Gastrointestinal (GI) Nutritionists and Dietitians in Kankakee County, IL
My ideal client feels stuck in diet culture, food guilt, or body shame. You might be struggling with an eating disorder, chronic dieting, or feeling disconnected from your body’s needs. Maybe you're neurodivergent and navigating sensory challenges, or you’ve had frustrating experiences with weight-focused healthcare. You want to heal your relationship with food, break free from shame, and find sustainable nourishment that feels good. You’re looking for a weight-inclusive, intuitive approach that helps you trust yourself again—I’m here to help you do just that.
My ideal client feels stuck in diet culture, food guilt, or body shame. You might be struggling with an eating disorder, chronic dieting, or feeling disconnected from your body’s needs. Maybe you're neurodivergent and navigating sensory challenges, or you’ve had frustrating experiences with weight-focused healthcare. You want to heal your relationship with food, break free from shame, and find sustainable nourishment that feels good. You’re looking for a weight-inclusive, intuitive approach that helps you trust yourself again—I’m here to help you do just that.
Online Dietitians and Nutritionists
Maria is a Registered Dietitian who strongly believes in improving physical, mental, and emotional health through nutrition. Maria enjoys using her clinical background to help others navigate their unique nutritional needs by providing individualized interventions. Maria believes in a patient-centered, evidenced-based approach to nutrition care. She will help you achieve your nutrition goals through education, counseling, and therapeutic modalities including cognitive behavioral therapy, exposure response prevention therapy, and medical nutrition therapy.
Maria is a Registered Dietitian who strongly believes in improving physical, mental, and emotional health through nutrition. Maria enjoys using her clinical background to help others navigate their unique nutritional needs by providing individualized interventions. Maria believes in a patient-centered, evidenced-based approach to nutrition care. She will help you achieve your nutrition goals through education, counseling, and therapeutic modalities including cognitive behavioral therapy, exposure response prevention therapy, and medical nutrition therapy.
Formerly Ashley Evans. I am a Registered Dietitian and an alumna of Northern Illinois University. With over seven years of experience in the eating disorder field, I am deeply passionate about supporting individuals in their recovery journey. I began my nutrition career at a residential eating disorder facility in downtown Chicago and later expanded my expertise through roles in Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) levels of care. My nutrition philosophy emphasizes building a healthy and positive relationship with food, integrating mental, emotional, physical, and social health.
Formerly Ashley Evans. I am a Registered Dietitian and an alumna of Northern Illinois University. With over seven years of experience in the eating disorder field, I am deeply passionate about supporting individuals in their recovery journey. I began my nutrition career at a residential eating disorder facility in downtown Chicago and later expanded my expertise through roles in Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) levels of care. My nutrition philosophy emphasizes building a healthy and positive relationship with food, integrating mental, emotional, physical, and social health.
Hi! I'm Alisha, a registered dietitian with a passion for helping people form a healthy relationship with food and their body. Whether you're aiming to fuel for a marathon, navigating disordered eating or have health related goals in mind, I'm here to guide you to lasting, positive change.
As a foodie at heart, I believe nourishing your body should be delicious and fun! I love getting creative with food, and finding new ways to make healthy meals taste as good as they make you feel.
Hi! I'm Alisha, a registered dietitian with a passion for helping people form a healthy relationship with food and their body. Whether you're aiming to fuel for a marathon, navigating disordered eating or have health related goals in mind, I'm here to guide you to lasting, positive change.
As a foodie at heart, I believe nourishing your body should be delicious and fun! I love getting creative with food, and finding new ways to make healthy meals taste as good as they make you feel.
We are learning that maintaining our gut health is the root of treating many diseases including autoimmune, inflammatory, skin, obesity, cancer, allergies, and more.
I specialize in working with autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. Some of these include MS, thyroid, gastrointestinal conditions, weight loss, cancer, food allergy, and chronic conditions such as cardiac or diabetes.
We are learning that maintaining our gut health is the root of treating many diseases including autoimmune, inflammatory, skin, obesity, cancer, allergies, and more.
I specialize in working with autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. Some of these include MS, thyroid, gastrointestinal conditions, weight loss, cancer, food allergy, and chronic conditions such as cardiac or diabetes.
My ideal clients are individuals seeking to heal their relationship with food, body, and self through intuitive eating and personalized nutrition support. They often feel disconnected, stuck in dieting cycles, or overwhelmed by food rules, and want a more compassionate, sustainable approach. I help them reconnect with their body’s needs through 1:1, individualized guidance that is supportive and deeply personalized. Together, we focus on behavior change, self-trust, and developing a healthier, more peaceful relationship with food and eating.
