About the Course

This distance learning course is an introduction to the practice of using diet, food and nutrition to promote optimal health. It is open to anyone with an enthusiasm and passion for using food and lifestyle to manage health and quality of life. We examine the impact of the modern-day diet on health and explore how farming and processing practices affect the quality of our food. The main focus of this course is on the practical use of food to promote optimum health for yourself and for your family.

The course consists of three modules with detailed structured home study and relevant assignments for each module. The course covers an array of vital nutritional topics with a focus on the following therapeutic areas: the importance of digestive health and how problems here can lead to a variety of health conditions, nutrition for common chronic health conditions, meal planning and maximising the nutrient content of foods; functions of essential nutrients including minerals, vitamins and phytonutrients and their deficiency and toxicity symptoms.

The course format is modular allowing you to direct the progress of your learning. Structured home study allows you to complete each module in the comfort of your own home, at your own pace. Mutually agreed goals and milestones ensure that you will remain focused while still allowing you flexibility.

As a student you will be assigned a personal tutor to guide and mentor you through the programme. Online tutorials are provided so that you receive the support that you need.

This course is a perfect adjunct to any therapy and will enhance your own health as well as your current or future practice. Graduates of the course whom already have a recognised CAM therapy can apply to ARCHTI for membership.

This course has been awarded continuous development points by the following professional organisations:

Irish Assoc. for Craniosacral Therapy (IACST) - 100 CPD Points

National Register of Reflexologists - 100 CPD Points

Course Content

This short course is designed to teach the fundamental principles of nutrition to those that have an interest and passion for using food to manage health. It is an ideal course if you are considering a career in Nutritional Therapy or Dietary Coaching but are not ready to embark on a longer course. Click here to view the Module Plan.

The course can be completed in a flexible timeframe (within 2 years) but is generally completed over five to six months, allowing you to learn this essential knowledge without too much interruption to an already busy schedule. There are three modules incorperating structured home study, assignments and short answer continual assessments in order to monitor progress.

• Module 1: Western Diet, Lifestyle and Health
  Micronutrients and Health
  Modern Western diet and lifestyle
  Typical Irish diet and lifestyle
  Food processing methods
  The effects of refined foods on health
  Medical conditions associated with modern diet
  Understanding the human body and health
  Nutrition requirements of systems of the body
  Digestion and absorption
  Bowel flora and health
  The effects of poor digestion on health
  Supporting digestion
  Key factors in disease progression in the West

Module 2: Macro and Micronutrients

The macro and micro minerals
Vitamins
Phytonutrients and antioxidants
Protein and the amino acids
Carbohydrates
Consequences of refined sugar intake
Disorders of blood sugar imbalances
Hypoglycaemia, diabetes and syndrome X
Glycaemic load and blood sugar regulation
Fats: ‘Good’ and ‘bad’ fats
Role of fats in disease progression
Cholesterol and health
Grow your own vegetables, fruits & herbs
Nutrition for different life stages: children, adolescents, adults and the elderly
Healthy eating on a budget

Module 3: Food and Meal Planning for Health
Overweight and obesity
Different nutrients and diets and their effects on weight loss and health
Barriers to weight loss
The Dietary Coaching approach to weight loss
Common toxins and their affects on health
Detoxification and cleansing
The affects of diet on common disorders

There are a number of interesting distance learning modules on sports nutrition and dietary coaching that can be completed as add-on modules. IHS also offer a number of taught modules and workshops such as herb walks, cooking demonstrations. Click here to view the additional modules available.

Entry Requirements

IHS do not have any formal entry requirements for our distance learning courses. Anybody with a passion for fitness, food, nutrition and health is very welcome. It can be useful if the applicant has a basic foundation of Anatomy and Physiology, or completes the short IHS module in ‘The Human Body and How it Functions’ before starting this course.

How to Apply

Training is an investment in your future. As with any investment it is important to identify what you wish to gain and which course will be most suitable for your needs. The Institute staff will spend time speaking with you to ensure you have all the information you need to make the right decision.

To enrol you will need to complete the application form and return this along with a deposit to the address below.

Registration
Institute of Health Sciences
Kilnanare
Firies
Killarney
County Kerry
Ireland.

To receive an application in the post call 090 9749929. Alternatively you can email info@instituteofhealthsciences.com stating your name, telephone number and the course you are applying for.

If you would like IHS to contact you please fill out our online contact form and a staff member will get in touch with you within 24 hours.