Course Detail

Diploma in Diet and Nutrition for Complementary Therapists

The main aim of the ITEC Level 3 Diploma in Diet and Nutrition for the Complementary Therapist is to enable candidates to provide healthy eating advice for their clients whom they already treat for another therapy for the purpose of improving health and lifestyle. The candidate will study the theory of the main nutrients required for a healthy diet as well as deficiencies, disorders and key illnesses associated with diet. Additionally they will develop underpinning knowledge and skills required to successfully compose a dietary plan.

Qualifications Gained: ITEC Diploma in Diet & Nutrition for Complementary Therapists

Pre-Requisites: Students must hold a recognised qualification in a complementary therapy, e.g, ITEC Diploma in Holistic Massage or higher  if they wish to gain the ITEC Diploma in Diet and Nutrition. However the course can also be completed for personal use and own knowledge and in this case no prior learning is required.

Duration of Course:Saturdays 10am-4pm from (provisionally) 2^nd October – end May. On average two Saturdays per month

Venue: Institute of Massage & Sports Therapy, Annacotty, Limerick & also Wexford

Study will include:   

-  Anatomy of the Digestive System

-  All the major Nutrients, Protein, Fats, Carbohydrates, Vitamins, Minerals, Water and Antioxidants.

-  Anti-Nutrients such as Alcohol, Caffeine, Smoking, Environmental Pollutants, the Pill, Antibiotics, Stress, Medications, Carbonated drinks and their affect on the body.

-  Foods such as Meat, Dairy, Fruit, Vegetables, Grains, Nuts, Seeds and there role in a healthy diet.

-  The role of cholesterol in the diet and problems associated with high cholesterol levels

-  Water and the effect of dehydration on the body, Tap water/Bottled water/ water filters

-  Conditions and Disorders such as Obesity, Diabetes, Hypoglycemia and Eating Disorders, Osteoporosis, Coeliac disease, Attention Deficit Disorder and the role of nutrition.

-  Diets to help treat common ailments such as Constipation, Cystitis, IBS, and Sinusitis etc.

-  Dietary needs of specific groups including pregnant women, children and the older individual.

-  The dietary requirements associated with age, gender, body size, occupation, menopause, pregnancy

-  Food Intolerances- gluten, dairy, nut

-  The effects of high protein diet on mineral levels

-  Study into the effects of processed foods on the body

-  Artificial sweeteners, refined foods, preservatives, colourants etc

-  Probiotics

-  Case Studies and assessments

Examinations:

-     One multiple choice theory paper

-     5 Case studies to be completed giving clients individual diet plans based on thorough consultations and following their progression, improvement and changes over a four week period.