New Principles of Functional Nutrition course starting in September 2014. Details here

Increase your knowledge and skills in 2014 with the IHS e-Learning Certificate in Dietary Counselling or Diploma in Diet, Health & Wellness Coaching. New practical elements added.

In-class version running in Cork and Dublin from September 2014


Interviewing now for our Diploma in Nutritional Therapy (Dublin), Diploma in Diet, Health and Wellness Coaching (Dublin & Cork) and in-class Dietary Counselling Certificate (Dublin & Cork) starting in September 2014




IHS Open Days
Saturday 21st June 2014 10am - 2pm, Education & Research Centre, Our Lady's Hospice,Harold's Cross, Dublin
Saturday 28th June 2014 9.30am - 1pm, Bru Columbanus, Cardinal Way, Wilton, Cork
Meet staff and current students, talks on our various courses. Attend an IHS lecture. Please contact the office to book your place

Celery Juice Prevents High Blood Pressure

March 10, 2011 | In Health

Blood pressure is the force exerted by blood pushing against the walls of one’s arteries. If the pressure rises significantly and remains there for an extended period of time, it can cause damage to the body. Lucky for us, one of the most common vegetables we use today - celery - with its stringy stems and crisp texture provides a natural way to lower blood pressure. It decreases a potentially dangerous situation without the risk of possible side effects that might accompany prescribed medication. Continue reading Celery Juice Prevents High Blood Pressure…





GABA can help reduce symptoms of stress

March 3, 2011 | In Health

GABA is the abbreviation for the compound Gamma Amino Butyric Acid. GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter discovered in 1950. It is related to the amino acid, glutamic acid, a nutrient known to improve sleep. GABA reduces stress and helps the brain prepare for better sleep by activating brain receptors and calming nerves. Continue reading GABA can help reduce symptoms of stress…





Natural compound in marine sponges could halt cancer metastasis

March 3, 2011 | In Health

A research team at Sanford-Burnham Medical Research has discovered a natural compound found in marine sponges that reduces the movement of cancer cells. This could be an important breakthrough in stopping the often deadly spread of cancer throughout the body — a process known as metastasis. What’s more, the compound (dubbed sceptrin) is virtually non-toxic. Continue reading Natural compound in marine sponges could halt cancer metastasis…





Did the discovery of cooking make us human?

March 3, 2011 | In Health

Cooking is something we all take for granted but a new theory suggests that if we had not learned to cook food, not only would we still look like chimps but, like them, we would also be compelled to spend most of the day chewing. Without cooking, an average person would have to eat around five kilos of raw food to get enough calories to survive. The daily mountain of fruit and vegetables would mean a six-hour chewing marathon. It is already accepted that the introduction of meat into our ancestors’ diet caused their brains to grow and their intelligence to increase. Meat - a more concentrated form of energy - not only meant bigger brains for our ancestors, but also an end to the need to devote nearly all their time to foraging to maintain energy levels. As a consequence, more time was available for social structure to develop. Continue reading Did the discovery of cooking make us human?…





Study Shows Omega-3 Benefits for Psychotic Disorders

March 1, 2011 | In Health

A clinical trial from researchers at the Medical University of Vienna has found that omega-3 supplementation may help to reduce the likelihood of high-risk individuals developing psychotic disorders. Whilst there is now an abundance of scientific research linking the omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA to improved behaviour and cognitive function, this is the first study of its kind to show benefits of omega-3′s in a group at high-risk of psychosis. Continue reading Study Shows Omega-3 Benefits for Psychotic Disorders…