IONC members.
Consult your employer, plan administrator or Human Resources
Manager for details about your coverage. In the past, certain
companies have received coverage (without increasing their
premiums!) after reviewing their request for coverage with
their broker - If you are not covered, please let us know,
as the IONC will investigate refusals for coverage.
Contact
us to find out how our affordable services can
benefit your place of employment!
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