Functional Nutrition Toolkit

DIFM links you to evidence-based integrative, holistic, and functional medicine resources.

The Functional Nutrition Toolkit provides resources for exploring integrative and functional nutrition educational opportunities, including accredited degree programs, online certificates and training, scientific research, peer-reviewed journals, websites, and other information regarding integrative, functional, and alternative therapies.

Academic Programs

The following programs offer degrees and special certificates in integrative and functional nutrition—link to their websites for complete information.

  • Bastyr University
    • Although the school started as a naturopathic medicine college, Bastyr University now offers more than 20 degree and certificate programs focusing on whole foods nutrition.
  • John Patrick University
    • JPU School of Integrative and Functional Medicine offers a Master of Science in Integrative and Functional Medicine, a Bachelor of Science in Integrative Health & Lifestyle Medicine, and online graduate certificates in nutritional health.
  • Maryland University Integrative Health
    • The DIFM community is eligible for a 10% discount on MUIH Professional Continuing Education offerings with the promo code DIFM10 at registration checkout.
    • The Maryland University of Integrative Health educates leaders in health and wellness through transformative and relationship centered programs that integrate ancient wisdom and contemporary science. MUIH offers graduate degrees and certificates in a wide range of wellness fields and individual academic courses for professional and personal development. MUIH has several graduate programs in the field of IFN: Master of Arts in Health and Wellness, Coaching, Master of Science in Health Promotion, Doctor of Clinical Nutrition, Master of Science in Nutrition and Integrative Health as well as Post-Baccalaureate and Post-Masters Certificates.
  • Saybrook University
    • Saybrook offers an online master’s and Ph.D. in Integrative and Functional Nutrition and Mind- Body Medicine Degree and certificate programs.
  • Syracuse University
    • In addition to their undergraduate and graduate programs in Nutrition, Syracuse University’s Falk College offers a Certificate of Advanced Study in integrative and functional nutrition.
  • Rutgers University
    • Rutgers' interdisciplinary Department of Nutritional Sciences emphasizes undergraduate and graduate education, including MS Nutritional Sciences and Ph.D. Nutritional Sciences.
  • University of Kansas
    • KU offers a Master of Science in Dietetics and Nutrition (and online), Doctor of Clinical Nutrition, and Ph.D. in Medical Nutrition Science, along with a dietetics and integrative medicine graduate certificate program.
  • University of Western States
    • Offers online Master’s, Doctoral and Graduate certificate programs in human nutrition and functional medicine.
  • University of Wisconsin Green Bay

Integrative and Functional Nutrition Training Programs, RDN Created

Genomics Training

  • Foundations in Nutrigenomics
    • Online foundational nutrigenomics education program. The 3X4 Blueprint looks at 157 of your genes, revealing the decisions that have the biggest impact on your health and weight goals. Gain access to a paradigm-shifting health and wellness tool. The testing and analysis generate a custom Blueprint Report on each user’s unique genetic map.
  • Nutrigenomix
    • Nutrigenomic training and certification programs and CPEU approved webinars (Registering for a free practitioner account provides access to the Nutrigenomix Resource Hub).

Textbooks

  • Integrative Rehabilitation Practice, The Foundations of a Whole-Person Care for Health Professionals. Erb M and Schmid AA., eds. Singing Dragon, 2021.
  • Krause & Mahan’s Food & The Nutrition Care Process. Raymond J and Morrow K eds.15th ed. Elsevier Inc. 2021.
  • Lord RS, Bralley JA, Laboratory evaluations for integrative and functional medicine. 2nd ed. Metametrix Institute; 2008.
  • Noland D, Drisko JA, Wagner L. Integrative and Functional Medical Nutrition Therapy. Humana Press/Springer Nature. 2020
  • Walker A. Case Studies in Personalized Nutrition. Singing Dragon. 2020.
  • Pizzorno J, Murray M, Textbook of Natural Medicine. 5th ed. Churchhill Livingstone; 2020.
  • Rakel D, Integrative Medicine. 4th ed. Elsevier; 2017.
  • The Institute for Functional Medicine, Textbook of Functional Medicine, Jones DS & Quinn S. eds. 2010
  • Vasquez A, Textbook of clinical nutrition and functional medicine, vol. 1: Essential knowledge for safe action and effective treatment (inflammation mastery & functional inflammology). 4th ed. International College of Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine; 2016.

