What is the Integrative and Functional Nutrition Academy?

Increasing consumer demand, advancing technology, and the changing healthcare landscape are driving the demand for clinicians trained in integrative and functional nutrition (IFN).

The Integrative and Functional Nutrition Academy (IFNA) is one of the most respected online functional nutrition training and mentoring programs in the industry. It was founded by two of the nation’s premier integrative medicine nutritionists, Dr. Sheila Dean and Kathie Swift MS.

As an IFNA student, you’ll learn to methodically and systematically identify the “root causes” of disease. This requires a deep understanding of function, not just pathology, networks of physiology, not just “silo” organ systems, and an organized, integrated nutrition assessment. As an IFNA trained clinician, you’ll critically assess a patient using a “whole systems” approach and personalize a holistic nutrition care plan to restore function and improve patient outcomes.

IFNA training includes skill-building and competencies in six key clinical areas:

• Whole body systems approach
• Root cause analysis
• Therapeutic elimination diets and food plans
• Conventional and functional diagnostic labs including nutrigenetic testing
• The art and science of dietary supplements
• Mind-body modalities such as meditation, yoga, breathing techniques, and other lifestyle-oriented coaching practices to support behavior change

A “food as medicine” approach is central to IFN therapy; thus, an understanding and application of culinary nutrition concepts and condition-specific healing foods to support health and healing is inherent in the curriculum.

Our Mission

To transform the practice of nutrition with a deep sense of purpose.

IFNA Guiding Principles

7 Key Ingredients

Educational Excellence:  we aim to provide the most clinically relevant, evidence-based, practice-informed, peer-reviewed, integrative and functional nutrition program available

Inquiry: we encourage a desire for learning new concepts and deepening one’s knowledge in a spirit of intellectual curiosity and open-mindedness

Collaboration: we eagerly share our work in service to our students, our profession and the practice of integrative and functional nutrition for the highest good

Self-Care:  we commit to practicing personal healthcare habits that help us to be our best in mind, body, and spirit

Conscious Communication: we strive for thoughtful dialogue that is rooted in reflective listening and timely responsiveness

Active Engagement:  we endeavor to be fully present in our interactions with others and to foster meaningful, ethical, sustainable relationships

Innovation:  we continually seek creative ideas, initiatives and opportunities that are aligned with our values and inspire us to achieve our mission