Faculty

Syed is a Certified Nutritional Practitioner from The Institute of Holistic Nutrition with First Class distinction and was the Valedictorian of his graduating class. He is also a Registered BioEnergetics Intolerance Elimination Practitioner and runs a practice seeing clients in Oakville Ontario. Prior to his Nutritional studies, Syed graduated from the University of Toronto with an Honours degree in Bachelors of Science. He furthered his education with a Medical degree from Xavier University School of Medicine in Aruba. He had first hand clinical training experience in Atlanta, Georgia at various teaching hospitals. Syed is a compassionate professional, who is extremely knowledgeable when it comes to current natural health research. His unique educational background in Medicine combined with a holistic approach to healing, allows him to provide clients exceptional care. Clients are given the proper tools and information to allow their bodies to heal naturally. Through discovery of the root cause of symptoms clients are successfully able to reach optimum health. Syed teaches Human Anatomy & Physiology and Nutritional Pathology at Institute of Holistic Nutrition’s Online program.

HAP01 Human Anatomy & Physiology

This course includes the study of normal anatomy and physiology of the human body, beginning with the structure and function of the cell and continuing with the organization of the cell into organs. Specific topics covered will be transport mechanisms, the lymphatic system, the gastrointestinal tract, the endocrine system and the reproductive system. The interrelationship between systems will be explored with a focus on integrative and homeostatic control mechanisms.

NP07 Nutritional Pathology

This course provides a thorough understanding in the study of the traits, causes and effects of disease, as seen in the structure and workings of the Human body. The course will focus on the several body systems, including the etiology of various disease states and effective recognition of the various nutritional factors involved with the disease process. Pathology and symptomatology of various conditions that will be covered include those that affect the digestive, gastrointestinal, respiratory, urinary, endocrine, reproductive, cardiovascular, musculo-skeletal, immune and nervous systems. Students will also learn proper terminology involved in identifying various disease conditions.

Scott has worked in the fitness industry for over 20 years, both as a nutritionist and personal trainer. Scott is a graduate of the Institute of Holistic Nutrition, Athabasca University, Georgian College and the Manual Osteopathic College of Canada. He is locally recognized as an expert in the field of performance conditioning and weight management, working with clients ranging from weekend warriors to Olympic athletes. His multi-faceted approach has helped many of his clients reach their full potential. In addition to conducting workshops on weight management, holistic living and running his own manual therapy and nutrition practice, Scott teaches Fitness and Sports Nutrition at The Institute of Holistic Nutrition Online.

FSN013 Fitness & Sports Nutrition

Fitness and Sports Nutrition is the practical application of Body Metabolism. This course focuses on methods where nutrition maximizes muscle strength, endurance, and flexibility through building muscle and reducing fat. Techniques for guiding athletes in proper nutrition, and healthy eating patterns, are taught as well as effective methods to decrease fatigue, prevent dehydration and sports-related injuries due to insufficient nutrient levels. Students are taught leading and diverse methods and techniques in optimizing sports performance based on specific macronutrient and micronutrient needs for high intensity and long duration exercise. Students are evaluated through a research-based case study and learn how to implement nutritional timing methods to maximize the client’s ability to condition for, perform and recover, for continued self-improvement to live an active lifestyle.

Learning Outcomes:

• Calculate energy requirements as it pertains to exercise and body composition
• To recognize and critically analyze the safety and efficacy of the physiological effects of sports supplements
• To understand how anabolic steroids work and their detrimental effects on health
• Gain insight into macronutrient, micronutrient, antioxidant and energy metabolism during exercise
• Understand how stress levels, sleep, mental and emotional wellness contribute to maximizing performance

Fitness and Sports Nutrition provides practitioners key insights into nutrient metabolism and absorption to elevate training and sports performance. This course teaches students to develop nutrition protocols as fuel for vigorous activity levels with thorough integration of physiology, biochemistry, anatomy, energy balance, and caloric calculations.

Dr. Olivier Barré earned a PhD in Biochemistry/Biomedicine with honors from the University of Bern (Switzerland) where he worked on copper homeostasis in bacteria and humans. Olivier continued in a postdoctoral position at UBC, doing research on breast and prostate cancer. At a young age, he developed an intrigue and passion for Chinese Medicine. Olivier decided to change his career path and obtained his Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner (RTCMP) Diploma from the International College of TCM of Vancouver. Olivier fulfilled his dream of opening his own integrated practice Downtown, Vancouver 2016 and works as a TCM Practitioner. His vision has always been to combine his western science background with the natural holistic approach of Traditional Chinese medicine. Olivier teaches Biological Chemistry at Institute of Holistic Nutrition’s Online program and Nutrition According to Traditional Chinese Medicine at Institute of Holistic Nutrition’s Online Continuing Education department.

BC001 Biological Chemistry

This introduction to chemistry will aid understanding towards the nature of atomic structure, qualitative chemical reactions and how they originate in our environment and other living organisms. This course will also cover nomenclature, isomerism, main functional groups, properties and characteristics of organic compounds including an introduction to the physical, structural and biological properties of carbohydrates, proteins, lipids and nucleic acids.

BM 002 Body Metabolism

Body Metabolism is intimately linked to the nutritional sciences. The goal of this course is to give students an understanding of what the body does with the food we consume. This course begins with a detailed study of enzymes including the centrality of vitamins and minerals. This course examines the metabolic reactions used to obtain energy from carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids and reactions used to excrete wastes such as urea and uric acid. Cellular respiration including the citric acid cycle is thoroughly taught. This course provides detailed knowledge of factors regulating blood sugar including the key metabolic hormones insulin and glucagon and the metabolic pathway of gluconeogenesis. Other topics include digestive hormones, production of lactic acid, lipid carriers, and the effects of low carbohydrate diets on ketosis, and more. Students are taught and evaluated on biological and metabolic pathways.

Learning Outcomes

• Describe the significance of vitamins and minerals for enzyme function and the factors inhibiting enzyme activity
• Discuss the stages of cellular respiration and explain how the electron transport chain works
• Explain digestion, absorption and metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, lipids and nucleic acids
• Detail the structure of the liver and its significance in Phase I and Phase II of detoxification

Body Metabolism equips students with a key insight into the biological mechanics of metabolism with special attention to describing how the liver is the detoxification centre of the body. This course provides key insight into the biological processes of digesting and metabolizing proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids.

Linda received her Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Toronto with a specialist in Zoology and a major in Biomedical Science. She then completed a Master of Science Degree in Cell Biology at McMaster University. Since 1988, Linda has taught at both Seneca and Sheridan College as well as doing private tutoring. Linda has taught a wide variety of science courses including Biology, Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Microbiology, Histology, Laboratory Techniques and Environmental Science. Many of these courses required extensive course development. Linda has taught groups of mature students including on site teaching at Connaught Laboratories and currently teaches Biological Chemistry, Human Anatomy & Physiology and Body Metabolism at Institute of Holistic Nutrition’s Online program and Applied Endocrinology at Institute of Holistic Nutrition’s Online Continuing Education Department.

BC001 Biological Chemistry

This introduction to chemistry will aid understanding towards the nature of atomic structure, qualitative chemical reactions and how they originate in our environment and other living organisms. This course will also cover nomenclature, isomerism, main functional groups, properties and characteristics of organic compounds including an introduction to the physical, structural and biological properties of carbohydrates, proteins, lipids and nucleic acids.

HAP01 Human Anatomy & Physiology

This course includes the study of normal anatomy and physiology of the human body, beginning with the structure and function of the cell and continuing with the organization of the cell into organs. Specific topics covered will be transport mechanisms, the lymphatic system, the gastrointestinal tract, the endocrine system and the reproductive system. The interrelationship between systems will be explored with a focus on integrative and homeostatic control mechanisms.

BM002 Body Metabolism

Body Metabolism is intimately linked to the nutritional sciences. The goal of this course is to give students an understanding of what the body does with the food we consume. This course begins with a detailed study of enzymes including the centrality of vitamins and minerals. This course examines the metabolic reactions used to obtain energy from carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids and reactions used to excrete wastes such as urea and uric acid. Cellular respiration including the citric acid cycle is thoroughly taught. This course provides detailed knowledge of factors regulating blood sugar including the key metabolic hormones insulin and glucagon and the metabolic pathway of gluconeogenesis. Other topics include digestive hormones, production of lactic acid, lipid carriers, and the effects of low carbohydrate diets on ketosis, and more. Students are taught and evaluated on biological and metabolic pathways.

Learning Outcomes

• Describe the significance of vitamins and minerals for enzyme function and the factors inhibiting enzyme activity
• Discuss the stages of cellular respiration and explain how the electron transport chain works
• Explain digestion, absorption and metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, lipids and nucleic acids
• Detail the structure of the liver and its significance in Phase I and Phase II of detoxification

Body Metabolism equips students with a key insight into the biological mechanics of metabolism with special attention to describing how the liver is the detoxification centre of the body. This course provides key insight into the biological processes of digesting and metabolizing proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids.

Candace holds a degree in fine arts and is a graduate of The Institute of Holistic Nutrition. She is both a visual artist and the founder of Holistic-as-Heck nutritional consulting. Her mission is to share the dramatic impact that diet and lifestyle can have on overall health, both mental and physical. With a big focus on digestive wellness, Candace teaches that how you eat can be just as important as what you eat. With dietary restrictions being an ever-shifting constant in her life, Candace has become a Kitchen Witch, skilled at adapting and creating recipes. For years she has facilitated Educational Dinner Parties in private homes, and has taught cooking classes and workshops in stores, homes, cafés, and schools throughout the greater Toronto area. Food ethics are especially important to her, and she has a special love for fermentation and incorporating herbal medicine. Candace’s approach is education-based. She loves getting people excited about reclaiming their personal power and creating total wellness. She specializes in delicious concoctions, self-empowering re-education, a noisy enthusiasm for eating, giggly times, and cheesy rhymes. Candace teaches Holistic Food Preparation and Comparative Diets at Institute of Holistic Nutrition’s Online program.

HFP04 Holistic Food Preparation

Holistic Food Preparation introduces students to the art and science of cooking, bringing the hallmark of optimal health and nourishment to the table. The holistic kitchen is a unique laboratory where pure, natural, and whole ingredients are transformed into vibrant, nutrient-dense, and delicious dishes. There is a focus on the importance of food quality (organics), food ethics, seasonality, locality, as well as traditional methods of preparation that emphasize digestion. While a variety of theories and approaches are taught, students should expect to have a lot of fun! This course provides hands-on experience in food preparation and eating, with the intention of health and healing. It includes invigorating power drinks, deeply-nourishing soups, nutritive one-pot dishes, and clean energy snacks that include a new dimension in culinary theories through the fascinating principles of Ayurveda. Emphasis is placed on the proper preparation of grains, seeds and legumes through milling, soaking, sprouting, and fermentation. Students are taught how to choose high-quality oils and fats with beneficial properties, and which preserve and enhance the nutritional value of other foods. Raw foods, fermented condiments and vegetables, along with other high enzyme preparations will be explored. All cooking classes are vegetarian. Students will be taught and evaluated on plant-based recipe creation, individual presentation of a select recipe, and essential skills to ensure a mastery of safe handling of specialized kitchen tools, equipment, knife skills, and minimizing food waste.

Learning Outcomes:

• How to make a suite of aromatic, flavourful, nutritious, healing, and “yummy” holistic cuisine!

• How properly made foods “replace, reinoculate, and repair” in aid of various conditions, with a focus on maximum absorbability.

• Why eating food as close to its natural state as possible makes the difference between optimal health and disease.
• The ability to curate well-produced meal plans and recipes for clients with diverse needs, including food sensitivities, health conditions, cultural and personal preferences.

• The confident and enthusiastic use of novel combinations and properties of herbs, spices, grains and seaweeds.

• Perform basic operations in the kitchen, including time management for complex recipes.
• To develop both simple and complex recipes with the intent to impact health, happiness and longevity.
• Ability to make informed choices about fats sources as well as dried legumes and grains, vegetables, fruits, herbaceous plants, and their collective impact on health.

Holistic Food Preparation provides students with the age-old traditions and contemporary concepts and skills necessary to plan and craft therapeutic menus and recipes as part of their professional protocol development with clients. Experiential in nature, this course will transcend a student’s current views on what they think it means to make “good food,” and embrace the depth in holistic cooking that contributes to whole health and vitality.

CD011 Comparative Diets

This course provides a holistic model methodology in evaluating principles of food dynamics, nutrient proportions, holistic individuality, the law of opposites, food combining, and more. Students learn and assess the many therapeutic benefits and limitations of several alternative diet approaches, including: modern diets (intermittent fasting, macrobiotics), food combining (colour-therapy/rainbow diet), high protein diets (Ketogenic, Paleo), Vegetarian approaches (plant-based/vegetarian/vegan variations, fruitarian, raw food), as well as cleansing and detoxification diets (caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine detoxes, juice fasts). With the knowledge gained in this course, students will be able to identify individual’s dietary imbalances, and analyze macronutrient proportions to design custom health-promoting diets and lifestyle programs.