Books Authored by DIFM RDNs

  • Anziani N. Nutrition Management of Thyroid Diseases
  • Babb M. Anti-Inflammatory Eating Made Easy. Sasquatch Books, 2014.
  • Babb M. Mastering Mindful Eating. Transform Your Relationship with Food. Sasquatch Books, 2020.
  • Bland J. The Disease Delusion: Conquering the Causes of Chronic Illness for a Healthier, Longer and Happier Life. Harper Wave, 2014.
  • Bredesen D. The end of Alzheimer’s program: The first protocol to enhance cognition and reverse decline at any age. Avery; 2020.
  • Brown RP, Gerbarg PL, Muskin PR. How to Use Herbs, Nutrients & Yoga in Mental Health Care. WW Norton, 2009.
  • DeBusk R and Jaffe Y. It’s Not Just Your Genes! Your Diet, Your Lifestyle, Your Genes. BKDR Pub. 2006.
  • Elia D. The stem cell activation diet: Your complete nutritional guide to fight disease, support brain health, and slow the effects of aging (1st ed.). Ulysses Press; 2020.
  • Fung J, The Cancer Code: A revolutionary new understanding of a medical mystery. Harperwave; 2020.
  • Gordon J. Transforming Trauma, the path to hope and healing. Harper On, 2021.
  • Groves Azzaro M. A balanced approach to PCOS: 16 weeks of meal prep & recipes for women managing polycystic ovary syndrome paperback. Victory Belt Publishing; 2020.
  • Kay AB. Every Bite is Divine. The balanced approach to enjoying eating, feeling healthy and happy, and getting to a natural weight for you. Life Arts Press, 2007.
  • Knowles C. The nutritionist's kitchen: Transform your diet and discover the healing power of whole foods. Roost Books; 2020.
  • Leyse-Wallace R. Nutrition and Mental Health. CRC Press, 2013.
  • Lipski E. Digestive Wellness: Strengthen the Immune System and Prevent Disease Through Healthy Digestion. 5th Ed. McGraw Hill, 2020.
  • Longo V. The longevity diet: Discover the new science behind stem cell activation and regeneration to slow aging, fight disease, and optimize weight. Avery; 2018.
  • Merrell W & Augustine MB. The Detox Prescription. Rodale, 2013.
  • Mullin G & Swift KMS. The Inside Tract: Your Good Gut Guide to Great Digestive Health. Rodale, 2011.
  • Nathan Neil. Toxic, Heal your body from mold toxicity, Lyme disease, multiple chemical sensitivities, and chronic environmental illness. Victory Belt Publishing, 2018.
  • Omar D. Super green smoothies: veggie-based recipes to boost your health and well-being. Rockridge Press; 2020.
  • Purdy M. The microbiome diet reset: A practical guide to restore and protect a healthy microbiome. Rockridge Press; 2020.
  • Ruggles M. Optimize your immune system: create health and resilience with a kitchen pharmacy. Emerald Lake; 2020.
  • Swift KMS and Hooper J. The Swift Diet. Hudson Street Press, 2014
  • Walker A (Ed.). Case Studies in Personalized Nutrition. Singing Dragon, 2020

