About
My goal is to treat the person, not the disease. I’m passionate about educating and applying principles of nutrition and lifestyle on a practical level.
Ellen Metzger MS, RD, CD-N
Registered Dietitian
Certified Dietitian-Nutritionist
Masters of Science in Clinical Nutrition from New York University
Certified MRT/LEAP Therapist – Food Sensitivity Testing
Certified-Integrative & Functional Medical Nutrition Therapy (IFMNT)
Certified-Integrative and Functional Nutrition Academy (IFNA)
School of Applied Functional Medicine (SAFM)
Awarded 10 Best Natural Nutmeg Magazine ‘Nutrition/RD in the CT Holistic Community’
Practice Areas
Gastrointestinal Issues (IBD, IBS, GERD)
Cardio-Metabolic Conditions and Diabetes
Autoimmune Disorders
Weight Management
About Ellen
As a Registered Dietitian – Nutritionist, my work has spanned over 25+ years, beginning as a Clinical Dietitian in New York City. Relocating to Chicago, I focused on disordered eating and behavioral health at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Eating Disorder Unit. Back on the East Coast, I developed Corporate Wellness Programs and launched my private practice in CT, Nutrition and Wellness Consulting, LLC. I later incorporated a more integrative and functional medicine approach, using tools available through food sensitivity and laboratory testing, to uncover possible root causes of disease. Today my practice focuses on the basics of Nutrition as a Science in the prevention and treatment of chronic disease.
In addition to maintaining an RD, I attend conferences, develop protocols with Colleagues, participate in Practice Groups, collaborate with other Practitioners and continue to stay current with coursework.
My passions include family time, exploring new destinations, networking, attending conferences, Canine nutrition – and having a goal of running 50 half marathons in 50 states!
Why Functional and Integrative Medicine?
Over the past years, we have seen a surge in chronic disease. Our diets have become so highly processed, inflammatory and nutrient depleted. Our food is information – either promoting health or disease. We have become a nation of ‘sick’ care and disordered eating. Our treatments for chronic disease have focused on symptom management, yet the ‘underlying cause’ or the ‘why’ is not often addressed.
I was led on a path to look at our healthcare through a different lens, a more integrative and functional medicine approach – uncovering the root cause of disease and looking at the body as an interconnected and complex system. The focus on health needs to start with good nutrition.
Most disease starts in the Gut. In order to heal, we need to examine our current diet and lifestyle – perhaps address food sensitivities, nutrient deficiencies, microbiome imbalances, bacterial overgrowth and more – and apply functional laboratory testing, as needed. It is through this model that we can target a more personalized treatment plan to optimal health.
Treat the person, not the disease.
What’s the difference between an RD and a Nutritionist?
Registered Dietitians are qualified to perform a comprehensive nutrition assessment, determine the nutrition diagnosis, and plan and implement a nutrition intervention. Health coaches and certified nutritionists offer nutrition counseling, however they do not have regulatory over-site.
Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) are credentialed and licensed by the Commission on Dietetic Registration and at the state level. Registered Dietitians hold a minimum of a four-year degree in the field of nutrition and health sciences that includes the study of anatomy and physiology, biology, chemistry and the science of nutrition followed by a rigorous internship with intensive clinical training and supervised practice with populations in many different settings. Many continue their education in a Masters and Doctoral Program.
Registered Dietitians maintain their national Registration and state Licensure through annual continuing education.