Angelika Bendrich is a Registered Practicing Counsellor, (RPC), Certified Nutritional Practitioner (CNP), and honours graduate of The Institute of Holistic Nutrition in Toronto. She is the founder of Fundamentals of Life Services in Surrey, BC and, as Reiki Master/Teacher, the owner and founder of REIKIWORKS. Angelika’s career in the healing arts spans two decades. Her journey through a life threatening illness gave her a renewed perspective on living, which she incorporates into her work.In life and in work Angelika leads with her heart in providing a compassionate healing space of safety, acceptance and respect, inspired by a deep passion to help individuals with life transition challenges. She has had the ability to see into the very heart and soul of people since she was a little girl. She holds the sacred Truth she sees in others and reflects it back to them until they are ready to see it for themselves. Her vision is to co-create a more peaceful, loving and harmonious world by helping people to create more peaceful, loving and harmonious lives. Angelika teaches Psychology of Disease and Ayurveda: Mind/Body Healing at Institute of Holistic Nutrition’s Online program.

POD012 The Psychology of Disease

The Psychology of Disease offers an introduction to the field of Energy Medicine. This well investigated branch of integrative and alternative medicine studies how biological, social and psychological factors influence health and illness. This course introduces students to the fundamental premise that our physical body demonstrably corresponds to our psychology. The energy of our thoughts, emotions and beliefs can express themselves as matter in the form of a condition or disease.
Students explore the energy centres of the body; the chakra system to understand how the body speaks through its own vocabulary. Its language is physical signs and symptoms that are tied to memories, environment or experiences, energetically creating an imbalance. The course looks at how chakras conduct the ten major systems of the body, particularly the endocrine system, and how increasing awareness of one’s thought patterns can inhibit or assist our health and our ability to achieve balance.
The Psychology of Disease is a unique course of personal self-development from self-knowledge and self-awareness that will inform future practitioners how to guide their clients to look for clues surrounding their health and work to unpack energetic blockages for deep healing.
Students will be taught and evaluated on introductory principles of energy medicine such as the biology of belief, therapeutic applications of subtle energies, the chakra system, as well as assignments to learn strategies that manifest wellness including the profound impact of food.

Learning Outcomes

• Understand the physical, mental, and spiritual connections to health and illness
• How to identify thought patterns and belief systems that contribute to disease/health imbalances
• Be able to confidently provide recommendations for reframing stressors to shift perspectives, that can positively shift health outcomes
• Awareness of traditional and contemporary energy medicine modalities and techniques to build into one’s practice
• Getting out of the way of, and trusting your intuition
• Discernment around how and when to discuss the purpose of disease and the language of illness with clients

The Psychology of Disease is a personal development course that combines well-established mainstream science in chemistry and biology with quantum physics evidence that shows us there is no difference between energy and matter. Whether students look at chakras as literal places in the body, or metaphoric ones, this course will increase self-awareness to activate mind/body connections that optimize healing. Energy Medicine is at the forefront of driving curiosity to acknowledge and provide practitioners with the opportunity to learn how nature organizes itself, at all levels, for the greatest impact to healing.

AMB02 Ayurveda: Mind/Body Healing

This course incorporates the philosophy of Holistic Nutrition with spiritual and psychological approaches towards attaining optimal health, through the connection and benefits of sound body and mind. This course will explain the principles and practical applications of Ayurveda, the oldest healing system in the world. Students will learn about the three forces – Vata, Pitta and Kapha, that combine in each being into a distinct constitution. Practical dietary and lifestyle recommendations for different constitutions will also be explored in real case studies.

Julia is a Certified Nutritional Practitioner (CNP) and a First Class honours graduate of The Institute of Holistic Nutrition. She combines her strategic marketing and communications skills with her nutrition and orthomolecular knowledge to bring a dynamic dimension to the program’s global objective to make holistic nutrition a lifestyle standard.

Julia teaches an exclusive module in IHN’s LIVE and SELF-PACED programs on a syllabus which is part of IHN’s Professional Practice curriculum. Her lecture includes CV development, professional behaviour and language in clinical practice, negotiating career opportunities and launching independent initiatives, an in-depth review of the industry’s educational standards bodies and the provincial and federal regulatory landscape governing CNPs in Canada. Julia’s eclectic, unusual and challenging teaching style on the controversial subject of freedom of choice in medicine and food rights always ends in the fundamental message of self-determination, respect of the individual and the power held within every holistic practitioner to evolve our communities one person at a time.

Dedicated to advancing the reputation of IHN’s alumni and graduating students, Julia manages the program’s Co-operative education placement department, develops the weekly guest speaker lecture series, initiates career platforms for graduates and students, markets the advanced continuing education courses, produces IHN’s international alumni online presence, and acts as a catalyst for all CNPs in need of support in any area of their practice, in any part of the world.

For 15 years, while teaching and developing Continuing Education programming at IHN, she paralleled her passion to protect individual’s rights by working as the Executive Coordinator and National Campaign Director for the Natural Health Products Protection Association (NHPPA). This well-respected Canadian activist group continues to campaign against federal government policies and laws that disallow the public and practitioners their right to use alternative natural medicines of their choice.  Julia teaches Professional Practice at Institute of Holistic Nutrition’s Online program.

PP 001 Professional Practice

Professional Practice explores the foundational practices and concepts to succeed in a professional work environment. This course aims to equip students with tools, skills and best practices to excel in the field of holistic nutrition with a strong focus on practicing in private clinical practice settings. Emphasis is placed on legal framework, language, marketing techniques, social media applications, defining goals, consulting skills, time management, client relationships, building rapport, and professionalism. Professional Practice builds on the communication skills taught in Professional Skills Development. Initiatives for working locally and internationally; in-person and virtually; on individual and group programs; in print and public broadcast medias; independently or in clinic with regulated professionals are discussed. Essential topics like launching, operating, and scaling business ventures are reviewed. Defining professional fees for protocols and programs is a significant learning outcome in this course.

Learning Objectives:

• Write and develop an effective business proposal to establish a new venture or expand an existing one.
• Provide insight on accountability to clients, confidentiality, compassion, creating non-judgemental spaces and professional boundaries
• Taking risks, discipline, motivation, creativity, autonomy and building confidence are all part of the course material
• Learn the best practices of networking from IHN’s alumni and community leaders in natural health
• Learn the profession’s standards and guidelines associated with curating and managing a successful nutrition practice
• Explore the various modalities and business models and methods to determine a unique client avatar
• Learn how to create a media kit, powerful resumes and how to approach brands for collaborative opportunities
• The role of advocacy in, and for, our profession

Professional Practice is designed to encourage both personal and professional growth. It gives students the resources to consider how they will contribute to the profession’s growth and elevate the legitimacy of the field as a whole. Graduates will have a strong base understanding of how to develop effective nutrition consulting skills, within their niche, anywhere in the world. This course stresses the power of one’s vision and mission to hold a unique space in the field. It defines the importance of structure and solid processes to complete tasks. Two critical focal points of the syllabus rest on attaining optimal client health outcomes and how to thrive as a reputable and recognized holistic nutrition professional.

Antonina Bureacenco is a graduate of The Institute of Holistic Nutrition and she is also working on receiving her diploma from the College of Naturopathy Christian Limoges in 2018. Antonina travels across North and South America teaching Nutrition and Water Science to both public and medical professionals and is a regular spokesperson for holistic medicine on Harpreet Singh Show, Joy TV. In her work with clients, Antonina’s mission is to educate and demystify an overwhelming amount of puzzling health information, to inspire transformation and to support peoples healing journey using advanced nutrition research and orthomolecular science. Antonina teaches Preventive Healthcare at Institute of Holistic Nutrition’s Online program.

PHC 005 Preventive Health Care

Preventive Health Care emphasizes the significant factor of nutrition in the prevention of disease states. This course explores how proper nutrition can protect against or reverse many ailments including stress, inflammation, immune deficiencies, compromised brain health, inflammatory bowel disease, obesity, asthma, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, arthritis, and cancer. Students will be exposed to current research developments and trends on phytochemicals, antioxidants, and nutraceuticals. Special attention in this course is given to the management of diseases of the cardiovascular system. This course instructs students to become familiar in detail with natural health strategies, dietary modifications, and supplement protocols to treat, prevent and reverse degenerative conditions. Students are taught and evaluated on specific dietary and lifestyle protocols in the prevention of disease.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand the holistic viewpoint on the etiology of degenerative disease
• Develop protocols for specific health conditions through the use of nutrition, lifestyle changes, therapeutic modalities, and nutraceuticals
• Gain insight into the importance of why managing stress is critical for lowering the risk of disease and creating resilience
• Exposure to evidence-based nutrition research to demonstrate preventive strategies in acute and chronic health conditions

Preventive Health Care instructs future practitioners to recommend highly customized client protocols for a broad range of health conditions through the use of natural nutrition, lifestyle, holistic therapies, and supplementation. This course highlights the centrality of digestive health in the management of stress.

Eva holds a Masters of Education degree and is a practicing Certified and Registered Nutritional Consultant Practitioner. She brings a blend of traditions and skills to her practice and teaching. Eva’s professional background is in Pharmacognosy, Holistic Nutrition and Herbology. She has taught courses in Science, Pain Management and English for the past six years. She holds diplomas with honors in Natural Health Counselling & in Applied Holistic Nutrition. Eva has been devoted to Yoga and to spreading the knowledge of a healthy vegetarian lifestyle, including simple whole living, spirituality and care for the environment. She is an active member of the Toronto Vegetarian Association & the Canadian Natural Health Association. Alongside her recipes and articles published regularly in Lifelines & the TVA newsletter. Eva teaches Holistic Food Preparation, Nutrition & the Environment, Herbal Medicine and Ayurveda, Mind, Body Healing at Institute of Holistic Nutrition Online’s program.

HM008 Herbal Medicine

Herbal Medicine introduces students to the healing, detoxifying and rejuvenating effects of medicinal herbs. Emphasis is placed on herbal terminology, levels of application from “simpling” to adding complexity using medium potency and harmonizing herbs and specific applications, including remedies for stress, tissue tonification, detoxification and deep immune support. The course explores each anatomical body system, along with the common conditions of each, so that students are able to identify the corresponding herbs and their actions to offer single or multiple herbal recommendations. Herbal Medicine will instruct students on specific herbal combinations to promote optimal health, with special attention to their application in managing both acute and long-term imbalances. Students are trained and evaluated on proper herbal names, herbal recommendations in example case scenarios and building protocols through multiple herbal combinations. Herbal Medicine also offers experiential learning through a guided herb walk where students are exposed to recognizing multi-functional medicinal wild herbs and plants in their local environment.

Learning Outcomes:
• Understanding the holistic approach to promoting wellness with nature’s medicines, both the healing plants which grow around us and effective imported herbs
• Exploration of the therapeutic actions of herbal medicines in the human body
• Awareness of proper harvesting, wildcrafting, drying and storage techniques for herbs and the many methods and uses including infusions, decoctions, inhalations, capsules, tinctures, salves, ointments and teas
• Ability to create herbal formulas with specific dosage recommendations for common conditions both internal and topical
• Evaluation of formulas and effectiveness of herbal remedies that are available commercially
• Understanding the application and the associated protocols of herbal treatment for both chronic and acute conditions

Herbal Medicine instructs future practitioners in the proper use of herbal nutraceuticals as valuable complements to nutritional and lifestyle protocols. This course strikes the difference between isolated, active ingredient medicine to the complex, synergistic effect of whole plant medicine as part of a holistic approach to health and healing.

HFP04 Holistic Food Preparation

Holistic Food Preparation introduces students to the art and science of cooking, bringing the hallmark of optimal health and nourishment to the table. The holistic kitchen is a unique laboratory where pure, natural, and whole ingredients are transformed into vibrant, nutrient-dense, and delicious dishes. There is a focus on the importance of food quality (organics), food ethics, seasonality, locality, as well as traditional methods of preparation that emphasize digestion. While a variety of theories and approaches are taught, students should expect to have a lot of fun! This course provides hands-on experience in food preparation and eating, with the intention of health and healing. It includes invigorating power drinks, deeply-nourishing soups, nutritive one-pot dishes, and clean energy snacks that include a new dimension in culinary theories through the fascinating principles of Ayurveda. Emphasis is placed on the proper preparation of grains, seeds and legumes through milling, soaking, sprouting, and fermentation. Students are taught how to choose high-quality oils and fats with beneficial properties, and which preserve and enhance the nutritional value of other foods. Raw foods, fermented condiments and vegetables, along with other high enzyme preparations will be explored. All cooking classes are vegetarian. Students will be taught and evaluated on plant-based recipe creation, individual presentation of a select recipe, and essential skills to ensure a mastery of safe handling of specialized kitchen tools, equipment, knife skills, and minimizing food waste.

Learning Outcomes:

• How to make a suite of aromatic, flavourful, nutritious, healing, and “yummy” holistic cuisine!

• How properly made foods “replace, reinoculate, and repair” in aid of various conditions, with a focus on maximum absorbability.

• Why eating food as close to its natural state as possible makes the difference between optimal health and disease.
• The ability to curate well-produced meal plans and recipes for clients with diverse needs, including food sensitivities, health conditions, cultural and personal preferences.

• The confident and enthusiastic use of novel combinations and properties of herbs, spices, grains and seaweeds.

• Perform basic operations in the kitchen, including time management for complex recipes.
• To develop both simple and complex recipes with the intent to impact health, happiness and longevity.
• Ability to make informed choices about fats sources as well as dried legumes and grains, vegetables, fruits, herbaceous plants, and their collective impact on health.

