Healing the Gut With Food: Helpful Tips to Find a Digestive Health Dietitian

How to Pick a Gut Health Nutritionist

In this post, we will discuss healing the gut with food through the guidance of a digestive health nutritionist. We will also discuss how to select a nutrition specialist for GI wellness and a registered dietitian specializing in digestive health. This information can help you get the best results in healing your gut.

We will look at the importance of nutrition in GI conditions and how to improve the gut naturally with food.

First, let’s talk about how to become a gut health dietitian.

What is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) and Why Does it Matter for Your Gut Health

In today’s post, we will discuss the registered dietitian training on digestive health. Nutrition is the cornerstone of gut health, and a registered dietitian is the expert in food and nutrition. Let me share a little bit more about my training, as well as others in the field of digestive wellness. 

Basic Training for a Registered Dietitian

First, let’s talk about the foundation of the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) Credential. An RDN has a bachelor’s/master’s in the field of nutrition and dietetics from an accredited college. They must be accepted into a formal internship where they receive supervised practice and must pass a national exam.

This training is the fundamental requirement for legitimate nutrition advice, and in most states, a nutrition expert is also a licensed dietitian. This will help ensure that you are working with a qualified nutrition expert who practices evidence-based nutrition and uses information that should be science-backed. And provides medical nutrition therapy. 

 The term “nutritionist” isn’t regulated like “RDN” or “RD”. Every registered dietitian is a nutritionist, but not every nutritionist is a registered dietitian.

These are the baseline qualifications that you want when you want to learn ways to healing your gut with food,  but you also would want them to know even more as digestive specialists.

Beyond the Basics: Specialized Training for Dietitians and Certifications

In addition to our basic training, a dietitian specialist in GI health must receive additional training. Some of these include: 

Certificates of Training: Many reputable organizations offer specific training programs.

Monash University FODMAP training: Crucial for IBS management. Monash provides a list of low fodmap dietitians who have received this training, which I have received.

Dietitians in functional Nutrition, integrative Nutrition, or GI health practice groups with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Some dietitians pursue this, but it’s important to differentiate evidence-based functional nutrition from less regulated approaches.

The University of Michigan Gastroenterology Department offers an annual conference called “Food: The Main Course to Digestive Health.”

Advanced Practice Certifications: In the summer of 2025, the Academy of  Nutrition and Dietetics will offer a Board Certification as a Specialist in Digestive Health. 

Experience in GI Conditions: What to Look for in a GI Dietitian

 Take time to read a little medical research about your particular health condition so you will know more about the things that your GI dietitian may be able to provide.

In addition to the specialized GI training that a registered dietitian nutritionist has received, what type of experience do they have?

Here are some things you may want to ask:

How many years of experience have you had working with GI patients?

What specific conditions do they frequently work with (IBS, IBD, Celiac, SIBO, GERD, gastroparesis, etc.)? Some specialty areas for GI dietitians include IBS dietitian, SIBO dietitian, IBD dietitian, and Celiac dietitian. 

Some dietitians work with all of these, but some are more knowledgeable in certain GI conditions than others. Ask about their experience with your specific condition. A dietitian who specializes in IBS might not be the best fit for severe inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), for example, unless they also have that experience.

Other areas of expertise include SIBO treatment, low-FODMAP diet, elimination diet, reintroduction phase, mindful eating for gut health,  guidance for chronic bloating, help for constipation relief, knowledge on diarrhea management, expertise in food sensitivities, acid reflux diet guidelines, plant-based GI nutrition, and women’s digestive health.

If they have experience with specific dietary approaches (low-FODMAP, gluten-free, anti-inflammatory diet, gluten-free diet). Depending on the GI condition, it may determine the nutrition approach taken.

How familiar are they with helping you create a healthy gut microbiome and build gut integrity?

You may want to look for a dietitian who understands the unique hormonal influences on women’s gut health,” or “If you’re interested in a plant-based approach to managing your GI symptoms, ensure your dietitian has expertise in this area. 

