Get Yourself a Professional!

Israelis are big on alternative medicine. Our major health care providers offer alternative treatments such as acupuncture, shiatsu, biofeedback, Chinese medicine and homeopathy.

So I wasn’t surprised to read that 14% of Israelis seek nutrition and diet advice from alternative practitioners. The good news is that 76% go to registered dietitians. 7% talk with their physicians and the remaining 3% seek “others”.

I worry about some of the alternative practitioners and the “others”. Many of them have little or no formal training in nutrition science.

How many times have I heard health-food store clerks casually recommend food supplements?

What about a nutrition evaluation based on looking into your eyes? Or diet recommendations made on the basis of your blood type or your personality?

If only it were so easy!

Fortunately, plenty of qualified people are available to advise you on questions of diet and health.

In the U.S., you can seek out an RD – a registered dietitian. The American Dietetic Association awards this credential to those of us who have passed an exam after finishing academic coursework and an internship. To maintain registration, you’ve got to keep up professionally with continuing education.

In Israel, the Health Ministry – משרד הבריאות sets standards for practicing dietetics. We also have Atid – עטיד, an organization that promotes education for nutrition professionals.

If you’re really serious about getting good nutrition advice, see a professional.