June 20, 2025
In the ever-changing holistic nutrition, health, and science space, staying current and credible is a non-negotiable. Whether you’re a current student deep in the study of root cause healing, a graduate supporting clients in your practice, or someone who’s just beginning to explore the path of becoming a Certified Holistic Nutritionist or Health Coach, your ability to interpret science-backed, natural health information matters.
With so much misinformation out there (hello, wellness TikTok!), having trusted, peer-reviewed, and integrative resources at your fingertips empowers you to:
- Feel more confident in your recommendations
- Support clients with up-to-date protocols
- Stay aligned with industry standards
- Communicate with both heart and credibility
As such, we’ve curated a list of trusted tools to help you be research-ready in any situation, whether it’s in writing your case studies as a student, creating client protocols in your practice, or simply staying informed on emerging health trends to support your own lifestyle.
Clinical + Scientific Databases
PubMed
The gold standard in peer-reviewed research. Search thousands of studies across nutrition, functional medicine, and holistic healing.
Pro Tip: Use advanced filters for human trials, review articles, or recent publications.
A powerful alternative to PubMed, especially helpful for broader wellness topics.
Set up Google Alerts for keywords like “gut-brain axis” or “adaptogens” to get automatic updates.
Examine.com
A favourite among evidence-based practitioners. Offers unbiased summaries of supplements, nutrients, and research-backed outcomes.
Linus Pauling Institute Micronutrient Center
In-depth resource for vitamins, minerals, and antioxidant research. Backed by nutritional biochemistry expertise.
Natural Health + Integrative Wellness Databases
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- Explore peer-reviewed studies on natural healing, plant medicine, and lifestyle-based prevention strategies.
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- A professional-grade tool for evaluating supplement safety, interactions, efficacy, and contraindications.
Life Extension Health Protocols
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- Evidence-based protocols on a wide range of health concerns with insights into nutrients and lifestyle support.
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- Dr. Michael Greger’s science-backed video library is especially helpful if you work with plant-based clients.
Pharmacology + Safety Tools
Understand how common medications work, their side effects, and any nutrition-related considerations.
Stay informed about drug recalls, safety alerts, and class action lawsuits—key info if your clients are on medication.
A comprehensive and trustworthy resource to help you understand pathophysiology, conditions, and conventional treatment options.
Environmental Health + Food Quality Resources
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
Explore food safety, pesticide exposure, water quality, cosmetics, and more. Their Dirty Dozen & Clean Fifteen lists are client favourites.
The World’s Healthiest Foods
A nutrient-dense food database with detailed research on food-based healing, phytonutrients, and cooking tips.
A Few Extra Resources Worth Exploring:
- Cochrane Library: For systematic reviews on clinical trials.
- ClinicalTrials.gov: See what new studies are being tested or recruiting.
- Your public or university library: Don’t forget JSTOR, ScienceDirect, or Medline if you have access!
Build Your Own “Research Stack”
You don’t need to use all of these at once! Instead, curate your own research workflow based on your niche. For example:
- Working with hormone health? Bookmark Examine, PubMed, and Natural Medicines.
- Focus on gut health? Use GreenMedInfo, Life Extension, and the Micronutrient Center.
- Plant-based clients? NutritionFacts.org + WHFoods + PubMed filters are a great combo.
- Concerned about medications and safety? RX List + Drug Watch = your go-to.
Thinking of Becoming a Holistic Nutritionist or Health Coach?
If you’re reading this and feeling inspired to turn your passion for wellness into a purpose-filled career, you might be ready to study with NutraPhoria School of Holistic Nutrition!
Our flexible, fully accredited online certification programs are designed for real life – Whether you’re starting fresh, upskilling as a practitioner, or launching a wellness business of your own!
Choose from:
- Holistic Nutrition & Health Coach
- Holistic Nutritionist
- Childhood Nutrition, Plant-Based Nutrition, Aromatherapy, and Sports & Fitness Nutrition specialization courses are available.
Ready to Explore More?
Download a copy of our brochure for full details.
Click here to get the brochure now