Holistic Food Preparation provides students with the age-old traditions and contemporary concepts and skills necessary to plan and craft therapeutic menus and recipes as part of their professional protocol development with clients. Experiential in nature, this course will transcend a student’s current views on what they think it means to make “good food,” and embrace the depth in holistic cooking that contributes to whole health and vitality.

NE009 Nutrition And The Environment

Based on an underlying philosophy that environments maintain and promote health and that individuals have a right to self-determination and self-knowledge, this course will present nutrition principles which promote health and prevent disease. Topics will consider the safety of our food supply, naturally occurring and environmental toxins in foods, microbes and food poisoning.

AMB 02 Ayurveda, Mind, Body Healing

This course incorporates the philosophy of Holistic Nutrition with spiritual and psychological approaches towards attaining optimal health, through the connection and benefits of sound body and mind. This course will explain the principles and practical applications of Ayurveda, the oldest healing system in the world. Students will learn about the three forces – Vata, Pitta and Kapha, that combine in each being into a distinct constitution. Practical dietary and lifestyle recommendations for different constitutions will also be explored in real case studies.

Following a 15 year career in nursing, Deborra began to explore the phenomena of ‘energy’ and its relationship to the human body. Achieving her reflexology certification two years later, Deborra discovered a compelling link between the soles of the feet and the soul of the person she was connecting with; thus her ‘Sole to Soul Holistics’ business was born in 1996.  Through her Intuitive Reflexology sessions, Deborra was detecting that negative emotions were directly related to the illnesses and health issues she was treating with reflexology. Sensing something was still missing, the next piece she sought was revealed when she began her study and practice of Qi Gong. As a gifted international speaker, teacher and counsellor, Deborra has been transforming people’s lives with her Emotional Blueprint Program. Her practical, proven system for success has helped individuals and couples achieve the healthful and productive state of mind, body and spirit they deserve. Deborra is passionate about helping her clients become more energetic, positive, and productive in their work and home life. She is intuitive, insightful, and invested in the people she has helped to overcome the roadblocks to a better life. Deborra teaches The Psychology of Disease at The Institute of Holistic Nutrition’s Online Campus.

POD012 Psychology of Disease

The Psychology of Disease offers an introduction to the field of Energy Medicine. This well investigated branch of integrative and alternative medicine studies how biological, social and psychological factors influence health and illness. This course introduces students to the fundamental premise that our physical body demonstrably corresponds to our psychology. The energy of our thoughts, emotions and beliefs can express themselves as matter in the form of a condition or disease.
Students explore the energy centres of the body; the chakra system to understand how the body speaks through its own vocabulary. Its language is physical signs and symptoms that are tied to memories, environment or experiences, energetically creating an imbalance. The course looks at how chakras conduct the ten major systems of the body, particularly the endocrine system, and how increasing awareness of one’s thought patterns can inhibit or assist our health and our ability to achieve balance.
The Psychology of Disease is a unique course of personal self-development from self-knowledge and self-awareness that will inform future practitioners how to guide their clients to look for clues surrounding their health and work to unpack energetic blockages for deep healing.
Students will be taught and evaluated on introductory principles of energy medicine such as the biology of belief, therapeutic applications of subtle energies, the chakra system, as well as assignments to learn strategies that manifest wellness including the profound impact of food.

Learning Outcomes

• Understand the physical, mental, and spiritual connections to health and illness
• How to identify thought patterns and belief systems that contribute to disease/health imbalances
• Be able to confidently provide recommendations for reframing stressors to shift perspectives, that can positively shift health outcomes
• Awareness of traditional and contemporary energy medicine modalities and techniques to build into one’s practice
• Getting out of the way of, and trusting your intuition
• Discernment around how and when to discuss the purpose of disease and the language of illness with clients

The Psychology of Disease is a personal development course that combines well-established mainstream science in chemistry and biology with quantum physics evidence that shows us there is no difference between energy and matter. Whether students look at chakras as literal places in the body, or metaphoric ones, this course will increase self-awareness to activate mind/body connections that optimize healing. Energy Medicine is at the forefront of driving curiosity to acknowledge and provide practitioners with the opportunity to learn how nature organizes itself, at all levels, for the greatest impact to healing.

Baljinder Chhoker has been an educator and consultant in the natural health industry for over 25 years. He graduated from the University of Waterloo with a Bachelor of Science degree in Hons Science and the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM) with a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine diploma. Instead of going into clinical practice, he chose to do consulting in various forms. For the last 10+ years, Baljinder has been the National Educator and consultant for Bio Lonreco / Dr. Reckeweg. He does in-office and online trainings, and hosts clinical webinars on homeopathic and nutraceutical protocols for practicing clinicians. He educates practitioners, naturopaths and retailers on the various supplements available through Bio Lonreco. He has been a faculty member at the CCNM (1997 to 2002). He has provided consulting services for several pharmaceutical companies, and has been consulting in the retail side for many years and has a vast knowledge of all the natural supplements on the market today. Baljinder has taught Human Anatomy & Physiology at The Institute of Holistic Nutrition. He currently shares his expertise in his Continuing Education Course Supplementation in Clinical Practice (CESCP).

HAP01 Human Anatomy & Physiology

This course includes the study of normal anatomy and physiology of the human body, beginning with the structure and function of the cell and continuing with the organization of the cell into organs. Specific topics covered will be transport mechanisms, the lymphatic system, the gastrointestinal tract, the endocrine system and the reproductive system. The interrelationship between systems will be explored with a focus on integrative and homeostatic control mechanisms.

Paul has empowered people to consciously and holistically manage their health for close to 25 years. Paul holds a Diploma in Applied Holistic Nutrition from The Institute of Holistic Nutrition and a Certificate of Achievement in the Teacher/Trainer of Adults Program at Centennial College.

He is dedicated to investigating, clarifying, and explaining important nutrition issues and concepts. He is an ardent proponent of critical thinking in the context of health and published research. Paul taught in the core diploma program at The Institute of Holistic Nutrition for 17 years. Currently, he works full-time between his work as the Program Facilitator at the International Society for Orthomolecular Medicine (ISOM) and running his private clinical nutrition practice. At ISOM, Paul spent over a year updating the world-renown Dr. Abram Hoffer’s original book on schizophrenia—now titled Light on Schizophrenia—to support and validate Dr. Hoffer’s work. Paul is driven to increase awareness of the foundational role nutrients play in mental health. He teaches Nutrition & Mental Health and Clinical Detoxification in the Continuing Education Department of IHN.

Dr. David Duizer is a naturopathic doctor with a special interest in the holistic approach to cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and autoimmune disease. His clinical focus is to address the cause of disease and support the body’s ability to heal naturally. Through advanced laboratory testing and the use of nutrition, lifestyle modification, herbal medicine, orthomolecular medicine, intravenous therapy and physical medicine Dr. Duizer aims to reduce symptoms and reverse disease processes. Dr. Duizer earned his Bachelor of Science at the Royal Military College in Kingston, Ontario in 2008 and his Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine at the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine in 2014 where he currently sits as a Director on the Board of Governors. David teaches Nutritional Pathology at Institute of Holistic Nutrition’s Online program and Understanding Lab Diagnostics in Clinical Practice in the Institute of Holistic Nutrition’s Online Continuing Education Department.

NP07 Nutritional Pathology

This course provides a thorough understanding in the study of the traits, causes and effects of disease, as seen in the structure and workings of the Human body. The course will focus on the several body systems, including the etiology of various disease states and effective recognition of the various nutritional factors involved with the disease process. Pathology and symptomatology of various conditions that will be covered include those that affect the digestive, gastrointestinal, respiratory, urinary, endocrine, reproductive, cardiovascular, musculo-skeletal, immune and nervous systems. Students will also learn proper terminology involved in identifying various disease conditions.

After many years as a law clerk with a life-long interest in plants, Susan returned to school to study Phytotherapy in the diploma program at the Institute of Applied Health Sciences, Mohawk College, Hamilton. She studies under the medical supervision of a staff instructor of the McMaster University Medical School, with additional instruction from naturopaths, medical herbalists and specialists in botany and horticulture. Now in private practice in Caledon, surrounded by the herbs she uses, she is a professional member of the Ontario Herbalists Association, sitting on the Professional Members Committee and writing a regular column for the Canadian Journal of Herbalism.

She is also a professional member of the American Botanical Council. Susan regularly leads herb walks, speaks to private groups on different aspects of herbs, teaching Herbal Pharmacy. Susan teaches Advanced Herbal Therapeutics at Institute of Holistic Nutrition’s Online Continuing Education Department.

HM 008 Herbal Medicine

Learn the healing and rejuvenating effects of medicinal herbs. Special emphasis is placed on herbal terminology, levels of application (including tonics, heroics and specifics), chronic condition application, remedies for stress, detoxification and antiviral, antibiotic and immune stimulating herbs.

Angelo has been a Certified and Registered Nutritional Consulting Practitioner for over eight years. He has been employed in the field of natural health products for over eight years. The interest in nutritional supplementation and how it affects the body has been an ongoing passion for Angelo, particularly in the area of sports supplements and human performance. Angelo is always up-to-date with the latest research on effective supplement strategies, as well as nutrient timing, so his clients receive the most accurate and correct information available. Angelo also loves to educate by providing nutritional seminars for various companies such as Bayer, Royal Bank of Canada, The Running Room and other various fitness institutions. He has also made radio and television appearances for the Latin American radio station; AM 1610 and the Telelatino Network (TLN), an Italian and Spanish television station. His tireless commitment to helping and educating others about nutrition is what Angelo thrives on. Angelo runs a private nutritional consulting practice, Advanced Nutritional Systems, creating individualized nutritional plans for people who live active lifestyles. Angelo teaches Fitness and Sports Nutrition at Institute of Holistic Nutrition’s Online program.

FSN013 Fitness & Sports Nutrition

Fitness and Sports Nutrition is the practical application of Body Metabolism. This course focuses on methods where nutrition maximizes muscle strength, endurance, and flexibility through building muscle and reducing fat. Techniques for guiding athletes in proper nutrition, and healthy eating patterns, are taught as well as effective methods to decrease fatigue, prevent dehydration and sports-related injuries due to insufficient nutrient levels. Students are taught leading and diverse methods and techniques in optimizing sports performance based on specific macronutrient and micronutrient needs for high intensity and long duration exercise. Students are evaluated through a research-based case study and learn how to implement nutritional timing methods to maximize the client’s ability to condition for, perform and recover, for continued self-improvement to live an active lifestyle.

Learning Outcomes:

• Calculate energy requirements as it pertains to exercise and body composition
• To recognize and critically analyze the safety and efficacy of the physiological effects of sports supplements
• To understand how anabolic steroids work and their detrimental effects on health
• Gain insight into macronutrient, micronutrient, antioxidant and energy metabolism during exercise
• Understand how stress levels, sleep, mental and emotional wellness contribute to maximizing performance

Fitness and Sports Nutrition provides practitioners key insights into nutrient metabolism and absorption to elevate training and sports performance. This course teaches students to develop nutrition protocols as fuel for vigorous activity levels with thorough integration of physiology, biochemistry, anatomy, energy balance, and caloric calculations.

Brett is a Certified Clinical Holistic Nutritional Practitioner and a Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner with over 16 years of clinical experience. He runs a cloud-based online clinic with a primary focus on chronic and complex digestive issues, hormone health and autoimmune disease.

He sits on the Science Advisory Board for Uforia Science (DNA-based supplementation and nutrigenomics), is the Chief Advising Clinician for The Detox Project (focus on glyphosate testing and detoxification) and also does product education for Mega Food, Botanica Health, Renew Life and Host Defense Mushrooms. His podcast, Holistic Health Masterclass, is ranked in the top 200 alternative health podcasts in the world – providing valuable health information to 1000’s of listeners in 57 countries.

Brett has been interviewed by CTV, Global TV, the Calgary Herald and Toronto Observer; and has also done presentations for the National Women’s’ Show, March Against Monsanto, the Toronto non-GMO Coalition, the Canadian Society of Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture and numerous podcasts and summits. He is considered an expert in the field of natural medicine and holistic health. In 2020 he was nominated as one of the “Top 100 Healthcare Leaders” by the IFAH. Brett has taught at the Institute of Holistic Nutrition’s Toronto and Mississauga campuses for 14 years where he now works as a Student Clinic Advisor. Brett teaches Nutrition and Health: The Fundamentals at Institute of Holistic Nutrition Online.

FN 001 Nutrition & Health: The Fundamentals

Nutrition and Health: The Fundamentals changes the lens for how the world of health and healing is viewed. It sets the stage for the examination of nature’s power within the holistic paradigm. It is IHN’s foundational course, providing students with an understanding of “food as information” and orthomolecular concepts in the prevention of disease and the acquisition of optimal health. Fundamentals offers students a framework for the study of micronutrients (vitamins and minerals), energy-yielding nutrients (carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins), metabolism, digestion, absorption, and energy balance. The syllabus provides an in-depth analysis of their functions, classification and dietary requirements within an evidence-based model. This course teaches the mechanics and principles of essential nutrients for restoring the body’s ability to heal.

Learning Outcomes

• Assess the relationship between soil, cell, environment and human health
• Identify the structure and function of the GI tract, common digestive disorders, and links to major fatal diseases that are restored through the gut
• Explain functions of macronutrients and micronutrients, their requirements, sources, reasons for deficiencies, and use in disease prevention
• Understand the importance of water, antioxidants and detoxification
• The knowledge of how isolated nutrient interventions work against acute and chronic health condition

Nutrition and Health: The Fundamentals is a foundational axis course that lays the groundwork of knowing how to determine root cause—a key tenant of functional nutrition. This course stresses the importance of knowing “by which mechanism” essential nutrients orchestrate ideal physiological functions and optimal health.

