How to Choose a Wellness Coach

By Lisa DeForest, DC

Now that everyone is jumping on the wellness revolution bandwagon it is you, the consumer, who is wondering where to go for help.  Education is the first and foremost factor to consider when choosing a Wellness Practitioner.  In my opinion there are 3 types of qualified practitioners in the health field that I would trust with my best interest.

1. Chiropractic Doctor: Trained in the holistic approach to health care.  Educated in biochemistry, anatomy, physiology, and nutrition. Chiropractors have at least 8 years of college, not to mention they commonly go on for various certifications in specialty areas.
2. Holistic Medical Doctor:  Trained in all aspects of biological sciences, Medical Doctors have at least 8 years of education.  A holistic medical doctor is one that uses the natural approach to health and does not always follow the medical model.  Dr. Deepak Chopra and Dr. Andrew Weil are examples of these.
3. Naturopathy Doctor: Trained in the holistic approach to health and uses all natural foods, herbs, juicing and much more to heal the body.  Has at least 6 years of college education.  Has been trained in the biological sciences to understand how the body can heal from within.

The above doctors are all trained in human physiology and the biochemistry of nutrition. I cannot stress enough that bad advice can have a profound negative effect on the body.  I had just finished my certification in advanced clinical nutrition when I met Susan. She came to me for chiropractic care as she had a sore back from her new work out routine.  She had just had a baby and she wanted to get in shape and get healthy. She had joined a gym and a physical trainer had placed her on a very strict diet and had given her supplements to take.

We began to talk about her baby, breast feeding and supplements.  She showed me what she was taking and I was appalled!  The trainer had given her supplements that in time could have had a detrimental effect - not only on not her but on her breast feeding infant.  She trusted him because he had a great sales pitch, backed up by a few weekend seminars and just enough knowledge to be dangerous.

When choosing a Wellness “Coach” Doctor choose one that can explain to you what biochemically is occurring in your body and why you should be doing what you’re doing, whether it be supplementation, meditation, yoga, exercise or diet.  Remember your body is unique and everyone has different needs chemically and physically. Those needs should be addressed by your coach.  Not everyone gets the same treatment. 

Your Wellness Doctor should also take a complete history and physical exam that includes a blood pressure test and a in-depth look at medications you take diseases that you have or might have a predisposition for. 

There are so many people trying to make the universal buck on your desire to feel and look better!  Many nutrition companies are providing weekend certifications to the lay person, personal trainer, house wife, or real estate sales person.  They receive a certification in some type of nutrition or wellness program.  This certification is not worth the paper it is written on.  The certification has no educational merit due to the fact the person has no existing medical education.  These people have no biological science foundation to understand the information given and apply it medically to a specific person with specific needs.

I applaud you for caring for your body holistically and using natural when ever possible.  But it is up to you to do your research on your wellness Coach.  Choose carefully and ask questions.  Education is priceless for you and your doctor…