For example, working with women’s digestive health, plant-based GI nutrition areas is where I often work. In addition to IBS where I often work with clients on the low-FODMAP diet, elimination diet, reintroduction phase, I have also been trained in the areas of celiac, IBD, gastric reflux, SIBO treatment, and mindful eating for gut health

Key Qualities and Approaches to Look For: Questions to Ask a Prospective Dietitian

Here are some pertinent questions to ask your prospective GI Dietitian:

Does the dietitian provide an individualized Approach: Emphasize that GI nutrition is not “one-size-fits-all.”

Do they provide evidence-based solutions instead of using tests that may not be scientifically valid or selling expensive supplements?

Do they take part in collaborative Care, and will they work with GI doctors or other specialists so everyone is involved in your solutions?

Do they practice patient-centered communication? For example, do they listen, explain things clearly, and empower the patient?

How do they feel about a holistic approach to gut health (where appropriate), like considering lifestyle factors like stress, sleep, and physical activity that impact gut health?

How do they stay up-to-date with the latest GI research?

What is their philosophy on diet and gut health? How do you feel about elimination diets, supplements, and specific dietary patterns?

What specialized training or certifications do you hold in GI nutrition?

What is your general approach to working with clients with digestive issues? Can they provide different dietary interventions (low-FODMAP, gluten-free, anti-inflammatory, general gut-supportive).

Where to Find A Well-Experienced, Highly Trained Digestive Wellness Dietitian

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) “Find an RDN” tool (can filter by specialization). (N

Specialized professional groups (e.g., Dietitians in Functional and Integrative Medicine, if relevant, or GI-focused practice groups within the Academy).

Referrals from gastroenterologists.

Online directories that allow filtering by specialization, such as MONASH University Low Fodmap Trained Dietitians for IBS

Essential Qualities of a Great GI Dietitian

Can dietitians help with digestive issues? Here are three essential qualities to look for when finding an expert in digestive health nutrition:

1. Provides patient-centered care and can provide nutrition counseling that provides an individualized nutrition plan and has a personalized nutrition approach that works for you.
2. Is the person an evidence-based dietitian? Are they a compassionate dietitian who is a good listener, with effective communication and health coaching skills?
3. Do they practice empathy? They should be good listeners and be able to explain complex topics clearly. And they should be compassionate, given the sensitive nature of GI issues.

 Where to Find a Qualified GI Dietitian

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics “Find an RDN” tool (mention filtering by specialization).

Professional practice groups within the Academy (e.g., Dietitians in Integrative and Functional Medicine, but specify if there’s a purely GI-focused one).

Referrals from gastroenterologists or other medical professionals.

Online directories that allow specialization filters for the gut health solutions that you are searching for.

My dietitian friend, Carol Shimberg, and I have often attended and even taught at conferences together. This is a story of one of the GI conferences that we attended called Food: The Main Course to Digestive Health. At this conference, my friend Carol and I got the latest research on nutrition for digestive health from national medical and nutrition experts in the field of GI Health and Nutrition.

Plans to Attend the Conference

All summer, I had the postcard for the conference on my desk as a reminder for me to determine if I could attend the September 20-22 conference. There were many personal obstacles to prevented me from getting there. These included helping my mom, who lived over 800 miles away, on and off the whole summer, and then I had a bad case of the shingles all August. I was also a care provider for my grandchildren when there were gaps in their childcare. As well as keeping up with work here at Vine Ripe Nutrition.

Opportunity Knocks

As time got closer, I had decided that there was no way that I could attend the conference. But then, I received a few encouraging texts from my dietitian friend, Carol, asking me if I would like to attend the conference with her!

As you know, sometimes it takes just a few encouraging words from someone else to move mountains! So, I got on the stick to get my reservations, and I made it! Thank you, Carol, for inviting me and encouraging me to attend!

Importance of Nutrition in GI Health

I am so glad that I got to attend the digestive health nutrition conference, which included both lecture series and panel discussions. We heard from national experts in the field of IBS, including William Chey, MD, Professor of Internal Medicine at the University of Michigan, and Emily Haller. In addition, we had the chance to hear about the latest nutrition therapy for IBD from GI Nutrition expert Patsy Castos.

This conference highlighted nutrition in the management of pancreatitis, celiac disease, short gut syndrome, food allergies, and achalasia.