Alexandra is a Naturopathic Doctor, Certified Nutritional Practitioner and Sociologist. She is a graduate of The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, The Institute of Holistic Nutrition and York University. Alexandra’s practice focuses on women’s health and pediatrics with a particular interest in fertility and reproductive care and has completed further training in this area. Alexandra believes in finding and treating the root of the disease in an individualized approach to health care. Having a nutrition background, one of Alexandra’s main treatment focuses involves in depth dietary counselling and applications, along with other preferred methods of treatment such as acupuncture, and botanical medicine to name a few. In addition to her private practice Alexandra owns and operates the Hillcrest Centre for Health, with centres in Toronto and Mississauga. Alexandra is excited to give back to the IHN community in her new role of instructor. Alexandra teaches Nutrition through the Lifespan at Institute of Holistic Nutrition’s Online program.

NLS010 Nutrition Through The Lifespan

Nutrient needs and nutritional status are explored using a life span model. Areas of emphasis include growth and development, high risk pediatric groups, infant childhood allergies and diseases. Womens’ and Mens’ health concerns and the nutrition challenges faced by our aging society will also be examined.

Edith is a Certified & Registered Orthomolecular Nutritional Practitioner. Edith Holds diplomas from the Institute of Holistic Nutrition (First Class Honors) and the British Institute of Homeopathy. She has studied with various well known international experts in the field of Homeopathy, Homotoxicology & Clinical Nutrition. Edith has been in private clinical practice since the year 2000 and is the founder of Essence of Vitality Nutrition & Homeopathy Clinic in Toronto. Edith incorporates Therapeutic Clinical Nutrition, Live Cell Microscopy, Hair Mineral & Metal Analysis, Applied Nutritional Kinesiology, Bio-therapeutic Drainage, Herbal Gemmotherapy and Oligotherapy into her arsenal of natural healing modalities and also helps her clients better understand their medical Lab Data. As an experienced clinical practitioner she has been passionately educating clients, students, friends and family about the benefits of Holistic Nutritional Healing, guiding her clients to achieve optimal health. She enthusiastically emphasizes the importance of understanding how the human body works in health as a whole and the nutritional connection to correcting imbalances at all levels. Edith brings an abundance of science to her lectures and shares years of clinical experience with her students. Edith’s message to her students is “Completion of this life changing program at IHN is the beginning of perpetual learning and healing opportunities.” Edith teaches Nutritional Pathology at Institute of Holistic Nutrition’s Online program and Homeopathy for Beginners at Institute of Holistic Nutrition’s Online Continuing Education Department.

NP07 Nutritional Pathology

This course provides a thorough understanding in the study of the traits, causes and effects of disease, as seen in the structure and workings of the Human body. The course will focus on the several body systems, including the etiology of various disease states and effective recognition of the various nutritional factors involved with the disease process. Pathology and symptomatology of various conditions that will be covered include those that affect the digestive, gastrointestinal, respiratory, urinary, endocrine, reproductive, cardiovascular, musculo-skeletal, immune and nervous systems. Students will also learn proper terminology involved in identifying various disease conditions.

Tim is a Certified Nutritional Practitioner and First-Class honours graduate from IHN.

Getting his start with an “old school” bodybuilding supplement company in Detroit, Michigan, Tim came upon the study of nutrition and health almost by accident. After 15 years working with Natural Source Products and Research Nutrition, Tim decided it was time to add more scientific understanding to his already extensive layman’s experience and knowledge, and decided to enroll at the Institute of Holistic Nutrition.

Tim graduated from IHN’s North York Class of 2010 and was Valedictorian of his class. After graduation, he returned to Windsor, Ontario where he continued his practice, albeit with an even greater armamentarium to help clients with. In 2014, Tim founded The Holistic Guy Foods in Windsor, Ontario – a food processing company focusing on dehydrated and raw fermented foods, making apple chips, fruit rolls, spices, sauerkraut, kimchi, kombucha. In fact, The Holistic Guy Foods is North America’s only commercial fruit tea kombucha maker.

In 2019, Tim moved his family to an off-grid homestead in Central Alberta, where he and his wife and two boys are doing their best to live off the land, and with land that they currently steward, using holistic farming practices to grow their food and manage their livestock. Between feeding animals and collecting eggs, Tim passionately works one-on-one with clients from all corners of the Earth, using customized diet and lifestyle changes to support them in their healing. Tim teaches Nutritional Symptomatology 2 at Institute of Holistic Nutrition’s Online program.

NS003 Nutritional Symptomatology Part 2

This course takes the knowledge from level 1 Nutritional Symptomatology course to a new level. Provides a thorough understanding of underlying causes of disease and methods to prevent them. Provides practical information about an array of assessment tools including: Nutribody Questionnaire, Hair Mineral Analysis, pH Testing, Thermography and Basal Temperature Test. Covers symptomatology and specific supplementation, diet and life style protocols for more complex conditions, including leaky gut syndrome, Crohn’s, endocrine dysfunctions, CFS, heavy metal toxicity, liver and kidney detoxification, immune system issues and cancer. Students will have the opportunity to apply their knowledge on various case studies.

Luiza began her journey into the world of natural healing in the 1970’s when she adopted a vegetarian diet and began her exploration of philosophy, shamanism, and mysticism. This search included the study of many natural healing modalities including herbal medicine, aromatherapy, homeopathy, energy medicine and psychology, hypnotherapy, Zen shiatsu therapy, energy medicine and energy psychology, Gestalt therapy for practitioners, and Ayurvedic medicine with its many modalities. She is well-versed in eastern philosophies and western esoteric thought, and has a background in design, graphic arts production, administrative studies and economics.
Luiza has been in private practice for thirty years. In her private practice she combines personal practice with an extensive teaching repertoire, she melds the philosophy, theory, and principles of ancient medicine, including Ayurveda, Zen Shiatsu, Herbal medicine, nutrition, energy medicine and psychology, and counseling, with practical, contemporary methods and approaches to healing with each client. She has taught several courses including Introductory and Intermediate Ayurveda courses at the Royal Ontario Museum as part of their ROMLife programs; Principles of Ayurveda, Ayurvedic Self-Care, Self-Care for the Psyche, Chakras and the Psychology of Disease at the Institute of Traditional Medicine; Ayurveda, and The Psychology of Disease at the Institute of Holistic Nutrition. She offers workshops on meridian stretching and breathwork, shiatsu therapy, ayurvedic bodywork and marma theory, yoga therapy, herbal medicine, chakra psychology, and introductory, intermediate medical astrology. She has also led groups to India on wellness journeys. She utilizes the principles of Jyotish (vedic astrology) and western medical astrology in her practice and has found it an invaluable tool in healing. Through understanding the larger cycles and how they affect health and wellness, the duration of illness and the therapeutics required, she has empowered clients with the knowledge and tools to better navigate the cycles of their lives. Luiza teaches The Psychology of Disease at The Institute of Holistic Nutrition Online.

POD 012 The Psychology of Disease

The Psychology of Disease offers an introduction to the field of Energy Medicine. This well investigated branch of integrative and alternative medicine studies how biological, social and psychological factors influence health and illness. This course introduces students to the fundamental premise that our physical body demonstrably corresponds to our psychology. The energy of our thoughts, emotions and beliefs can express themselves as matter in the form of a condition or disease.
Students explore the energy centres of the body; the chakra system to understand how the body speaks through its own vocabulary. Its language is physical signs and symptoms that are tied to memories, environment or experiences, energetically creating an imbalance. The course looks at how chakras conduct the ten major systems of the body, particularly the endocrine system, and how increasing awareness of one’s thought patterns can inhibit or assist our health and our ability to achieve balance.
The Psychology of Disease is a unique course of personal self-development from self-knowledge and self-awareness that will inform future practitioners how to guide their clients to look for clues surrounding their health and work to unpack energetic blockages for deep healing.
Students will be taught and evaluated on introductory principles of energy medicine such as the biology of belief, therapeutic applications of subtle energies, the chakra system, as well as assignments to learn strategies that manifest wellness including the profound impact of food.

Learning Outcomes

• Understand the physical, mental, and spiritual connections to health and illness
• How to identify thought patterns and belief systems that contribute to disease/health imbalances
• Be able to confidently provide recommendations for reframing stressors to shift perspectives, that can positively shift health outcomes
• Awareness of traditional and contemporary energy medicine modalities and techniques to build into one’s practice
• Getting out of the way of, and trusting your intuition
• Discernment around how and when to discuss the purpose of disease and the language of illness with clients

The Psychology of Disease is a personal development course that combines well-established mainstream science in chemistry and biology with quantum physics evidence that shows us there is no difference between energy and matter. Whether students look at chakras as literal places in the body, or metaphoric ones, this course will increase self-awareness to activate mind/body connections that optimize healing. Energy Medicine is at the forefront of driving curiosity to acknowledge and provide practitioners with the opportunity to learn how nature organizes itself, at all levels, for the greatest impact to healing.

Jennifer is a graduate of the Institute of Holistic Nutrition as Valedictorian with First Class Honours. In addition to her Nutrition training, Jennifer participated in a Mentorship program, studying the philosophies and teachings of Dr. Bernard Jensen, as well as completing certification courses in Clinical Iridology, Live Blood Cell Microscopy and B.A.S.E. Allergy Therapy.

Jennifer is an energetic and dynamic nutritional professional and is the founder of H.E.A.L. Naturally Holistic Health a Nutritional Consulting practice which offers complimentary therapies & evidence-based clinical nutrition which harmonize the beliefs and practices of a balanced approach to lifelong health. She decided to pursue her passion as a Health Educator after successfully experiencing first-hand, the profound effects of improved diet & lifestyle within her own family of four beautiful children!

Jennifer continues to offer Educational workshops, Corporate Events & writing submissions and has been published in Girls Can Do Anything magazine – Canada’s official teen empowerment digital magazine. Jennifer teaches Nutritional Symptomatology Part I at Institute of Holistic Nutrition’s Online program.

NS 003 Nutritional Symptomatology Part I

Nutritional Symptomatology Part 1 introduces students to the foundations of clinical nutrition by interpreting physiological symptoms and their relationships to nutritional deficiencies, excesses and toxicities. This course introduces the interrelationships of nutrients and the critical role they play in determining optimal health. Students will develop foundational, as well as condition specific, protocols to restore the body’s balance. This course trains students to understand how physiological symptoms reflect and determine an individual’s nutritional status. Concepts taught include the essential principles of biochemical individuality through i.e. genetics, environment, microbiome, to see each client, and themselves, as truly unique. Students are taught to produce, and are evaluated on, the completion of clinical case study sets.

Learning Outcomes:

• Gain insight into physiological symptoms associated with nutrient deficiency
• Develop professional food, supplement, lifestyle and detox protocols as they relate to specific clinical symptoms
• Learn detailed explanations of underlying causes of disease and their relationship to food from a cellular to systems perspective
• Understand how to develop comprehensive strategies with a focus on natural remedies for resolving common and complex issues

Nutritional Symptomatology Part 1 explores the process of holding consultations using a variety of practitioner-level assessment tools to move clients towards favourable outcomes. Students learn the critical role that biochemical individuality plays in determining results-based personalized nutrition.

Sofia is a Certified Nutritionist Practitioner and an honours graduate of the Institute of Holistic Nutrition. She also has a Master’s degree in Science from “Traian Vuia” University, Romania. Sofia is the founder of FeellikeSpring Nutrition and Wellness Clinic in Toronto. In her quest to help people to attain their true balance of mind, body and spirit, she incorporates in her practice several other modalities like Energy Medicine, Reiki, Reflexology and Pilates. Sofia’s 18 years’ experience of the industrial and corporate world gives her the understanding of the importance of harmony between work and personal time in one’s life. Her own experience with debilitating health problems resulting from working in a high stress environment ignited her interest in holistic healing. What started as a personal necessity, ended up being a passion to help others. In her practice her main focus is to educate people about the negative effects of stress and ways to deal with it. Through customized diet, life style changes and intervention at energetic level, Sofia helps her clients to “FeellikeSpring”, to blossom to their full potential. She shares her own healing journey and knowledge with clients and the public through one-to-one consultations, small group seminars, workshops, community centers presentations and community newspapers. She is an active member of Friends of Alternative and Complementary Therapies (FACT) and Women in a Home Office (WHO). Sofia teaches Nutritional Symptomatology Part 2 at Institute of Holistic Nutrition’s Online program.

NS 003 Nutritional Symptomatology Part 2

Nutritional Symptomatology Part 2 is an advanced course that builds on the foundational knowledge gained in Nutritional Symptomatology Part 1. This course provides students with a thorough knowledge of the underlying causes of disease and methods to prevent and address them. Practical assessment tools such as the Nutribody Questionnaire, complete Lifestyle and Health History Assessment Forms (i.e. diet, supplementation, medications, activity levels, habits, work, sleep, stress, mindset), pH Testing, Basal Temperature Tests and Hormonal Testing are discussed in their application to clinical nutrition. This course covers complicated symptomatology that informs the development of supplementation, diet, and lifestyle protocols for more complex conditions, including digestive challenges like leaky gut, dysbiosis, and inflammatory bowel states, endocrine dysfunctions with focus on estrogen dominance, adrenals and thyroid, liver and kidney detoxification/support as well as immune system issues, including autoimmune diseases and cancer. Students are taught and evaluated on the design of intricate clinical protocols addressing chronic health conditions.

