Certificate in Diet and Health



This certificate course is an introduction to the practice of using diet, food and nutrition to promote optimal health. It is open to anyone with an enthusiasm and passion for using food and lifestyle to manage health and quality of life. We examine the impact of the modern-day diet on health and explore how farming and processing practices affect the quality of our food. The main focus of this course is on the practical use of food to promote optimum health for yourself and for your family.

  • Try your first module for FREE! – You only pay when you decide to continue the course!
  • Flexible study options  - Study entirely via distance learning or choose to attend lectures of your choice
  • Improve your own health and that of your families – learn to distinguish the facts from the myths about healthy eating
  • Develop a new career as  Dietary Coach - Top up to an ITEC accredited professional qualification in Dietary Coaching by completing just two more modules

Study in Nutrition and Health

About the Course

The course consists of three modules with detailed structured home study and relevant assignments for each module. The course covers an array of vital nutritional topics with a focus on the following therapeutic areas: the importance of digestive health and how problems here can lead to a variety of health conditions, nutrition for common chronic health conditions, meal planning and maximising the nutrient content of foods; functions of essential nutrients including minerals, vitamins and phytonutrients and their deficiency and toxicity symptoms.

The Certificate in Diet and Health may be completed by distance learning or blended learning (home study with some in class lectures). The format is modular allowing you to direct the progress of your learning. Structured home study allows you to complete each module in the comfort of your own home, at your own pace whilst mutually agreed goals and milestones ensure that you will remain focused while still allowing you flexibility. A timetable of potential in-class lectures is given to each student at the commencement of their studies so they can decide if and when they would like to attend relevant lectures, workshops, cooking demos etc. As a student you will be assigned a personal tutor to guide and mentor you through the programme. Online tutorials are provided so that you receive the support that you need.

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Study Diet and Health

Course Content

This short course is designed to teach the fundamental principles of nutrition to those that have an interest and passion for using food to manage health. It is an ideal course if you are considering a career in Nutritional Therapy or Dietary Coaching but are not ready to embark on a longer course.

Click here to view Course Outline and Optional Lecture Dates 

The course can be completed in a flexible timeframe (within 1 year) but is generally completed over five to six months, allowing you to learn this essential knowledge without too much interruption to an already busy schedule. Each module incorporates structured home study, assignments and short answer continual assessments in order to monitor progress.


Module 1: Health, Healthcare & Dietary Therapy
Understanding the Human Body and Health
The human body and how it works | The nutrition requirements of different systems of the body | Digestion and absorption | Bowel flora and health | The effects of poor digestion on health | Supporting digestion | Key factors in disease progression in the West 

Module 2: Macronutrients
Part 1: Protein
Protein and Health: Amino acids | Biological functions |Protein quality | Recommended levels of consumption | Deficiency and toxicity symptoms | Dietary sources

Part 2: Carbohydrates and Fats
Carbohydrates: Biological functions | Recommended levels | Glycaemic load | Diabetes and Syndrome X | Deficiency and toxicity | Dietary sources 
Lipids: Essentiality and Quality | Biological functions | Recommended levels | Deficiency and toxicity symptoms | Dietary sources 
Overweight and obesity: Diets and effects on weight loss and health | Barriers to weight loss | The Dietary Coaching approach | Anorexia nervosa and bulimia | Adverse effects of malnutrition

Module 3: Micronutrients and Food Groups
Part 1: The Micronutrients and Health
Minerals, vitamins and phytonutrients: Biological functions | Recommended levels | Deficiency | Imbalance and toxicity | Dietary sources | Bioavailability | Interactions | Assessing individual needs | Nutritional supplements

Part 2: Food Groups and Health
Classification of Foods | Important sources | Composition | Processing | Effects on health | Their place in a therapeutic diet | Healthy alternatives to common foods | Adding variety to the diet
Effects of cooking | Raw food | Maximising the nutrient content of food groups e.g. sprouting, grinding, soaking  | Basic novel foods and how to use them 
Common anti nutrients | Chemical additives and preservatives | Sources, Classifications, Regulation, Research | Natural toxins | Non food based toxins | Reducing toxins in the diet | Acid and alkaline balance

Module 4
: Nutrition in Society
Cooking demonstration
Meal Planning and Maximising Nutrient Status | Healthy eating on a budget | Food labeling | Growing your own | Whole food initiatives: The slow food movement, GIY, Farm to fork | Regulatory bodies | Traceability | Food processing/manufacturing | Links to chronic disease | EU food regulation | Organic food | The environment | Sustainable agriculture
Alternative diets e.g. macrobiotic, gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan | Effects on health | Popular therapeutic diets | Effects of diet on common health disorders


Add-on Modules

Performance Nutrition
Nutrition for Optimum Performance | The Functional Medicine approach | Nutritional requirements of sports enthusiasts, strength and endurance athletes
Nutrition for sports related conditions: Immune dysfunction, Free radical production, Injuries, Stress, Digestive issues | Nutrition for increasing energy
Nutrition for vegan and vegetarian athletes

The Western Diet, Lifestyle & Health
The modern Western diet and lifestyle | The typical Irish diet and lifestyle | Food processing/manufacturing methods | Refined foods and their effects on health | Medical conditions associated with modern diet & lifestyle 


Macronutrients and Metabolism
The macronutrients and metabolism | Energy production in the body | Turning macronutrients into energy | Free radicals | The role of the micronutrients in energy production

Dietary Coaching in Practice
Introduction to herbs used for health | Nutrition for different population groups | Effects of diet on common health disorders
Using questionnaires for Dietary Coaching | Producing diet plans and fact sheets | Case studies | Counselling skills

Clinical Practice Weekends
Certificate students can improve their clinical skills by attending additional clinical practice weekends during the academic year. These weekends include case studies and group activities using the Functional Medicine model of practice.

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Nutrition Courses

Entry Requirements

IHS does not have any formal entry requirements for this certificate course. Anybody with a passion for food, nutrition and health is very welcome. However, all IHS courses require dedication and commitment.

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How to Apply

Training is an investment in your future. As with any investment it is important to identify what you wish to gain and which course will be most suitable for your needs. The Institute staff will spend time speaking with you to ensure you have all the information you need to make the right decision. We recommend you attend one of our regular open evenings to find out more about the course structure, content and career opportunities.

To enrol you will need to complete the application form and return this along with a deposit to the address below. Please contact the office for deposit amount required and payment options.

Registrations

Institute of Health Sciences
13 Upper Baggot Street
Second Floor
Dublin 4
Ireland.

To receive an application in the post, please call 076 603 0746. Alternatively you can email: info@instituteofhealthsciences.com stating your name, telephone number and the course you are applying for. The application form can also be downloaded here.

If you would like IHS to contact you please fill out our online contact form and a staff member will get in touch with you shortly.

View the IHS College Prospectus

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