Certificate in Naturopathic Nutrition



This distance learning course was initially designed for qualified healthcare practitioners and therapists with the purpose of ensuring any nutritional advice being given to their clients is safe and effective. It is however open to anyone with an enthusiasm the subject and a basic understanding of anatomy and physiology (this can be obtained through a short IHS add on module). The course imparts students with a basic understanding of nutritional biochemistry whilst focusing on the practical use of food and supplements to promote optimum health.

  • 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

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: nutrition for common chronic health conditions, meal planning and maximising the nutrient content of foods; toxicity and detoxification; weight loss, functions of essential nutrients including minerals, vitamins and phytonutrients and their deficiency and toxicity symptoms.

The Certificate in Naturopathic Nutrition 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.

This course is a perfect adjunct to any therapy and will enhance your own health as well as your current or future practice. Graduates of the course whom already have a recognised CAM therapy can apply to ARCHTI for membership.

This course has been awarded continuous development points by the following professional organisations:

Irish Assoc. for Craniosacral Therapy (IACST) – 100 CPD Points (http://www.iacstireland.com)
National Register of Reflexologists (NRRI) – 100 CPD Points (http://www.nationalreflexology.ie)

BACK TO TOP


Study in Nutrition

Course Content

This short course has been designed to teach the fundamental principles of naturopathic nutrition to those practicing complementary and conventional medicine as well as other areas of health and beauty care. 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 with Optional Lecture Dates

The course in Naturopathic Nutrition has been designed to equip you with specifically tailored knowledge in order to offer up to date, evidence based and practical dietary and supplement advice on topics pertinent to many clients seeking healthcare advice. This will enable you to increase the efficacy of your current treatment or therapy. This knowledge can be offered to, and benefit everybody to effect change at a cellular level. You will be able to aid clients in safe and effective detoxification and weight loss, use food and supplements to improve outcome of a number of chronic healthcare conditions and offer practical and manageable advice on dietary change and meal planning.

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. There are three modules incorperating structured home study, assignments and short answer continual assessments in order to monitor progress.


Module 1: Macronutrients
Part 1: Macronutrients and Metabolism
The macronutrients and metabolism | energy production in the body | Turning macronutrients into energy | Free radicals | Role of macronutrients in energy production

Part 2: The Macronutrients and Health
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 2: 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 dietEffects 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 3: Nutrition in Society
Dietary Coaching in Practice | Introduction to herbs used for health | Nutrition for different population groups | Effects of diet on common health disorders | Producing diet plans and fact sheets | Case studies | Counselling skills

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

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 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 


Nutrition in Society
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 agricultureAlternative diets e.g. macrobiotic, gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan | Effects on health | Popular therapeutic diets | Effects of diet on common health disordersCooking demonstration

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.

BACK TO TOP


Nutrition Courses

Entry Requirements

This certificate is a lifelong learning course and students are accepted on to this course through a combination of academic qualifications and relevant life experience.

(i) Normal minimum entry requirements

The minimum academic entry requirement for this course is a grade C at Junior Certificate or 4 GCSEs grades A to C (preferably including a science subject). Equivalent international qualifications will also be accepted. Applicants for this course should also hold a qualification in an orthodox or complementary healthcare discipline. A qualification in anatomy and physiology is also advantageous. However anybody with a passion for food, nutrition and health will be considered.

(ii) Prior Learning and Prior Experiential Learning

Applicants with Prior Learning and Experiential Prior Learning will also be considered. All knowledge, skills and competencies accumulated through life and work experience will be considered.

All applicants will be interviewed to determine their suitability for the course. 

BACK TO TOP


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

BACK TO TOP