Learning Outcomes

• Research and prepare specific strategic plans targeted to resolve chronic conditions to restore homeostasis from a diseased to a healthy state

• How to put together all the pieces of your client’s puzzle through what they write on forms and what shows from assessments. Learn to tune in to the complete picture and connecting the dots. Build skills in increasing compliance.

• Why opening the doors to the channels of elimination (kidneys, bowel, skin, lungs, liver, and lymphatic) is a crucial first step in healing

• Furthering the knowledge on optimizing digestion and clearing waste through the pathways of elimination

• Implementation of the five steps to heal the gut concept of, “remove, replace, reinoculated, repair and rebalance”, through the use of customized supplementation (micronutrients, herbals, phytochemicals, homeopathy), lifestyle, environment, and diet

• How to asses hormonal imbalances and best approach to overcome various conditions linked to hormone dysregulation and autoimmune diseases

• Become comfortable with addressing various cancer scenarios, where a supportive or integrative approach may be quite beneficial to the client

• How to develop a multifaceted strategy to resolve many common and complex client cases

• When to propose other healing modalities, such as (but not limited to) colon hydrotherapy, coffee enemas, lymphatic massages, CBT, somatic therapy, reflexology, acupuncture, breathwork, and stress reduction modalities that may be helpful for clients

Nutritional Symptomatology Part 2 strengthens protocols developed by practitioners who are trained in advanced clinical assessment tools. This course highlights the necessity for critical thinking and evidence-based research in application to chronic health concerns.

Karim Premji is a graduate of the Institute of Holistic Nutrition as a Valedictorian with First Class Honours and has also completed his Certification in Clinical Iridology. Before starting his wellness career, Karim studied Information Technology Management at Ryerson University where he also graduated with First Class Honours. During his studies, he built a supplement business that now has over 70,000 customers through a direct sales model. This shifted his passion towards being a wellness entrepreneur and he decided to become a Nutritionist.

After graduating from IHN, he became a nutritionist at Healthy Planet, a leading health food store.  Three years later, he is now the manager of one of the busiest locations in Toronto on the Danforth. He is also on the Field Advisory Council for a supplement company called TriVita. Karim has also been in private practice where he has helped many people with Clinical Iridology and optimizing their diets for wellness. He is also a writer and has been featured in a Documentary film, The Wellness Story,along with a few segments on Rogers TV, Health Matters. As a graduate of the Landmark Worldwide Curriculum for Living, he loves to share the possibility of wellness and transformation as a state that can be achieved through living a balanced lifestyle and being ‘at cause’ of one’s own health and wellbeing. Karim teaches Fundamentals of Nutrition, Preventive Healthcare and Comparative Diets at the Institute of Holistic Nutrition’s Online Campus.

FN 001 Nutrition And Health: The Fundamentals

Nutrition and Health: The Fundamentals changes the lens for how the world of health and healing is viewed. It sets the stage for the examination of nature’s power within the holistic paradigm. It is IHN’s foundational course, providing students with an understanding of “food as information” and orthomolecular concepts in the prevention of disease and the acquisition of optimal health. Fundamentals offers students a framework for the study of micronutrients (vitamins and minerals), energy-yielding nutrients (carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins), metabolism, digestion, absorption, and energy balance. The syllabus provides an in-depth analysis of their functions, classification and dietary requirements within an evidence-based model. This course teaches the mechanics and principles of essential nutrients for restoring the body’s ability to heal.

Learning Outcomes

• Assess the relationship between soil, cell, environment and human health
• Identify the structure and function of the GI tract, common digestive disorders, and links to major fatal diseases that are restored through the gut
• Explain functions of macronutrients and micronutrients, their requirements, sources, reasons for deficiencies, and use in disease prevention
• Understand the importance of water, antioxidants and detoxification
• The knowledge of how isolated nutrient interventions work against acute and chronic health condition

Nutrition and Health: The Fundamentals is a foundational axis course that lays the groundwork of knowing how to determine root cause—a key tenant of functional nutrition. This course stresses the importance of knowing “by which mechanism” essential nutrients orchestrate ideal physiological functions and optimal health.

PHC 005 Preventive Health Care

Preventive Health Care emphasizes the significant factor of nutrition in the prevention of disease states. This course explores how proper nutrition can protect against or reverse many ailments including stress, inflammation, immune deficiencies, compromised brain health, inflammatory bowel disease, obesity, asthma, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, arthritis, and cancer. Students will be exposed to current research developments and trends on phytochemicals, antioxidants, and nutraceuticals. Special attention in this course is given to the management of diseases of the cardiovascular system. This course instructs students to become familiar in detail with natural health strategies, dietary modifications, and supplement protocols to treat, prevent and reverse degenerative conditions. Students are taught and evaluated on specific dietary and lifestyle protocols in the prevention of disease.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand the holistic viewpoint on the etiology of degenerative disease
• Develop protocols for specific health conditions through the use of nutrition, lifestyle changes, therapeutic modalities, and nutraceuticals
• Gain insight into the importance of why managing stress is critical for lowering the risk of disease and creating resilience
• Exposure to evidence-based nutrition research to demonstrate preventive strategies in acute and chronic health conditions

Preventive Health Care instructs future practitioners to recommend highly customized client protocols for a broad range of health conditions through the use of natural nutrition, lifestyle, holistic therapies, and supplementation. This course highlights the centrality of digestive health in the management of stress.

CD 011 Comparative Diets

Comparative Diets provides a critical assessment of the many therapeutic benefits and limitations of several alternative diet approaches, including low-carb diets, high-protein diets (Paleo Diet, Dr. Atkins, Keto, Carnivore), Plant-based approaches (Vegetarian, Vegan, Fruitarian, Raw Food, Rainbow), Longevity and Cultural diets (Okinawa, Mediterranean, Macrobiotic, Fasting), Condition-based diets (Glycemic Index, Intermittent Fasting, Food Combining, Low-FODMAP-Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides and Polyols, GAPS-Gut and Psychology Syndrome, AIP-Autoimmune Protocol). This course will also address, in detail, the main detoxification diets from caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine. Students are taught and evaluated on succinctly identifying dietary imbalances as well as analyzing micronutrient propositions to design custom health-promoting diets and lifestyle programs.

Learning Outcomes:

• Explore kinetics of living systems, the law of opposites and the effects on the body and feelings of certain foods, the meaning of cravings
• Distinguish the models of food dynamics including expansive/contracting and acid/alkaline food products
• Describe how holistic individuality, metabolic typing, and the blood type diet are rooted in personalized biochemistry
• Explain the benefits of cold-pressed juice to address both acute and chronic health conditions and increase vitality
• Develop insights into the fundamental knowledge of mechanistic principles and complementary effects of several alternative diet regimens on health

Comparative Diets informs future practitioners to recommend specific dietary protocols that are determined by biochemical individuality. To promote optimal health, this course instructs practitioners to safely and effectively recommend nourishing and cleansing diets.

Corrie Rabbe graduated from The Institute of Holistic Nutrition as a Certified Nutritional Practitioner with First Class Honours. She is also a Certified Herbalist from the Sage Mountain Herbal Retreat Centre.

Corrie received a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Environmental Studies program at Carleton University. She worked for animal welfare, conservation, and environmental non-profit organizations for over 15 years before becoming a CNP. She is passionate about sharing the message that a healthy ecosystem is needed for a healthy body, right down to the microbiome. Corrie is also a fermented food expert, having studied with Sandor Katz.

Corrie conducts educational workshops on Gut Health, Fermented Foods, and Herbalism through her company Radical Health. She has led and worked with a number of community organizations including Just Food, Transition Ottawa, and Permaculture Ottawa. In her spare time, Corrie can be found at her cottage working on her permaculture gardens and beekeeping. Corrie teaches Biological Chemistry, Body Metabolism, and Herbal Medicine for the Institute of Holistic Nutrition Online.

BC001 Biological Chemistry

This introduction to chemistry will aid understanding towards the nature of atomic structure, qualitative chemical reactions and how they originate in our environment and other living organisms. This course will also cover nomenclature, isomerism, main functional groups, properties and characteristics of organic compounds including an introduction to the physical, structural and biological properties of carbohydrates, proteins, lipids and nucleic acids.

BM002 Body Metabolism

Body Metabolism is intimately linked to the nutritional sciences. The goal of this course is to give students an understanding of what the body does with the food we consume. This course begins with a detailed study of enzymes including the centrality of vitamins and minerals. This course examines the metabolic reactions used to obtain energy from carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids and reactions used to excrete wastes such as urea and uric acid. Cellular respiration including the citric acid cycle is thoroughly taught. This course provides detailed knowledge of factors regulating blood sugar including the key metabolic hormones insulin and glucagon and the metabolic pathway of gluconeogenesis. Other topics include digestive hormones, production of lactic acid, lipid carriers, and the effects of low carbohydrate diets on ketosis, and more. Students are taught and evaluated on biological and metabolic pathways.

Learning Outcomes

• Describe the significance of vitamins and minerals for enzyme function and the factors inhibiting enzyme activity
• Discuss the stages of cellular respiration and explain how the electron transport chain works
• Explain digestion, absorption and metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, lipids and nucleic acids
• Detail the structure of the liver and its significance in Phase I and Phase II of detoxification

Body Metabolism equips students with a key insight into the biological mechanics of metabolism with special attention to describing how the liver is the detoxification centre of the body. This course provides key insight into the biological processes of digesting and metabolizing proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids.

HM008 Herbal Medicine

Herbal Medicine introduces students to the healing, detoxifying and rejuvenating effects of medicinal herbs. Emphasis is placed on herbal terminology, levels of application from “simpling” to adding complexity using medium potency and harmonizing herbs and specific applications, including remedies for stress, tissue tonification, detoxification and deep immune support. The course explores each anatomical body system, along with the common conditions of each, so that students are able to identify the corresponding herbs and their actions to offer single or multiple herbal recommendations. Herbal Medicine will instruct students on specific herbal combinations to promote optimal health, with special attention to their application in managing both acute and long-term imbalances. Students are trained and evaluated on proper herbal names, herbal recommendations in example case scenarios and building protocols through multiple herbal combinations. Herbal Medicine also offers experiential learning through a guided herb walk where students are exposed to recognizing multi-functional medicinal wild herbs and plants in their local environment.

Learning Outcomes:
• Understanding the holistic approach to promoting wellness with nature’s medicines, both the healing plants which grow around us and effective imported herbs
• Exploration of the therapeutic actions of herbal medicines in the human body
• Awareness of proper harvesting, wildcrafting, drying and storage techniques for herbs and the many methods and uses including infusions, decoctions, inhalations, capsules, tinctures, salves, ointments and teas
• Ability to create herbal formulas with specific dosage recommendations for common conditions both internal and topical
• Evaluation of formulas and effectiveness of herbal remedies that are available commercially
• Understanding the application and the associated protocols of herbal treatment for both chronic and acute conditions

Herbal Medicine instructs future practitioners in the proper use of herbal nutraceuticals as valuable complements to nutritional and lifestyle protocols. This course strikes the difference between isolated, active ingredient medicine to the complex, synergistic effect of whole plant medicine as part of a holistic approach to health and healing.

Tahlia Sage is a graduate of The Institute of Holistic Nutrition and is the founder of Sweet & Savoury Health. Overcoming her own health challenges and weight loss journey prompted Tahlia to pursue an education in nutritional science and holistic nutrition.  In her private practice, Tahlia helps clients achieve their wellness goals by embracing healing foods and lifestyle changes one informed step at a time.  As a wellness educator and nutrition coach, Tahlia’s professionalism is balanced with a sense of humour, where she helps her clients become empowered and feel connected with their health throughout the healing process. Applying a holistic approach to nutrition coaching has enabled Tahlia to reach a global client base. Tahlia’s intimate knowledge and experiences with holistic nutrition, passion for phytonutrients and delicious foods have also led to successful partnerships with local companies such as Naked Coconut and Finlandia Natural Pharmacy. There are a few places you can find Tahlia in her spare time. Tahlia is an active participant with a number of non-profit organizations, such as, Herbalist Without Borders, Dress for Success, and Crabtree Corner, bringing wellness to people in need. You will also find her gathering fresh produce at farmer’s markets, cooking up new recipes in the kitchen or sharing wellness inspirations on her blog sweetandsavouryhealth. Tahlia teaches Nutrition through the Lifespan and Nutritional Symptomatology Part 1 at Institute of Holistic Nutrition’s Online program.

NLS010 Nutrition through the Lifespan

Nutrition Through the Lifespan addresses macro and micronutrient needs based on the lifespan model. A healthy nutritional status is vital throughout every stage, supporting pregnancy outcomes, growth, and aging. This comprehensive course begins with the foundations of essential nutrients for fertility and pregnancy; pediatrics including lactation with particular attention to infant feeding in the first year; navigating childhood nutritional demands; to adolescence including allergies and disorders as they relate to the repercussions of nutritional deficiencies. Early adulthood, midlife and mature adulthood for women’s and men’s health is explored, adding lifestyle and environmental factors that contribute to optimal health at each life stage. Support for nutritional challenges faced in geriatric nutrition round out the program. This course introduces students to the etiology and symptoms of common health conditions that are a key determinant of nutritional status. Evaluations through tests and case studies examine individualized dietary requirements, giving students the insight and ability to design optimal nutrition, supplement and lifestyle guidance for clients throughout their stages of life.