My ideal clients are individuals seeking to heal their relationship with food, body, and self through intuitive eating and personalized nutrition support. They often feel disconnected, stuck in dieting cycles, or overwhelmed by food rules, and want a more compassionate, sustainable approach. I help them reconnect with their body’s needs through 1:1, individualized guidance that is supportive and deeply personalized. Together, we focus on behavior change, self-trust, and developing a healthier, more peaceful relationship with food and eating.
My ideal client has done everything right, followed plans, taken supplements, read the books, but still feels anxious, exhausted, or disconnected from their body. They often struggle with digestion, hormones, or stress related symptoms and want to understand why. They are ready for a compassionate, science based approach that honors both body and mind. Together, we restore a sense of safety first so energy, digestion, and calm can follow naturally.
My ideal client has done everything right, followed plans, taken supplements, read the books, but still feels anxious, exhausted, or disconnected from their body. They often struggle with digestion, hormones, or stress related symptoms and want to understand why. They are ready for a compassionate, science based approach that honors both body and mind. Together, we restore a sense of safety first so energy, digestion, and calm can follow naturally.
Anna is a Registered Dietitian that practices out of Health Loft specializing in working with adults and pediatrics with a history of GI disorders (Celiac, IBS, Low-FODMAP, IBD, Constipation, GERD, lactase and sucrase deficiency), Healthy Eating, Food Allergies, and Pediatric Nutrition.
Specialties include working with and adults and pediatrics with a history of GI disorders (Celiac, IBS, Low-FODMAP, IBD, Constipation, GERD, lactase and sucrase deficiency), interest in Healthy Eating, Food Allergies, and Pediatric Nutrition. Anna also works with clients with Diverticulitis, and Disordered Eating.
Anna is a Registered Dietitian that practices out of Health Loft specializing in working with adults and pediatrics with a history of GI disorders (Celiac, IBS, Low-FODMAP, IBD, Constipation, GERD, lactase and sucrase deficiency), Healthy Eating, Food Allergies, and Pediatric Nutrition.
Specialties include working with and adults and pediatrics with a history of GI disorders (Celiac, IBS, Low-FODMAP, IBD, Constipation, GERD, lactase and sucrase deficiency), interest in Healthy Eating, Food Allergies, and Pediatric Nutrition. Anna also works with clients with Diverticulitis, and Disordered Eating.
I specialize in gastrointestinal wellness and detoxification support.
Key to optimal health is healthy gastrointestinal function. With the increase in food sensitivities and intolerances, GI disorders, and high stress lifestyles, gastrointestinal dysfunction is sadly quite common. Nutrition can be tailored to promote your body's ability to restore and maintain gastrointestinal integrity.
I specialize in gastrointestinal wellness and detoxification support.
Key to optimal health is healthy gastrointestinal function. With the increase in food sensitivities and intolerances, GI disorders, and high stress lifestyles, gastrointestinal dysfunction is sadly quite common. Nutrition can be tailored to promote your body's ability to restore and maintain gastrointestinal integrity.
Carra is a Registered Dietitian (RD) who recognizes that nutrition is both universal and deeply personal. Nutrition isn’t just about eating—culture, goals, preferences, and habits all shape how we fuel ourselves. Carra provides a nonjudgmental space where individuals can connect nutrition and wellness and feel empowered to make sustainable changes.
Carra is a Registered Dietitian (RD) who recognizes that nutrition is both universal and deeply personal. Nutrition isn’t just about eating—culture, goals, preferences, and habits all shape how we fuel ourselves. Carra provides a nonjudgmental space where individuals can connect nutrition and wellness and feel empowered to make sustainable changes.
Emma specializes in working with clients interested in PCOS, Hormonal Imbalances, Pre/Post Natal, Infertility, Bariatric Surgery, Weight Management, Anti-Inflammatory, Thyroid Conditions, and other areas. Emma is passionate about helping others achieve their individual nutrition and health goals. She practices “judgment free” care and understands the numerous barriers to health, while serving as a partner to her patients on their wellness journey. She utilizes evidenced based practices to produce sustainable results and help others create a positive relationship with nutrition
Emma specializes in working with clients interested in PCOS, Hormonal Imbalances, Pre/Post Natal, Infertility, Bariatric Surgery, Weight Management, Anti-Inflammatory, Thyroid Conditions, and other areas. Emma is passionate about helping others achieve their individual nutrition and health goals. She practices “judgment free” care and understands the numerous barriers to health, while serving as a partner to her patients on their wellness journey. She utilizes evidenced based practices to produce sustainable results and help others create a positive relationship with nutrition
Doug specializes in: Pre-Daibetes, Type 1 and 2 Diabetes, Gestational Diabetes, Weight Management, Bariatics, GLP-1 medication support, PCOS, Cardio-Metabolic conditions, Fatty Liver Disease, Digestive Health, Mindful and Intuitive Eating Behaviors.
