As a society, we place a lot of importance on our physical health and well-being. One key aspect of maintaining good health is proper nutrition. It’s no surprise, then, that the nutrition industry is a massive, multi-billion dollar industry, with countless books, blogs, podcasts, and social media influencers offering their expertise and advice on the topic.
But with so much information out there, it can be overwhelming and confusing to try to determine what is actually good, evidence-based nutrition advice and what is simply marketing or anecdotal information. This is especially true since the field of nutrition is not heavily regulated, meaning anyone can advertise themselves as a nutrition expert and sell their advice, regardless of whether or not they have any actual qualifications or expertise.
Regulating The Experts
This lack of regulation has led to a proliferation of harmful or simply nonsensical nutrition advice being spread far and wide, making it harder for people to achieve their health and wellness goals, whether it be weight loss, strength gain, or simply maintaining overall good health.
Registered Dietitians are the Pros.
So, how do you know who to trust when it comes to nutrition advice? One good place to start is by looking for advice from registered dietitians (RDs). RDs are qualified professionals who have completed a bachelor’s degree and a dietetic internship, and have passed a rigorous national exam. They are also required to complete continuing education courses to stay up-to-date on the latest evidence-based nutrition information.
In addition to RDs, there are other qualified professionals who may also be able to offer nutrition advice, such as doctors, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants, but often, even these professions will rely on Registered Dietitians to give them the most up-to-date advice. Even though these individuals have undergone extensive education and training in the medical field and are well-equipped to provide medical advice, you should still consider a Registered Dietitian as the top-dog in the Nutrition World.
It’s important to note that just because someone has a degree or certification in nutrition does not automatically make them an expert. It’s always a good idea to do your own research and look for information from multiple, reliable sources before making any significant changes to your diet.
Whats the latest trend?
It’s also worth noting that while certain trends or fad diets may seem appealing or promising, it’s important to be wary of any nutrition advice that seems too good to be true or that advocates for extreme or restrictive diets. These types of diets are often not sustainable in the long term and can even be harmful to your health.
In summary, it’s crucial to be careful about who you trust when it comes to nutrition advice. Look for advice from qualified professionals like registered dietitians, and be sure to do your own research to check if the information is credible and from a reputable organizations before making any significant changes to your diet.
By being an informed and discerning consumer, you can make sure that you are getting the best, evidence-based nutrition advice to help you achieve your health and wellness goals.
Get in touch to talk to one of our Registered Dietitians.