Podcasts

  • Body of Wonder: Andrew Weil MD and Victoria Maizes MD
    • “Join Dr. Andrew Weil and Dr. Victoria Maizes for insightful conversations with thought-provoking doctors, specialists, authors, and researchers. In Body of Wonder, we dive into ideas that are changing medicine, hear compelling stories, and explore age-old wisdom backed by modern science. We discuss the latest research and how it has a powerful effect on our lives.”
  • Dhru Purohit Podcast
    • “Exploring the inner workings of the brain and the body with the brightest minds in wellness, medicine, and mindset. Dhru Purohit is a serial entrepreneur in the health and wellness industry.” 
  • Empowered Nutrition Podcast
    • The Empowered Nutrition podcast aims to help busy, fit women optimize their metabolic, digestive, and hormonal health. Registered dietitian and board-certified integrative and functional nutritionist Erin Skinner RDN IFNCP dishes on the most effective and accurate ways to leverage nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle habits to achieve optimal wellness (when time is limited).
  • Food Sleuth: Melinda Hemmelgarn MS, RD
    • “Join Melinda Hemmelgarn, a registered dietitian, and investigative nutritionist, for 28-minute weekly interviews with national food, health, and agriculture experts. From physicians to filmmakers, writers, farmers, scientists, and chefs, Food Sleuth Radio navigates our complicated food system. You’ll discover how farm and food policies impact our environment and public health and learn the secrets to eating well. Provocative, practical, and personal, Food Sleuth Radio helps us think beyond our plates to find “food truth.” Award-winning Food Sleuth Radio ranks among the top national “green food radio shows.” If you care about what you eat, tune in!”
  • Found My Fitness: Rhonda Patrick PhD
    • “Rhonda Patrick is the one-stop shop for the best translation of cutting-edge science. She is an intensely rigorous thinker and clear translator of science, a reliable source on all things related to healthy aging.”
  • Huberman Lab Podcast
    • Andrew Huberman, Ph.D., is a neuroscientist and tenured professor in the department of neurobiology and by courtesy, psychiatry, and behavioral sciences at Stanford School of Medicine.
  • Integrative IDEAs in Nutrition Podcast
    • This podcast is produced by the Committee of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access through the Dietitians in Integrative and Functional Medicine (DIFM) practice group with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Join us to explore a range of whole food therapies and mind-body modalities within different settings and cultures and to celebrate how our diversity in practice and perspective strengthens us.
  • Mary’s Nutrition Show
    • Easy-to-digest info, tips, and advice about nutrition and a healthy lifestyle. It is hosted by Mary Purdy, MS, RDN, Integrative Registered Dietitian. Eat well. Yummy life.
  • Microbiome Report: BIOHM Health
    • “The microbiome. It dictates how we move through the world – from how we digest our food to the mates we choose as we spin around the globe. On this show, we’re investigating how the things we do every day impact our bodies’ bugs.”
  • Natural MD Radio: Aviva Romm, MD
    • “Natural MD Radio is your place to hear the truth on health and natural medicine for women and children and get the tools you need to regain your health starting now. The focus of this show is women's health, fitness, beauty, natural living, and natural medicine for children. Dr. Romm dishes on everything from thyroid and hormone problems to the truth about antibiotics and vaccinations.”
  • New Frontiers in Functional Medicine: Kara Fitzgerald ND, IFMCP
    • “Join Dr. Kara Fitzgerald for New Frontiers in Functional Medicine. Each month, she interviews the best minds in Functional Medicine. Expect thought-provoking ideas, new research, many clinical pearls for practitioners, and step-change information for consumers and patients.”
  • ONCancer Health
    • The ONCancer Health podcast provides evidence-based, research-driven information and education for cancer prevention, treatment, and recovery. ONCancer Health is a resource for anyone who wants clear, credible information to support their health journey. To that goal, the ONCancer Health podcast leverages the best and brightest from integrative oncology, functional medicine, clinical nutrition, exercise physiology, health coaching, and lifestyle to provide a comprehensive, holistic approach to cancer care, education, and prevention.
  • Orgain: The Good Clean Nutrition Podcast: Mary Purdy, MS, RDN
    • Stay in-the-know on the hottest trending topics in health and nutrition with The Good Clean Nutrition Podcast, sponsored by Orgain. Join host Mary Purdy, MS, RDN, an integrative dietitian and nutrition educator, as she speaks with some of the most inspiring and passionate subject-matter experts in nutrition, health, and wellness.
  • The Doctor’s Farmacy: Mark Hyman MD
    • “We are seeing an ever-increasing burden of chronic disease, primarily driven by our food and food system. This is perpetuated by agricultural, food, and health care policies that don’t support health. We need to rethink disease and reimagine a food system. A health care system that protects health unburdens the economy from the weight of obesity and chronic disease, protects the environment, helps reverse climate change, and creates a nation of healthy children and citizens. This podcast is a place for deep conversations about the critical issues of our time in health, wellness, food, and politics. New episodes are released every Wednesday morning. I hope you'll join me.”
  • The Health Edge: John Bagnulo Ph.D., MD, MPH and Mark Pettus MD
    • “The Health Edge is a podcast by Mark Pettus MD and John Bagnulo, Ph.D., MPH, two clinician- educators passionate about health and lifestyle medicine. The Health Edge brings state-of-the- art science and translates it as "news to use" for people who feel stuck in their health journeys—looking for your Health Edge? Our podcast will help you gain traction in your life! Good health is good business. Good health is everyone's business.”
  • The Lab Report: Genova Diagnostics
    • Genova Diagnostics' podcast, The Lab Report, is focused on functional & integrative medicine, specialty laboratory diagnostics, and natural therapeutics. The Lab Report podcast shares some exciting research, dialogue, and case analysis we encounter in practice. It aims to provide educational content for functional & integrative practitioners of all experience levels.
  • The Peter Attia Drive Podcast
    • The Peter Attia Drive is a deep-dive podcast focusing on maximizing longevity, and all that goes into that from physical to cognitive to emotional health. With over 75 million episodes downloaded, it features topics including exercise, nutritional biochemistry, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, mental health, and much more. The Drive is hosted by Dr. Peter Attia, a Stanford/Johns Hopkins/NIH-trained physician focusing on the applied science of longevity, the extension of human life and well-being.

Organizations

Meal Planning Software and Recipes

Databases

  • Examine Database
    • A large database with the latest scientific research of nutrition and dietary supplement
  • Probiotic Advisor
    • Clinical database of probiotic research and brand names
  • Natural Medicines Database
    • The most comprehensive natural medicines and supplements database available. Your go-to resource for natural medicines, including 1,400+ natural medicines monographs organized into practical, searchable databases to help answer your clinical questions.

Practice Management and Telehealth Software

Revised September 2023

This toolkit is a sampling of programs and publications. If you have resources you think would be a valuable addition, email us at difmdpg@gmail.com.

Disclaimer: The content of this toolkit has been compiled by members of the Dietitians in Integrative and Functional Medicine (DIFM) and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The content postings and additions listed are meant to provide a guide for members. They do not necessarily reflect the positions or policies of the Dietitians in Integrative and Functional Medicine (DIFM) or the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.