Heart Health Nutritionists and Dietitians in Westlake Village, CA
Brenda Ruckstuhl is a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist (RDN) and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) helping individuals improve their health by providing sound nutrition information and a listening ear. Individualized nutrition and lifestyle counseling for realistic change. Private practice located in Westlake Village.
Brenda Ruckstuhl is a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist (RDN) and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) helping individuals improve their health by providing sound nutrition information and a listening ear. Individualized nutrition and lifestyle counseling for realistic change. Private practice located in Westlake Village.
As a functional nutrition and health coach, I know that you are unique and one solution (or pill!) does not fit all. After childhood allergies/asthma, frequent infections and fatigue, I was diagnosed with reproductive cancer and an autoimmune disease. I've been through it all, so I understand how frustrated you feel when your body stops working. Together, we'll build a strong foundation for you from the ground up with food, lifestyle and mindset enhancements. My programs improve sleep, energy, mental focus, and build better lifelong habits so you can accomplish more every day.
As a functional nutrition and health coach, I know that you are unique and one solution (or pill!) does not fit all. After childhood allergies/asthma, frequent infections and fatigue, I was diagnosed with reproductive cancer and an autoimmune disease. I've been through it all, so I understand how frustrated you feel when your body stops working. Together, we'll build a strong foundation for you from the ground up with food, lifestyle and mindset enhancements. My programs improve sleep, energy, mental focus, and build better lifelong habits so you can accomplish more every day.
More Dietitians and Nutritionists Nearby
These clients may be managing, or hoping to prevent, chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or obesity.
Nicole has significant experience managing Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, enteral and parenteral nutrition, oncology, hyperlipidemia, weight management, mindful eating, intuitive eating, malnutrition, and hyperemesis gravidarum.
These clients may be managing, or hoping to prevent, chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or obesity.
Nicole has significant experience managing Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, enteral and parenteral nutrition, oncology, hyperlipidemia, weight management, mindful eating, intuitive eating, malnutrition, and hyperemesis gravidarum.
I’m a plant-based dietitian and nutritionist specializing in vegan and vegetarian diets. Having lived plant-based and gluten-free for over ten years, I understand both the benefits and the challenges of this lifestyle. Through personalized Zoom consultations, I provide support ranging from nutrition counseling to custom meal plans. My services cover weight management, balanced eating, meal prep strategies, and more specific areas such as sports nutrition, digestive health, pregnancy, and menopause. Every consultation is tailored to your goals, lifestyle, and needs so that you can save time and feel confident in your choices.
I’m a plant-based dietitian and nutritionist specializing in vegan and vegetarian diets. Having lived plant-based and gluten-free for over ten years, I understand both the benefits and the challenges of this lifestyle. Through personalized Zoom consultations, I provide support ranging from nutrition counseling to custom meal plans. My services cover weight management, balanced eating, meal prep strategies, and more specific areas such as sports nutrition, digestive health, pregnancy, and menopause. Every consultation is tailored to your goals, lifestyle, and needs so that you can save time and feel confident in your choices.
As a trauma-informed, non-diet nutritionist, I specialize in helping people who feel stuck in dieting cycles, body dissatisfaction, or chronic health concerns such as PCOS, thyroid imbalance, and digestive issues. If you’re ready to stop the frustration of restrictive eating and start building a nourishing, sustainable relationship with food and your body, you’re in the right place.
As a trauma-informed, non-diet nutritionist, I specialize in helping people who feel stuck in dieting cycles, body dissatisfaction, or chronic health concerns such as PCOS, thyroid imbalance, and digestive issues. If you’re ready to stop the frustration of restrictive eating and start building a nourishing, sustainable relationship with food and your body, you’re in the right place.
Do you want to improve your cardiometabolic health, manage weight, blood sugar, cholesterol, gut health, or inflammation? Struggling with mood issues? Using GLP-1 therapies (Ozempic, Mounjaro)? Are you experiencing hormone imbalances or performance issues? Curious about keto? I specialize in uncovering root causes and creating personalized, evidence-based nutrition and lifestyle plans. My approach uses Medical Nutrition Therapy to address your unique needs, not just symptoms. Let me help you achieve your health goals with a sustainable, personalized plan tailored to your concerns and health goals.
Do you want to improve your cardiometabolic health, manage weight, blood sugar, cholesterol, gut health, or inflammation? Struggling with mood issues? Using GLP-1 therapies (Ozempic, Mounjaro)? Are you experiencing hormone imbalances or performance issues? Curious about keto? I specialize in uncovering root causes and creating personalized, evidence-based nutrition and lifestyle plans. My approach uses Medical Nutrition Therapy to address your unique needs, not just symptoms. Let me help you achieve your health goals with a sustainable, personalized plan tailored to your concerns and health goals.