We enjoyed learning about complementary and behavioral therapies for GI health from Kate Scarlata and GI Psychologist Megan Riehl.  And we learned more about the role of the pelvic floor and GI Disorders from physical therapist, Jen Shifferd.

One of the most intriguing topics for me at the conference was about Mast Cell Activation, presented by Kate Scarlata, where she gave us a great review of histamine intolerance and discussed mastocytosis and mast cell activation disease.

Foods for Gut Health

Several nutrition companies shared their valuable food products for people to enjoy who have digestive health conditions to help minimize their symptoms. These can be great tools for them to be able to continue to eat some of the foods that they love.

Fody has a large selection of gluten-free and low FODMAP foods. Some of my favorites of their products include an onion-free, gluten-free taco seasoning, salsa, taco sauce, and pasta sauce. I also love their delicious chocolate almond energy bar, it is so decadent!

Enjoy Life not only offers gluten-free and low FODMAP products but also has one of the largest selections of foods that are free from the most common food allergens, so it is a great resource to provide clients with food allergies.

Casa de Sante offers certified low FODMAP foods that are also gluten-free and organic. They include a wide range of FODMAP-friendly seasonings and condiments.

Schar specializes in gluten-free foods. It originally started in Europe but is now available worldwide, specializing in baked goods, pastry dough, and pasta.

Rachel Pauls Food is best known for her Happy Bars, but also has soup bases, baking mixes, spices, and jerky that are low in FODMAPs.

Support and Information on the Importance of Nutrition in GI Conditions

Two non-profit groups at the conference are a great resource for GI health, and they include the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders and FODMAP Friendly.

Here is a little bit about each of them.

International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders 

It is a non-profit organization that shares extensive and solid information on gastrointestinal conditions to consumers and health providers. There are so many unreliable resources online about GI health and nutrition. However, it’s great to know that there’s this resource. It has so many great resources for clients to have for additional reading that are based on scientific information!

Fodmap Friendly

This international trademark for certified low FODMAP foods. It’s nice to be able to see this emblem on the food and know that the food has been tested for FODMAPs. This can help reduce high FODMAPs and may trigger IBS symptoms.

GI-Friendly Home Meal Delivery Companies

Many people don’t like to cook or feel that they don’t have the time. Other people may like to cook but may feel overwhelmed during the low FODMAP elimination phase. I always chuckle when some of my clients say to me that they wish I would come over and make all of their meals.

And now there are two home delivery companies out there that will do just that! The first company is Modify Health, which is under the close direction of low FODMAP nutrition expert, Patsy Castos, using recipes developed by award-winning chefs.

Another new meal service that delivers both gluten-free and low FODMAP meals is Epicured.

And as of March 2020, registered dietitian, Registered Dietitian, Kate Scarlata has come onboard. I enjoyed learning more about the latest on GI health to help my clients live healthier and happier lives. Having IBS myself, I also personally benefited from the conference.

And I know the importance of Nutrition in GI conditions from my own experience!

I hope that this story is an important reminder is how powerful someone’s encouragement is to someone else. If my friend had not contacted me and encouraged me to come, I would not have made it to the conference. All of us just need a little nudge.

Here is a picture of Carol and me below at the conference.

Thank you for encouraging me to come with you!

Here Are Some Signs Your Gut Is Healing

Following up with your gastroenterologist and being tested is one of the best signs to know your gut is healing, but you may also be able to see progress and home. 

Here are some signs that your gut is healing:

1. You are generally feeling more energetic and healthy.
2. You are feeling your satiation and fullness cues, which were not so profound before (your gut may have been too uncomfortable to feel them while you weren’t well).
3. You are having normal consistency and frequency of bowel movements.
4. Your immune system is healthy.
5. Your GI symptoms have decreased; for example, you are having less bloating, heartburn, or gas than before.
6. Your anxiety and depression levels may have improved.
7. Your skin has improved since your symptoms have improved.

Healing Your Gut With Food: Working with a GI Dietitian

I hope that learning more about healing the gut with food is possible, what to look for when your gut is healing, and about how important it is to find a digestive health nutrition expert is helpful. 

If you are having GI symptoms that provide discomfort, here is more information on how our GI tract changes as we get older an a little information on my upcoming course! It’s a good time to start your digestive health and wellness journey.