Learning Objectives:

• To understand nutritional choices impact overall health and vitality, for all age groups and their related conditions

• Students will develop protocols that include dietary, detox, supplementation and lifestyle recommendations at all stages

• To gain an understanding of the significant nutritional needs for optimal pregnancy, growth, and development

• To analyze and address contributing factors in the elimination of food allergies and intolerances, particularly for children

• Address the imperative nature of optimal digestive health, at all stages

Nutrition Through the Lifespan contributes to keen insights into the lifespan model to address conditions and imbalances. Using a case study approach, this course is highly applicable, giving students the opportunity to research and develop key protocols for diverse age ranges.

NS 003 Nutritional Symptomatology Part I

Nutritional Symptomatology Part 1 introduces students to the foundations of clinical nutrition by interpreting physiological symptoms and their relationships to nutritional deficiencies, excesses and toxicities. This course introduces the interrelationships of nutrients and the critical role they play in determining optimal health. Students will develop foundational, as well as condition specific, protocols to restore the body’s balance. This course trains students to understand how physiological symptoms reflect and determine an individual’s nutritional status. Concepts taught include the essential principles of biochemical individuality through i.e. genetics, environment, microbiome, to see each client, and themselves, as truly unique. Students are taught to produce, and are evaluated on, the completion of clinical case study sets.

Learning Outcomes:

• Gain insight into physiological symptoms associated with nutrient deficiency
• Develop professional food, supplement, lifestyle and detox protocols as they relate to specific clinical symptoms
• Learn detailed explanations of underlying causes of disease and their relationship to food from a cellular to systems perspective
• Understand how to develop comprehensive strategies with a focus on natural remedies for resolving common and complex issues

Nutritional Symptomatology Part 1 explores the process of holding consultations using a variety of practitioner-level assessment tools to move clients towards favourable outcomes. Students learn the critical role that biochemical individuality plays in determining results-based personalized nutrition.

Natasha earned her Ayurveda Health Counselor Diploma from the Mount Madonna Institute of Ayurveda in California under teachers like Dr. Vasant Lad, Dr. John Doulliard, Dr. Kshirsagarhave Suhas, among others.  She is also a certified yoga teacher, having completed her training at the Salt Spring Centre of Yoga. Natasha currently offers Ayurvedic counselling, body work and massage in Vancouver, as well as private yoga/ yoga therapy and corporate yoga in the city.

Natasha has a deep love and appreciation for Ayurveda and is drawn to teaching Ayurveda and Yoga because of the transformation she has experienced in her own life; the holistic benefits, moments of deep realizations and overall happiness these sciences of life have gifted her. Ayurveda is constitutional in her teaching and therapy. Natasha teaches Ayurveda: Mind/Body Healing at Institute of Holistic Nutrition’s Online Campus.

AMB02 Ayurveda: Mind/Body Healing

This course incorporates the philosophy of Holistic Nutrition with spiritual and psychological approaches towards attaining optimal health, through the connection and benefits of sound body and mind. This course will explain the principles and practical applications of Ayurveda, the oldest healing system in the world. Students will learn about the three forces – Vata, Pitta and Kapha, that combine in each being into a distinct constitution. Practical dietary and lifestyle recommendations for different constitutions will also be explored in real case studies.

Jesse Lane Schelew, BSc, CNP is a cheerful Holistic Nutritionist, motivating speaker, cookbook author and wellness writer. She is a graduate of the Institute of Holistic Nutrition and the founder of JesseLaneWellness.com, a web based holistic nutrition practice and holistic recipe resource. Jesse Lane is passionate about nutrition, she helps positive and vibrant individuals unlock the incredible healing power of food and reclaim their health. She helps her clients adopt fun and effective habits that they can get excited about. Jesse Lane loves to play in the kitchen and create holistically delicious recipes and meal plans that accommodate a wide variety of food allergies, diets and lifestyle choices. She believes that eating healthy whole foods can be easy, fun and most of all delicious! Jesse Lane is a co-author of The Holistic In the City 21 Day Smoothie Guide and has been featured on KrisCarr.com, Mind Body Green and Elephant Journal. Jesse Lane is a vibrant public speaker who shares her knowledge of nutrition in an engaging and enthusiastic manner. She has been a guest on several Rogers TV shows and loves to conduct corporate lunch and learns and wellness workshops. Jesse Lane teaches Professional Practice and Professional Skills Development at Institute of Holistic Nutrition’s Online program.

PSD01 Professional Skills Development

Professional Skills Development equips students with effective communication skills as a key factor in building a professional practice. Theories of communication are taught as concepts to provide students with the supportive tools needed to engage their audiences and clients. Experiential in nature, one of the core elements of this course is to help students overcome their fear of public speaking through a gradual, supportive and enjoyable introduction to sharing information verbally. Students will be given insight, encouragement, positive reinforcement and constructive feedback. This course dives into strategies that have students become more confident communicators and influencers through their spoken word, social media, print or digital media, and in their ability to effectively network. Developing a strong and unique presence within their chosen niche is another core element of this course. Positioning, messaging, business etiquette, affirmations for success and connection to prospective audiences and clients are covered.

Learning Outcomes

• Acquire a range of skills to apply to public or clinic-based lectures, educational workshops, webinars, programs
• How to create eye-catching promotional material using accessible graphic design platforms
• Increase confidence to deliver a well-structured message to an audience and how to respond to impromptu questions
• Foundations of effective communication (i.e. confidence, enthusiasm, eye contact, body language, logic, clarity, flow, pace, reading the room and using humour)
• To transform any fear of public speaking into a powerful act of being heard, understood and valued
• How to research, write, remember presentations and prepare accompanying PowerPoint visuals
• Critical view of developing networks, niches, and how to grow visibility to a targeted audience on social media platforms
• Learn how to prepare and deliver a professional food demonstration in front of a live audience

Professional Skills Development contributes to a concrete understanding of the communication process and the relevance of interpersonal connection. This course initiates, and fosters, a commitment to finding your authentic voice to speak and engage with passion, power, and connection. The class is taught in a warm and supportive environment where students can comfortably express themselves. This class is a wonderful opportunity to step out of a preconceived comfort zone in a safe environment. Whether in writing word, in-person or online communication, this course focuses on empowering students to meet their goals of personal and professional expression.

PP 001 Professional Practice

Professional Practice explores the foundational practices and concepts to succeed in a professional work environment. This course aims to equip students with tools, skills and best practices to excel in the field of holistic nutrition with a strong focus on practicing in private clinical practice settings. Emphasis is placed on legal framework, language, marketing techniques, social media applications, defining goals, consulting skills, time management, client relationships, building rapport, and professionalism. Professional Practice builds on the communication skills taught in Professional Skills Development. Initiatives for working locally and internationally; in-person and virtually; on individual and group programs; in print and public broadcast medias; independently or in clinic with regulated professionals are discussed. Essential topics like launching, operating, and scaling business ventures are reviewed. Defining professional fees for protocols and programs is a significant learning outcome in this course.

Learning Objectives:

• Write and develop an effective business proposal to establish a new venture or expand an existing one.
• Provide insight on accountability to clients, confidentiality, compassion, creating non-judgemental spaces and professional boundaries
• Taking risks, discipline, motivation, creativity, autonomy and building confidence are all part of the course material
• Learn the best practices of networking from IHN’s alumni and community leaders in natural health
• Learn the profession’s standards and guidelines associated with curating and managing a successful nutrition practice
• Explore the various modalities and business models and methods to determine a unique client avatar
• Learn how to create a media kit, powerful resumes and how to approach brands for collaborative opportunities
• The role of advocacy in, and for, our profession

Professional Practice is designed to encourage both personal and professional growth. It gives students the resources to consider how they will contribute to the profession’s growth and elevate the legitimacy of the field as a whole. Graduates will have a strong base understanding of how to develop effective nutrition consulting skills, within their niche, anywhere in the world. This course stresses the power of one’s vision and mission to hold a unique space in the field. It defines the importance of structure and solid processes to complete tasks. Two critical focal points of the syllabus rest on attaining optimal client health outcomes and how to thrive as a reputable and recognized holistic nutrition professional.

Jamie-Lynn received a Bachelor of Health Science from the University of Western Ontario in 2011. She also graduated with first-class honours from the Institute of Holistic Nutrition, Toronto campus in 2013, and is a Certified Nutritional Practitioner and member of the Canadian Association of Natural Nutrition. Jamie-Lynn is a Certified Personal Trainer and has worked with professional athletes focusing on functional movement. She is the founder of her own consulting practice Jamie Lynn Shaw where she started her career working online through her website building nutrition protocols to help her clients renew and reclaim their health. Jamie-Lynn’s nutrition focus includes digestive health, hormonal imbalances, weight loss, detoxification, mental health, chronic pain, concussion and brain injury and increased athletic performance. Her passions are fitness and Holistic Nutrition; she believes that the two go hand-in-hand when striving for optimal health and overall wellness. Jamie-Lynn currently teaches Professional Practice, Comparative Diets, Nutrition through the Lifespan at the Institute of Holistic Nutrition Online.

PP001 Professional Practice

This course is designed to provide the tools and skills necessary to succeed in professional practice. Practicing in health service, community, business and educational settings will be thoroughly covered. Topics include legal framework, marketing techniques, defining goals, consulting skills, time management, client relationships, building rapport, professionalism and a recap on effective communication skills.

CD011 Comparative Diets

Comparative Diets provides a critical assessment of the many therapeutic benefits and limitations of several alternative diet approaches, including low-carb diets, high-protein diets (Paleo Diet, Dr. Atkins, Keto, Carnivore), Plant-based approaches (Vegetarian, Vegan, Fruitarian, Raw Food, Rainbow), Longevity and Cultural diets (Okinawa, Mediterranean, Macrobiotic, Fasting), Condition-based diets (Glycemic Index, Intermittent Fasting, Food Combining, Low-FODMAP-Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides and Polyols, GAPS-Gut and Psychology Syndrome, AIP-Autoimmune Protocol). This course will also address, in detail, the main detoxification diets from caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine. Students are taught and evaluated on succinctly identifying dietary imbalances as well as analyzing micronutrient propositions to design custom health-promoting diets and lifestyle programs.

Learning Outcomes:

• Explore kinetics of living systems, the law of opposites and the effects on the body and feelings of certain foods, the meaning of cravings
• Distinguish the models of food dynamics including expansive/contracting and acid/alkaline food products
• Describe how holistic individuality, metabolic typing, and the blood type diet are rooted in personalized biochemistry
• Explain the benefits of cold-pressed juice to address both acute and chronic health conditions and increase vitality
• Develop insights into the fundamental knowledge of mechanistic principles and complementary effects of several alternative diet regimens on health

Comparative Diets informs future practitioners to recommend specific dietary protocols that are determined by biochemical individuality. To promote optimal health, this course instructs practitioners to safely and effectively recommend nourishing and cleansing diets.

NLS010 Nutrition Through The Life Span

Nutrition Through the Lifespan addresses macro and micronutrient needs based on the lifespan model. A healthy nutritional status is vital throughout every stage, supporting pregnancy outcomes, growth, and aging. This comprehensive course begins with the foundations of essential nutrients for fertility and pregnancy; pediatrics including lactation with particular attention to infant feeding in the first year; navigating childhood nutritional demands; to adolescence including allergies and disorders as they relate to the repercussions of nutritional deficiencies. Early adulthood, midlife and mature adulthood for women’s and men’s health is explored, adding lifestyle and environmental factors that contribute to optimal health at each life stage. Support for nutritional challenges faced in geriatric nutrition round out the program. This course introduces students to the etiology and symptoms of common health conditions that are a key determinant of nutritional status. Evaluations through tests and case studies examine individualized dietary requirements, giving students the insight and ability to design optimal nutrition, supplement and lifestyle guidance for clients throughout their stages of life.

Learning Objectives:

• To understand nutritional choices impact overall health and vitality, for all age groups and their related conditions

• Students will develop protocols that include dietary, detox, supplementation and lifestyle recommendations at all stages

• To gain an understanding of the significant nutritional needs for optimal pregnancy, growth, and development

• To analyze and address contributing factors in the elimination of food allergies and intolerances, particularly for children

• Address the imperative nature of optimal digestive health, at all stages

Nutrition Through the Lifespan contributes to keen insights into the lifespan model to address conditions and imbalances. Using a case study approach, this course is highly applicable, giving students the opportunity to research and develop key protocols for diverse age ranges.

Sidney received her undergraduate in French and Linguistics from UBC before deciding to follow her passion in health and wellness. She studied at the Institute of Holistic Nutrition’s Vancouver Campus, where she graduated at a Certified Nutritional Practitioner with honours, after a long and rewarding career as the head coach of a national level synchronized swimming club. A lifelong teacher, she equips her clients and students with the tools they need to set strong foundations, in health and wellness and beyond. Sidney has been able to combine her passions by working privately with clients, co-founding a corporate wellness company, teaching cooking classes and co-authoring a sports nutrition course for personal trainers. When she’s not teaching, you can find her whipping up healthy gluten-free treats and searching for single origin chocolate bars. Sidney teaches Nutrition & Health: The Fundamentals, as well as Comparative Diets at Institute of Holistic Nutrition’s Online program.