Other areas of expertise include but is not limited to general healthy eating, GERD, and Heart Conditions.
Kristin specializes in working with adults and adolescents with Eating Disorders, Disordered Eating, PCOS, Digestive Conditions, IBS, Low FODMAP, Chron's, and Pre/Post Natal Nutrition, and Diabetes. Kristin offers a positive approach to nutrition by focusing on building a healthy relationship with food, making lifestyle changes, goal setting and problem solving to overcome barriers. She believes in staying positive, and that it’s never too late to make lifestyle changes that can lead to a healthier life. Kristin became a dietitian after the experience of caregiving in high school for her grandmother.
Other areas of expertise include but is not limited to general healthy eating, GERD, and Heart Conditions.
Kristin specializes in working with adults and adolescents with Eating Disorders, Disordered Eating, PCOS, Digestive Conditions, IBS, Low FODMAP, Chron's, and Pre/Post Natal Nutrition, and Diabetes. Kristin offers a positive approach to nutrition by focusing on building a healthy relationship with food, making lifestyle changes, goal setting and problem solving to overcome barriers. She believes in staying positive, and that it’s never too late to make lifestyle changes that can lead to a healthier life. Kristin became a dietitian after the experience of caregiving in high school for her grandmother.
Are you struggling with chronic symptoms such as low energy, brain fog, hormone imbalances, inflammation, or bloating? Do you have a history of dieting and a challenging relationship with food? Imagine a life where you can break free from these symptoms and dieting once and for all, while becoming the most vibrant version of yourself. I'm Sophia, a registered dietitian with a functional medicine certification. I help my clients reclaim their health and improve their relationship with food through a root-cause approach, coaching, and plan built for their body and goals. My motto is Eat Well. Find Balance. Live Fully.
Are you struggling with chronic symptoms such as low energy, brain fog, hormone imbalances, inflammation, or bloating? Do you have a history of dieting and a challenging relationship with food? Imagine a life where you can break free from these symptoms and dieting once and for all, while becoming the most vibrant version of yourself. I'm Sophia, a registered dietitian with a functional medicine certification. I help my clients reclaim their health and improve their relationship with food through a root-cause approach, coaching, and plan built for their body and goals. My motto is Eat Well. Find Balance. Live Fully.
I am a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) in private practice for over 15 years. I work with individuals, families and organizations to problem-solve nutrition concerns and improve health outcomes. I offer a nonjudgmental, straightforward and evidence-based approach. I listen to you and gather all necessary information to provide a nutrition plan and recommendations that work for you. It is my pleasure to be your nutrition guide!
I am a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) in private practice for over 15 years. I work with individuals, families and organizations to problem-solve nutrition concerns and improve health outcomes. I offer a nonjudgmental, straightforward and evidence-based approach. I listen to you and gather all necessary information to provide a nutrition plan and recommendations that work for you. It is my pleasure to be your nutrition guide!
I am a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor and Health at Every Size (HAES) practitioner. I specialize in eating disorder recovery and helping people find food freedom. Whether you are struggling with an eating disorder, tired of yo-yo dieting and weight cycling, or just feeling confused about how to eat, I am here to guide you towards the path to food freedom and Intuitive Eating. Every person has their own personal journey with food. I am here to listen and understand yours and find the most effective interventions individual to you.
I am a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor and Health at Every Size (HAES) practitioner. I specialize in eating disorder recovery and helping people find food freedom. Whether you are struggling with an eating disorder, tired of yo-yo dieting and weight cycling, or just feeling confused about how to eat, I am here to guide you towards the path to food freedom and Intuitive Eating. Every person has their own personal journey with food. I am here to listen and understand yours and find the most effective interventions individual to you.
Hearing the news you have cancer can be devastating and life changing, but it does not have to destroy your quality of life. I am a 5 time cancer survivor. I am a Certified Nutritionist and Certified Senior Nutrition Specialist that has the personal experience and training to help you through aging and health conditions that may develop.
Hearing the news you have cancer can be devastating and life changing, but it does not have to destroy your quality of life. I am a 5 time cancer survivor. I am a Certified Nutritionist and Certified Senior Nutrition Specialist that has the personal experience and training to help you through aging and health conditions that may develop.
My ideal client is someone who’s ready for real change but feels stuck. Maybe they’ve tried diets, medications, or programs before, but nothing has worked long-term. They may be struggling with weight, newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, or managing chronic issues like high cholesterol or high blood pressure. Many are overwhelmed by conflicting nutrition advice and just want to know what to eat — and how to stick with it.
What they really need is a plan that makes sense for their life — not a generic handout or fad diet. They want support from someone who listens, simplifies the process, and keeps them accountable.