Hello! I am Doug Liner, a Registered Dietitian with 30 years of experience working with others in diabetes care, metabolic health, and weight loss. I work with a wide range of other medical conditions and hold a Certificate of training in Adult and Pediatric Obesity from the Commission on Dietetic Registration. I believe nutritional care should be approached through simple to understand and implement tools for daily living.
Doug specializes in: Pre-Daibetes, Type 1 and 2 Diabetes, Gestational Diabetes, Weight Management, Bariatics, GLP-1 medication support, PCOS, Cardio-Metabolic conditions, Fatty Liver Disease, Digestive Health, Mindful and Intuitive Eating Behaviors.
Hello! I am Doug Liner, a Registered Dietitian with 30 years of experience working with others in diabetes care, metabolic health, and weight loss. I work with a wide range of other medical conditions and hold a Certificate of training in Adult and Pediatric Obesity from the Commission on Dietetic Registration. I believe nutritional care should be approached through simple to understand and implement tools for daily living.
Specialties include: Digestive issues,Crohn's Disease, Celiac Disease, Disordered eating, eating disorders, mindful/intuitive eating, PCOS, general health and wellness and weight gain/restoration
Amanda is an RD specializing in general health and wellness, eating disorders and disordered eating. She is dedicated to helping individuals heal their relationship with food and their bodies. Amanda believes in creating a compassionate and supportive environment, incorporating evidence-based nutrition practices to guide clients toward sustainable changes. She strives to empower her clients to break free from diet culture and develop a nourishing and balanced approach to eating. Amanda offers compassionate, patient-centered nutrition care, focusing on non-diet, weight-inclusive principles.
Specialties include: Digestive issues,Crohn's Disease, Celiac Disease, Disordered eating, eating disorders, mindful/intuitive eating, PCOS, general health and wellness and weight gain/restoration
Amanda is an RD specializing in general health and wellness, eating disorders and disordered eating. She is dedicated to helping individuals heal their relationship with food and their bodies. Amanda believes in creating a compassionate and supportive environment, incorporating evidence-based nutrition practices to guide clients toward sustainable changes. She strives to empower her clients to break free from diet culture and develop a nourishing and balanced approach to eating. Amanda offers compassionate, patient-centered nutrition care, focusing on non-diet, weight-inclusive principles.
I'm also passionate about assisting individuals in other health conditions that present either independently or co-occuring with eating disorders such as gastrointestinal challenges, diabetes, etc.
I am HAES aligned and offer a weight neutral approach to nutrition therapy, utilizing the Intuitive Eating principles to assist individuals in healing their relationship with food and their body. In addition, I approach each case in a holistic manner as it's the complexities within one's life that often shape how people interact with food.
I'm also passionate about assisting individuals in other health conditions that present either independently or co-occuring with eating disorders such as gastrointestinal challenges, diabetes, etc.
I am HAES aligned and offer a weight neutral approach to nutrition therapy, utilizing the Intuitive Eating principles to assist individuals in healing their relationship with food and their body. In addition, I approach each case in a holistic manner as it's the complexities within one's life that often shape how people interact with food.
Cindy is a Registered Dietitian with a background in individualized client care and 1:1 nutrition counseling. Cindy has developed rapport with clients from a variety of diagnoses, with a specialization in eating disorders. Cindy's primary goal is to help clients foster a strong and sustainable relationship with food that ultimately meets long-term goals. Cindy is a Registered Dietitian who provides an empathetic, trauma-informed, Health-At-Every-Size-informed, and weight-inclusive approach to care. Ensuring that clients feel supported and ready to make changes towards their nutritional goals is her main priority.
Cindy is a Registered Dietitian with a background in individualized client care and 1:1 nutrition counseling. Cindy has developed rapport with clients from a variety of diagnoses, with a specialization in eating disorders. Cindy's primary goal is to help clients foster a strong and sustainable relationship with food that ultimately meets long-term goals. Cindy is a Registered Dietitian who provides an empathetic, trauma-informed, Health-At-Every-Size-informed, and weight-inclusive approach to care. Ensuring that clients feel supported and ready to make changes towards their nutritional goals is her main priority.