FN 001 Nutrition & Health: The Fundamentals

Nutrition and Health: The Fundamentals changes the lens for how the world of health and healing is viewed. It sets the stage for the examination of nature’s power within the holistic paradigm. It is IHN’s foundational course, providing students with an understanding of “food as information” and orthomolecular concepts in the prevention of disease and the acquisition of optimal health. Fundamentals offers students a framework for the study of micronutrients (vitamins and minerals), energy-yielding nutrients (carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins), metabolism, digestion, absorption, and energy balance. The syllabus provides an in-depth analysis of their functions, classification and dietary requirements within an evidence-based model. This course teaches the mechanics and principles of essential nutrients for restoring the body’s ability to heal.

Learning Outcomes

• Assess the relationship between soil, cell, environment and human health
• Identify the structure and function of the GI tract, common digestive disorders, and links to major fatal diseases that are restored through the gut
• Explain functions of macronutrients and micronutrients, their requirements, sources, reasons for deficiencies, and use in disease prevention
• Understand the importance of water, antioxidants and detoxification
• The knowledge of how isolated nutrient interventions work against acute and chronic health condition

Nutrition and Health: The Fundamentals is a foundational axis course that lays the groundwork of knowing how to determine root cause—a key tenant of functional nutrition. This course stresses the importance of knowing “by which mechanism” essential nutrients orchestrate ideal physiological functions and optimal health.

CD011 Comparative Diets

Comparative Diets provides a critical assessment of the many therapeutic benefits and limitations of several alternative diet approaches, including low-carb diets, high-protein diets (Paleo Diet, Dr. Atkins, Keto, Carnivore), Plant-based approaches (Vegetarian, Vegan, Fruitarian, Raw Food, Rainbow), Longevity and Cultural diets (Okinawa, Mediterranean, Macrobiotic, Fasting), Condition-based diets (Glycemic Index, Intermittent Fasting, Food Combining, Low-FODMAP-Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides and Polyols, GAPS-Gut and Psychology Syndrome, AIP-Autoimmune Protocol). This course will also address, in detail, the main detoxification diets from caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine. Students are taught and evaluated on succinctly identifying dietary imbalances as well as analyzing micronutrient propositions to design custom health-promoting diets and lifestyle programs.

Learning Outcomes:

• Explore kinetics of living systems, the law of opposites and the effects on the body and feelings of certain foods, the meaning of cravings
• Distinguish the models of food dynamics including expansive/contracting and acid/alkaline food products
• Describe how holistic individuality, metabolic typing, and the blood type diet are rooted in personalized biochemistry
• Explain the benefits of cold-pressed juice to address both acute and chronic health conditions and increase vitality
• Develop insights into the fundamental knowledge of mechanistic principles and complementary effects of several alternative diet regimens on health

Comparative Diets informs future practitioners to recommend specific dietary protocols that are determined by biochemical individuality. To promote optimal health, this course instructs practitioners to safely and effectively recommend nourishing and cleansing diets.

PSD01 Professional Skills Development

Professional Skills Development equips students with effective communication skills as a key factor in building a professional practice. Theories of communication are taught as concepts to provide students with the supportive tools needed to engage their audiences and clients. Experiential in nature, one of the core elements of this course is to help students overcome their fear of public speaking through a gradual, supportive and enjoyable introduction to sharing information verbally. Students will be given insight, encouragement, positive reinforcement and constructive feedback. This course dives into strategies that have students become more confident communicators and influencers through their spoken word, social media, print or digital media, and in their ability to effectively network. Developing a strong and unique presence within their chosen niche is another core element of this course. Positioning, messaging, business etiquette, affirmations for success and connection to prospective audiences and clients are covered.

Learning Outcomes

• Acquire a range of skills to apply to public or clinic-based lectures, educational workshops, webinars, programs
• How to create eye-catching promotional material using accessible graphic design platforms
• Increase confidence to deliver a well-structured message to an audience and how to respond to impromptu questions
• Foundations of effective communication (i.e. confidence, enthusiasm, eye contact, body language, logic, clarity, flow, pace, reading the room and using humour)
• To transform any fear of public speaking into a powerful act of being heard, understood and valued
• How to research, write, remember presentations and prepare accompanying PowerPoint visuals
• Critical view of developing networks, niches, and how to grow visibility to a targeted audience on social media platforms
• Learn how to prepare and deliver a professional food demonstration in front of a live audience

Professional Skills Development contributes to a concrete understanding of the communication process and the relevance of interpersonal connection. This course initiates, and fosters, a commitment to finding your authentic voice to speak and engage with passion, power, and connection. The class is taught in a warm and supportive environment where students can comfortably express themselves. This class is a wonderful opportunity to step out of a preconceived comfort zone in a safe environment. Whether in writing word, in-person or online communication, this course focuses on empowering students to meet their goals of personal and professional expression.

Petra Sovcov is a Clinical Herbal Therapist and graduate of Dominion Herbal College. She is the owner of Healing House Natural Wellness Centre and also works at the Finlandia Health Centre and Naturopathic Clinic in Vancouver, BC. Petra is an active member of Herbalists Without Borders International (HWB) and directs the HWB Chapter and Free People’s Clinic for Vancouver. Additionally, she is a primary contributor for Home Herbalist Magazine (USA and Canada), writing the monthly “Ask an Herbalist” article, which allows readers to have their health questions answered by a clinical herbalist. Petra is passionate about promoting an individual’s healing path and enjoys enriching a person’s core wellness with the use of herbs and nutrition. She believes that health and healing should not be something afforded solely to those with the financial means to seek help, but rather that the knowledge of taking responsibility for one’s own healing is a basic human right. Apart from clinic and teaching, Petra is an avid gardener and sustainable small-scale food producer. She enjoys teaching out of her gardens at Healing House and finds great meaning in sharing the message of sustainability with others. She is passionate about heritage edible plants and domestic history, which she believes hold the solutions for the modern food crisis. Petra teaches Nutrition and the Environment at Institute of Holistic Nutrition’s Online program.

NE009 Nutrition And The Environment

Based on an underlying philosophy that environments maintain and promote health and that individuals have a right to self-determination and self-knowledge, this course will present nutrition principles which promote health and prevent disease. Topics will consider the safety of our food supply, naturally occurring and environmental toxins in foods, microbes and food poisoning.

Jacqueline is a Certified Nutritional Practitioner from The Institute of Holistic Nutrition with First Class Distinction. Prior to her nutritional studies, she graduated with Honors from Harvard University majoring in Economics with a citation in French, where she privately tutored in economics and mentored youth in an outdoor wilderness program. She also earned her Basic Diploma from Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, a catalyst for her love for food.

Jacqueline has an extensive background in quantitative research, having worked at Investment Bank Goldman Sachs, & Co. in New York City in Investment Grade Credit Research. She has a diverse global background; her husband and her decided to relocate to Asia where they experienced a myriad of cultures and cuisines and eventually gave birth to their son. Through these worldly experiences, as well as working with families with children seeking sustainable healthful lifestyles, Jacqueline is excited to share her passion in empowering people with knowledge about nutrition with the IHN community.

Jacqueline runs a thriving private practice, JS Holistic Nutrition which works with families in specialties ranging from but not limited to childhood development, family meal preparation, hormonal health, inflammation, immunity, and allergies/sensitivities. She believes in the profound power of food to heal. She has been the Chair of Wellbeing at the Upper Canada College (UCC) Prep School and an active member on the Nutrition Committee at UCC. She regularly presents as well, teaching children about the importance of sound nutrition at a young age. Jacqueline teaches Advanced Nutrition Research, Comparative Diets, Nutritional Pathology, and Nutrition Through the Lifespan at Institute of Holistic Nutrition’s Online Program.

NR006 Advanced Nutrition Research

Advanced Nutrition Research introduces students to develop critical thinking skills to enhance their research into health and wellness trends through evidence-based scientific data. Students first learn the fundamentals of research in the context of nutrition and health, encompassing common terms and concepts, types of studies, ethical considerations, methodology, reliability, and validity of research designs. Students explore published research and its applications in depth, bridging the gap between nutrition and treatments correlated with prevention and wellness. Students will be encouraged to critically analyze research literature in this field.

Learning Outcomes

• Analyze popular news reports and stories, as well as academic and peer-reviewed research to deduce reliability
• Assess strengths and weaknesses of articles, including research trial designs
• Identify basic types of fallacious arguments and reasoning in logical fallacies
• Interpret statistical information commonly found in research studies, such as standard deviation, confidence intervals, statistical significances
• Discuss relevant topics as they pertain to research and studies’ reliability, risks, and limitations

Advanced Nutrition Research contributes to the necessary evaluation when developing client protocols, professional writing, program development, or clinical discussion with colleagues. The course shares ways to interpret, critique, as well as to present research concepts and evidence-based information to the general public.

CD011 Comparative Diets

Comparative Diets provides a critical assessment of the many therapeutic benefits and limitations of several alternative diet approaches, including low-carb diets, high-protein diets (Paleo Diet, Dr. Atkins, Keto, Carnivore), Plant-based approaches (Vegetarian, Vegan, Fruitarian, Raw Food, Rainbow), Longevity and Cultural diets (Okinawa, Mediterranean, Macrobiotic, Fasting), Condition-based diets (Glycemic Index, Intermittent Fasting, Food Combining, Low-FODMAP-Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides and Polyols, GAPS-Gut and Psychology Syndrome, AIP-Autoimmune Protocol). This course will also address, in detail, the main detoxification diets from caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine. Students are taught and evaluated on succinctly identifying dietary imbalances as well as analyzing micronutrient propositions to design custom health-promoting diets and lifestyle programs.

Learning Outcomes:

• Explore kinetics of living systems, the law of opposites and the effects on the body and feelings of certain foods, the meaning of cravings
• Distinguish the models of food dynamics including expansive/contracting and acid/alkaline food products
• Describe how holistic individuality, metabolic typing, and the blood type diet are rooted in personalized biochemistry
• Explain the benefits of cold-pressed juice to address both acute and chronic health conditions and increase vitality
• Develop insights into the fundamental knowledge of mechanistic principles and complementary effects of several alternative diet regimens on health

Comparative Diets informs future practitioners to recommend specific dietary protocols that are determined by biochemical individuality. To promote optimal health, this course instructs practitioners to safely and effectively recommend nourishing and cleansing diets.

NP07 Nutritional Pathology

Nutritional Pathology provides a thorough understanding of the study of the traits, causes, and effects of disease, as seen in the structure and workings of the human body. This course focuses on several body systems, including the etiology of various disease states and the effective recognition of the various nutritional factors involved with the disease process. To do so, students will be taught basic clinical biomarkers of various organ functions. Being closely related to human anatomy and physiology, this course instructs students on pathology and symptomatology of various conditions. Topics that will be covered include the gastrointestinal, hematology, urinary, endocrine, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, immune, and nervous systems. This course teaches proper terminology involved in identifying various disease conditions. Students will be taught and evaluated on their knowledge of the etiology of diseases in systems as well as advanced clinical research into specific chronic health conditions.

Learning Outcomes 

• Define disease and disease-related terms including the chief causes of disease
• Define and discuss manifestations of disease of the discussed organ systems
• Demonstrate understanding of the nutritional connection in maintaining homeostasis
• Incorporate information provided by various testing/evaluation methods to plan nutritional supplementation and dietary therapies.

Nutritional Pathology provides evidence-based and scientific approaches to clinical nutrition. To develop strong protocols, practitioners will take into account acute and chronic diseases including nutritional, dietary, environmental, psychosomatic factors, and specific causes such as infections.

NLS010 Nutrition Through The Life Span

Nutrition Through the Lifespan addresses macro and micronutrient needs based on the lifespan model. A healthy nutritional status is vital throughout every stage, supporting pregnancy outcomes, growth, and aging. This comprehensive course begins with the foundations of essential nutrients for fertility and pregnancy; pediatrics including lactation with particular attention to infant feeding in the first year; navigating childhood nutritional demands; to adolescence including allergies and disorders as they relate to the repercussions of nutritional deficiencies. Early adulthood, midlife and mature adulthood for women’s and men’s health is explored, adding lifestyle and environmental factors that contribute to optimal health at each life stage. Support for nutritional challenges faced in geriatric nutrition round out the program. This course introduces students to the etiology and symptoms of common health conditions that are a key determinant of nutritional status. Evaluations through tests and case studies examine individualized dietary requirements, giving students the insight and ability to design optimal nutrition, supplement and lifestyle guidance for clients throughout their stages of life.

Learning Objectives:

• To understand nutritional choices impact overall health and vitality, for all age groups and their related conditions

• Students will develop protocols that include dietary, detox, supplementation and lifestyle recommendations at all stages

• To gain an understanding of the significant nutritional needs for optimal pregnancy, growth, and development

• To analyze and address contributing factors in the elimination of food allergies and intolerances, particularly for children

• Address the imperative nature of optimal digestive health, at all stages

Nutrition Through the Lifespan contributes to keen insights into the lifespan model to address conditions and imbalances. Using a case study approach, this course is highly applicable, giving students the opportunity to research and develop key protocols for diverse age ranges.

Nicole Taylor, a graduate of the Institute of Holistic Nutrition and Certified Nutritional Practitioner, merges clinical expertise with a passion for holistic healing modalities.