My ideal client is someone who’s ready for real change but feels stuck. Maybe they’ve tried diets, medications, or programs before, but nothing has worked long-term. They may be struggling with weight, newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, or managing chronic issues like high cholesterol or high blood pressure. Many are overwhelmed by conflicting nutrition advice and just want to know what to eat — and how to stick with it.
What they really need is a plan that makes sense for their life — not a generic handout or fad diet. They want support from someone who listens, simplifies the process, and keeps them accountable.
Are you feeling stuck in your relationship with food? Struggling with emotional eating, feeling guilty, or disconnected from your body’s cues? If diets have left you frustrated, you’re not alone—and you’re in the right place. I offer a non-diet, trauma-informed approach to help you build a balanced, lasting relationship with food. Together, we’ll work to break free from guilt, create confidence in your food choices, and establish sustainable habits that fit your life and goals.
Are you feeling stuck in your relationship with food? Struggling with emotional eating, feeling guilty, or disconnected from your body’s cues? If diets have left you frustrated, you’re not alone—and you’re in the right place. I offer a non-diet, trauma-informed approach to help you build a balanced, lasting relationship with food. Together, we’ll work to break free from guilt, create confidence in your food choices, and establish sustainable habits that fit your life and goals.
Do you struggle with digestive issues like IBS, bloating, or GERD—or feel stuck when it comes to your weight or relationship with food?
Even when you think you’re doing everything right, nothing seems to work?
You don’t need another diet. You need a clear, personalized approach that actually works for your body and your life.
If you're ready to feel better, gain clarity around food, and finally have a plan that works, I’d love to help you get started.
Do you struggle with digestive issues like IBS, bloating, or GERD—or feel stuck when it comes to your weight or relationship with food?
Even when you think you’re doing everything right, nothing seems to work?
You don’t need another diet. You need a clear, personalized approach that actually works for your body and your life.
If you're ready to feel better, gain clarity around food, and finally have a plan that works, I’d love to help you get started.
Are you ready to stop feeling tired, frustrated, and overwhelmed with brain fog, low energy, and difficulty following through with ADHD, or blood sugar ups and downs, weight struggles, and concerning labs tied to cardiometabolic health? You don’t have to figure this out alone. As a Board-Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) I use a functional medicine approach to help you develop sustainable diet and lifestyle changes so you can feel your best. Through personalized 1:1 counseling, you’ll receive science-based strategies, practical tools, and accountability to help you improve energy, regulate blood sugar, and feel more in control.
Are you ready to stop feeling tired, frustrated, and overwhelmed with brain fog, low energy, and difficulty following through with ADHD, or blood sugar ups and downs, weight struggles, and concerning labs tied to cardiometabolic health? You don’t have to figure this out alone. As a Board-Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) I use a functional medicine approach to help you develop sustainable diet and lifestyle changes so you can feel your best. Through personalized 1:1 counseling, you’ll receive science-based strategies, practical tools, and accountability to help you improve energy, regulate blood sugar, and feel more in control.
I am a registered dietitian with a specialty in plant-based and whole food dietary approaches. My mission is to guide clients toward a science-backed approach that prevents, manages, and often reverses chronic conditions while maximizing vitality. My extensive education in psychology and dietetics marks me as an expert in my field, uniquely positioned to help a wide range of individuals.
I am a registered dietitian with a specialty in plant-based and whole food dietary approaches. My mission is to guide clients toward a science-backed approach that prevents, manages, and often reverses chronic conditions while maximizing vitality. My extensive education in psychology and dietetics marks me as an expert in my field, uniquely positioned to help a wide range of individuals.
My approach to care is to address the whole person not just the diagnosis. As an experienced nutrition expert, I have worked for the past 15 years helping individuals improve their lives and maintain their health with nutrition therapy, positive mindsets and fitness. I believe strongly that food plays one of the biggest roles in our life with regard to maintaining our health and healing our bodies. Therefore, I believe that the food we consume should be a top priority in our lives.
My approach to care is to address the whole person not just the diagnosis. As an experienced nutrition expert, I have worked for the past 15 years helping individuals improve their lives and maintain their health with nutrition therapy, positive mindsets and fitness. I believe strongly that food plays one of the biggest roles in our life with regard to maintaining our health and healing our bodies. Therefore, I believe that the food we consume should be a top priority in our lives.
Are you fed-up with the rollercoaster of dieting? Overwhelmed by conflicting diet advice? Are thoughts about food and body claiming too much of your headspace? How would it feel to NOT spend so much time and effort analyzing and second guessing your food choices? You are not alone and you don't have to figure this all out by yourself! Many of us are taught messages about food and health as far back as we can remember, and all of these “rules” can feel overwhelming. I'll help you sort through the noise and find ways to nourish your body in a way that makes sense for you and your goals.
Are you fed-up with the rollercoaster of dieting? Overwhelmed by conflicting diet advice? Are thoughts about food and body claiming too much of your headspace? How would it feel to NOT spend so much time and effort analyzing and second guessing your food choices? You are not alone and you don't have to figure this all out by yourself! Many of us are taught messages about food and health as far back as we can remember, and all of these “rules” can feel overwhelming. I'll help you sort through the noise and find ways to nourish your body in a way that makes sense for you and your goals.
Medical diagnoses are freightenting. Often, I have found my clients receive little education on ways to manage clinical conditions, such as chronic kidney disease and diabetes. With limited guidance, their condition progresses and can result in profound impacts on physical and mental health, and quality of life.
Medical diagnoses are freightenting. Often, I have found my clients receive little education on ways to manage clinical conditions, such as chronic kidney disease and diabetes. With limited guidance, their condition progresses and can result in profound impacts on physical and mental health, and quality of life.
Caitlyn specializes in nutrition therapy for GI conditions, surgery, nutrition support (tube feeding and TPN), food allergies, ALS, weight gain for malnutrition or unintentional weight loss, mindful eating, cancer, diabetes, heart health, bariatric surgery, weight loss, and meal planning for eating on the go.
Caitlyn is a Registered Dietitian who works with clients ready to take charge of their health and make lasting changes. She understands that each person's relationship with food is deeply personal and strives to work alongside you in partnership. Caitlyn strongly believes that education is the key to meaningful behavior change, empowering her clients with the information they need to make informed decisions. She is ready to be your partner on your health journey, making the process achievable, sustainable, and—most importantly—enjoyable!
Caitlyn specializes in nutrition therapy for GI conditions, surgery, nutrition support (tube feeding and TPN), food allergies, ALS, weight gain for malnutrition or unintentional weight loss, mindful eating, cancer, diabetes, heart health, bariatric surgery, weight loss, and meal planning for eating on the go.
Caitlyn is a Registered Dietitian who works with clients ready to take charge of their health and make lasting changes. She understands that each person's relationship with food is deeply personal and strives to work alongside you in partnership. Caitlyn strongly believes that education is the key to meaningful behavior change, empowering her clients with the information they need to make informed decisions. She is ready to be your partner on your health journey, making the process achievable, sustainable, and—most importantly—enjoyable!
Heart Health Nutritionists and Dietitians
How does nutrition affect heart health?
Nutrition plays a significant role in heart health, affecting conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Consuming too much saturated and trans fats can raise "bad" cholesterol levels, potentially leading to clogged arteries and heart disease. In addition, high-sugar and refined carb foods, common in the American diet, are often high in calories but low in nutrients. Abundant consumption of such foods can lead to conditions such as weight gain and diabetes, which put extra strain on the heart. Excess sodium intake is yet another dietary component that can impact heart health. Consumption of too much sodium can raise blood pressure, making the heart work harder. Conversely, eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats helps support heart health through the maintenance of healthy cholesterol levels and the reduction of inflammation.
What diet is best for heart health?
In general, experts recommend a plant-based diet high in fiber, healthy fats, and lean protein as the best nutrition approach to a heart healthy diet. The "Mediterranean diet," characterized by the consumption of lots of healthy fats, vegetables, beans, and whole grains is one common diet with abundant evidence supporting its efficacy in reducing blood cholesterol levels and preventing cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet is another common diet shown to reduce blood pressure and positively impact heart health; the DASH diet emphasizes the consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low fat dairy products with a particular focus on reducing the consumption of saturated fats. Conversely, diets that include the consumption of large amounts of protein and fats—such as the keto diet and atkins diet—are generally not recommended for those with heart conditions or high cholesterol levels due to the high levels of saturated and trans fats such diets can include.
What foods increase one's risk of heart disease?
Foods high in saturated and trans fats, such as fatty meats, cream, butter, and pastries, can have a very negative impact on heart health. In addition, sweets, high-sugar drinks, and refined carbohydrates like white bread and pasta are usually good to avoid in order to positively impact heart health. Replacing saturated fats with unsaturated fat alternatives, such as consuming lean fish high in omega-3 fatty acids instead of red meat, is often a good strategy, as is replacing highly-processed and sugar-rich foods with alternative carbohydrates, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Why should someone with heart disease see a dietitian?
Dietitians are specifically trained to use diet modifications to manage health, so individuals with heart disease may greatly benefit from seeing a dietitian to improve their cardiac health. Dietitians can help clients identify foods that support heart health, such as whole grains, as well as help clients eliminate foods that can place a strain on the heart when consumed in large quantities over time, such as saturated and trans fats. Dietitians can also help hold clients accountable for their nutrition and provide resources for other lifestyle modifications that support heart health, such as exercise, smoking cessation, and alcohol consumption reduction. Additionally, dietitians can assist in managing other chronic diseases often associated with heart disease, such as kidney conditions or diabetes.