Drawing from intuition and Louise Hay’s principles, she crafts custom herbal and therapeutic nutrition plans. With a BFA from OCAD University in painting, specializing in human anatomy, Nicole integrates the science of psycho-neuro-endocrine-immunology, holistic nutrition and Iridology with the spiritual elements of foraging, grounding practices, and flow states in her clinical practice.

Founding the Flowly Method, an innovative online program integrating therapeutic nutrition and flow state techniques, she empowers others to address stress-related symptoms and dis-ease.

Nicole teaches courses in Neuroendocrine modulation and is an instructor at the Institute of Holistic Nutrition online where she teaches Nutritional Symptomatology Part I, Comparative Diets, Nutrition Through the Lifespan and The Psychology of Disease.

NS 003 Nutritional Symptomatology Part I

Nutritional Symptomatology Part 1 introduces students to the foundations of clinical nutrition by interpreting physiological symptoms and their relationships to nutritional deficiencies, excesses and toxicities. This course introduces the interrelationships of nutrients and the critical role they play in determining optimal health. Students will develop foundational, as well as condition specific, protocols to restore the body’s balance. This course trains students to understand how physiological symptoms reflect and determine an individual’s nutritional status. Concepts taught include the essential principles of biochemical individuality through i.e. genetics, environment, microbiome, to see each client, and themselves, as truly unique. Students are taught to produce, and are evaluated on, the completion of clinical case study sets.

Learning Outcomes:

• Gain insight into physiological symptoms associated with nutrient deficiency
• Develop professional food, supplement, lifestyle and detox protocols as they relate to specific clinical symptoms
• Learn detailed explanations of underlying causes of disease and their relationship to food from a cellular to systems perspective
• Understand how to develop comprehensive strategies with a focus on natural remedies for resolving common and complex issues

Nutritional Symptomatology Part 1 explores the process of holding consultations using a variety of practitioner-level assessment tools to move clients towards favourable outcomes. Students learn the critical role that biochemical individuality plays in determining results-based personalized nutrition.

CD 011 Comparative Diets

Comparative Diets provides a critical assessment of the many therapeutic benefits and limitations of several alternative diet approaches, including low-carb diets, high-protein diets (Paleo Diet, Dr. Atkins, Keto, Carnivore), Plant-based approaches (Vegetarian, Vegan, Fruitarian, Raw Food, Rainbow), Longevity and Cultural diets (Okinawa, Mediterranean, Macrobiotic, Fasting), Condition-based diets (Glycemic Index, Intermittent Fasting, Food Combining, Low-FODMAP-Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides and Polyols, GAPS-Gut and Psychology Syndrome, AIP-Autoimmune Protocol). This course will also address, in detail, the main detoxification diets from caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine. Students are taught and evaluated on succinctly identifying dietary imbalances as well as analyzing micronutrient propositions to design custom health-promoting diets and lifestyle programs.

Learning Outcomes:

• Explore kinetics of living systems, the law of opposites and the effects on the body and feelings of certain foods, the meaning of cravings
• Distinguish the models of food dynamics including expansive/contracting and acid/alkaline food products
• Describe how holistic individuality, metabolic typing, and the blood type diet are rooted in personalized biochemistry
• Explain the benefits of cold-pressed juice to address both acute and chronic health conditions and increase vitality
• Develop insights into the fundamental knowledge of mechanistic principles and complementary effects of several alternative diet regimens on health

Comparative Diets informs future practitioners to recommend specific dietary protocols that are determined by biochemical individuality. To promote optimal health, this course instructs practitioners to safely and effectively recommend nourishing and cleansing diets.

NLS 010 Nutrition Through The Life Span

Nutrition Through the Lifespan addresses macro and micronutrient needs based on the lifespan model. A healthy nutritional status is vital throughout every stage, supporting pregnancy outcomes, growth, and aging. This comprehensive course begins with the foundations of essential nutrients for fertility and pregnancy; pediatrics including lactation with particular attention to infant feeding in the first year; navigating childhood nutritional demands; to adolescence including allergies and disorders as they relate to the repercussions of nutritional deficiencies. Early adulthood, midlife and mature adulthood for women’s and men’s health is explored, adding lifestyle and environmental factors that contribute to optimal health at each life stage. Support for nutritional challenges faced in geriatric nutrition round out the program. This course introduces students to the etiology and symptoms of common health conditions that are a key determinant of nutritional status. Evaluations through tests and case studies examine individualized dietary requirements, giving students the insight and ability to design optimal nutrition, supplement and lifestyle guidance for clients throughout their stages of life.

Learning Objectives:
• To understand nutritional choices impact overall health and vitality, for all age groups and their related conditions
• Students will develop protocols that include dietary, detox, supplementation and lifestyle recommendations at all stages
• To gain an understanding of the significant nutritional needs for optimal pregnancy, growth, and development
• To analyze and address contributing factors in the elimination of food allergies and intolerances, particularly for children

• Address the imperative nature of optimal digestive health, at all stages

Nutrition Through the Lifespan contributes to keen insights into the lifespan model to address conditions and imbalances. Using a case study approach, this course is highly applicable, giving students the opportunity to research and develop key protocols for diverse age ranges.

POD 012 The Psychology of Disease

The Psychology of Disease offers an introduction to the field of Energy Medicine. This well investigated branch of integrative and alternative medicine studies how biological, social and psychological factors influence health and illness. This course introduces students to the fundamental premise that our physical body demonstrably corresponds to our psychology. The energy of our thoughts, emotions and beliefs can express themselves as matter in the form of a condition or disease.
Students explore the energy centres of the body; the chakra system to understand how the body speaks through its own vocabulary. Its language is physical signs and symptoms that are tied to memories, environment or experiences, energetically creating an imbalance. The course looks at how chakras conduct the ten major systems of the body, particularly the endocrine system, and how increasing awareness of one’s thought patterns can inhibit or assist our health and our ability to achieve balance.
The Psychology of Disease is a unique course of personal self-development from self-knowledge and self-awareness that will inform future practitioners how to guide their clients to look for clues surrounding their health and work to unpack energetic blockages for deep healing.
Students will be taught and evaluated on introductory principles of energy medicine such as the biology of belief, therapeutic applications of subtle energies, the chakra system, as well as assignments to learn strategies that manifest wellness including the profound impact of food.

Learning Outcomes

• Understand the physical, mental, and spiritual connections to health and illness
• How to identify thought patterns and belief systems that contribute to disease/health imbalances
• Be able to confidently provide recommendations for reframing stressors to shift perspectives, that can positively shift health outcomes
• Awareness of traditional and contemporary energy medicine modalities and techniques to build into one’s practice
• Getting out of the way of, and trusting your intuition
• Discernment around how and when to discuss the purpose of disease and the language of illness with clients

The Psychology of Disease is a personal development course that combines well-established mainstream science in chemistry and biology with quantum physics evidence that shows us there is no difference between energy and matter. Whether students look at chakras as literal places in the body, or metaphoric ones, this course will increase self-awareness to activate mind/body connections that optimize healing. Energy Medicine is at the forefront of driving curiosity to acknowledge and provide practitioners with the opportunity to learn how nature organizes itself, at all levels, for the greatest impact to healing.

Dr. Larissa van As is a naturopathic physician located in Burnaby & North Vancouver. Her practice focuses on chronic pain, women’s health & skin care. Prior to naturopathic school she competed at the Canadian National Figure Skating Championships in Ice Dance. Her own experience working with a naturopathic doctor on chronic injuries & nutrition ultimately inspired her to become a naturopathic doctor herself. Larissa teaches Nutritional Pathology and Human Anatomy & Physiology at Institute of Holistic Nutrition’s Online campus.

NP07 Nutritional Pathology

This course provides a thorough understanding in the study of the traits, causes and effects of disease, as seen in the structure and workings of the Human body. The course will focus on the several body systems, including the etiology of various disease states and effective recognition of the various nutritional factors involved with the disease process. Pathology and symptomatology of various conditions that will be covered include those that affect the digestive, gastrointestinal, respiratory, urinary, endocrine, reproductive, cardiovascular, musculo-skeletal, immune and nervous systems. Students will also learn proper terminology involved in identifying various disease conditions.

HAP01 Human Anatomy & Physiology

This course includes the study of normal anatomy and physiology of the human body, beginning with the structure and function of the cell and continuing with the organization of the cell into organs. Specific topics covered will be transport mechanisms, the lymphatic system, the gastrointestinal tract, the endocrine system and the reproductive system. The interrelationship between systems will be explored with a focus on integrative and homeostatic control mechanisms.

FN 001 Nutrition & Health: The Fundamentals

Nutrition and Health: The Fundamentals changes the lens for how the world of health and healing is viewed. It sets the stage for the examination of nature’s power within the holistic paradigm. It is IHN’s foundational course, providing students with an understanding of “food as information” and orthomolecular concepts in the prevention of disease and the acquisition of optimal health. Fundamentals offers students a framework for the study of micronutrients (vitamins and minerals), energy-yielding nutrients (carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins), metabolism, digestion, absorption, and energy balance. The syllabus provides an in-depth analysis of their functions, classification and dietary requirements within an evidence-based model. This course teaches the mechanics and principles of essential nutrients for restoring the body’s ability to heal.

Learning Outcomes

• Assess the relationship between soil, cell, environment and human health
• Identify the structure and function of the GI tract, common digestive disorders, and links to major fatal diseases that are restored through the gut
• Explain functions of macronutrients and micronutrients, their requirements, sources, reasons for deficiencies, and use in disease prevention
• Understand the importance of water, antioxidants and detoxification
• The knowledge of how isolated nutrient interventions work against acute and chronic health condition

Nutrition and Health: The Fundamentals is a foundational axis course that lays the groundwork of knowing how to determine root cause—a key tenant of functional nutrition. This course stresses the importance of knowing “by which mechanism” essential nutrients orchestrate ideal physiological functions and optimal health.

NS 003 Nutritional Symptomatology Part I

Nutritional Symptomatology Part 1 introduces students to the foundations of clinical nutrition by interpreting physiological symptoms and their relationships to nutritional deficiencies, excesses and toxicities. This course introduces the interrelationships of nutrients and the critical role they play in determining optimal health. Students will develop foundational, as well as condition specific, protocols to restore the body’s balance. This course trains students to understand how physiological symptoms reflect and determine an individual’s nutritional status. Concepts taught include the essential principles of biochemical individuality through i.e. genetics, environment, microbiome, to see each client, and themselves, as truly unique. Students are taught to produce, and are evaluated on, the completion of clinical case study sets.

Learning Outcomes:

• Gain insight into physiological symptoms associated with nutrient deficiency
• Develop professional food, supplement, lifestyle and detox protocols as they relate to specific clinical symptoms
• Learn detailed explanations of underlying causes of disease and their relationship to food from a cellular to systems perspective
• Understand how to develop comprehensive strategies with a focus on natural remedies for resolving common and complex issues

Nutritional Symptomatology Part 1 explores the process of holding consultations using a variety of practitioner-level assessment tools to move clients towards favourable outcomes. Students learn the critical role that biochemical individuality plays in determining results-based personalized nutrition.

NS 003 Nutritional Symptomatology Part 2

Nutritional Symptomatology Part 2 is an advanced course that builds on the foundational knowledge gained in Nutritional Symptomatology Part 1. This course provides students with a thorough knowledge of the underlying causes of disease and methods to prevent and address them. Practical assessment tools such as the Nutribody Questionnaire, complete Lifestyle and Health History Assessment Forms (i.e. diet, supplementation, medications, activity levels, habits, work, sleep, stress, mindset), pH Testing, Basal Temperature Tests and Hormonal Testing are discussed in their application to clinical nutrition. This course covers complicated symptomatology that informs the development of supplementation, diet, and lifestyle protocols for more complex conditions, including digestive challenges like leaky gut, dysbiosis, and inflammatory bowel states, endocrine dysfunctions with focus on estrogen dominance, adrenals and thyroid, liver and kidney detoxification/support as well as immune system issues, including autoimmune diseases and cancer. Students are taught and evaluated on the design of intricate clinical protocols addressing chronic health conditions.

Learning Outcomes

• Research and prepare specific strategic plans targeted to resolve chronic conditions to restore homeostasis from a diseased to a healthy state

• How to put together all the pieces of your client’s puzzle through what they write on forms and what shows from assessments. Learn to tune in to the complete picture and connecting the dots. Build skills in increasing compliance.

• Why opening the doors to the channels of elimination (kidneys, bowel, skin, lungs, liver, and lymphatic) is a crucial first step in healing

• Furthering the knowledge on optimizing digestion and clearing waste through the pathways of elimination

• Implementation of the five steps to heal the gut concept of, “remove, replace, reinoculated, repair and rebalance”, through the use of customized supplementation (micronutrients, herbals, phytochemicals, homeopathy), lifestyle, environment, and diet

• How to asses hormonal imbalances and best approach to overcome various conditions linked to hormone dysregulation and autoimmune diseases

• Become comfortable with addressing various cancer scenarios, where a supportive or integrative approach may be quite beneficial to the client

• How to develop a multifaceted strategy to resolve many common and complex client cases

• When to propose other healing modalities, such as (but not limited to) colon hydrotherapy, coffee enemas, lymphatic massages, CBT, somatic therapy, reflexology, acupuncture, breathwork, and stress reduction modalities that may be helpful for clients

Nutritional Symptomatology Part 2 strengthens protocols developed by practitioners who are trained in advanced clinical assessment tools. This course highlights the necessity for critical thinking and evidence-based research in application to chronic health concerns.