Are you looking for an individualized approach to nutrition? Do you feel stuck in the dieting cycle and not sure where to go next? Do you struggle to incorporate healthy habits during busy weeks with hectic schedules? I am a Registered Dietitian at Fuel U (by SHIFT), a 12-week personalized nutrition coaching program (available both in-person and virtually). Through my connection with SHIFT, a concierge medical practice in River North, I have access to primary care physicians, best-in-class diagnostics (including our dual-compartment DEXA scan), and other clinical resources that aid in coaching our Fuel U clients.
Are you looking for an individualized approach to nutrition? Do you feel stuck in the dieting cycle and not sure where to go next? Do you struggle to incorporate healthy habits during busy weeks with hectic schedules? I am a Registered Dietitian at Fuel U (by SHIFT), a 12-week personalized nutrition coaching program (available both in-person and virtually). Through my connection with SHIFT, a concierge medical practice in River North, I have access to primary care physicians, best-in-class diagnostics (including our dual-compartment DEXA scan), and other clinical resources that aid in coaching our Fuel U clients.
I specialize in compassionate, neurodiversity-affirming support for neurodivergent, queer, and chronically ill individuals—especially those navigating disordered eating, ARFID, or complex medical and digestive conditions.
Ideal Clients/Folks I work with: Neurodivergent folks (ADHD, Autistic) feeling stuck in all-or-nothing eating patterns, inconsistent eating, or food burnout.
Parents of neurodivergent kids facing picky eating challenges needing support beyond "just try one bite"
Chronically ill clients balancing fatigue, flare-ups, and real-world nourishment
I specialize in compassionate, neurodiversity-affirming support for neurodivergent, queer, and chronically ill individuals—especially those navigating disordered eating, ARFID, or complex medical and digestive conditions.
Ideal Clients/Folks I work with: Neurodivergent folks (ADHD, Autistic) feeling stuck in all-or-nothing eating patterns, inconsistent eating, or food burnout.
Parents of neurodivergent kids facing picky eating challenges needing support beyond "just try one bite"
Chronically ill clients balancing fatigue, flare-ups, and real-world nourishment
Julia is a dedicated Registered Dietitian with a commitment to helping individuals overcome eating disorders and cultivate a healthy relationship with food. Julia strives to bring a compassionate and non-judgmental demeanor to foster a safe space where individuals feel heard and understood, making her a ready and capable resource in the challenging but transformative process of overcoming nutrition challenges. Julia offers a wealth of knowledge that comes from years of working in the inpatient setting.
Julia is a dedicated Registered Dietitian with a commitment to helping individuals overcome eating disorders and cultivate a healthy relationship with food. Julia strives to bring a compassionate and non-judgmental demeanor to foster a safe space where individuals feel heard and understood, making her a ready and capable resource in the challenging but transformative process of overcoming nutrition challenges. Julia offers a wealth of knowledge that comes from years of working in the inpatient setting.
I am proficient in GI concerns, weight loss, women's health, bariatric surgery, maximizing results on GLP1/injections, blood glucose, metabolic liver disease, cardiovascular disease, loss of energy, fatigue, autoimmunity.
Does this sound familiar? You are busy, overstretched and tired of not recognizing yourself when you look in the mirror? Do you give so much to others, family, organizations and work that there is nothing left for yourself at the end of the day? Is your energy, vitality and health being chipped away little by little? Have challenges such as Whole 30, Hard 75 and intense diets failed you?
I am proficient in GI concerns, weight loss, women's health, bariatric surgery, maximizing results on GLP1/injections, blood glucose, metabolic liver disease, cardiovascular disease, loss of energy, fatigue, autoimmunity.
Does this sound familiar? You are busy, overstretched and tired of not recognizing yourself when you look in the mirror? Do you give so much to others, family, organizations and work that there is nothing left for yourself at the end of the day? Is your energy, vitality and health being chipped away little by little? Have challenges such as Whole 30, Hard 75 and intense diets failed you?
Specializes in Disordered Eating, Eating Disorders, General Healthy Eating, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, IBD, Low FODMAP, GI Conditions, Diverticulitis, Crohn's, Ulcerative Colitis, High Blood Pressure, Oncology Nutrition, Pre/Post Natal Nutrition, Malnutrition, Gastroparesis, Underweight Nutrition, Baby Led Weaning, Hyper/Hypothyroidism, and Sports Nutrition.
Heather is passionate about working collaboratively with her clients to help them heal their relationship with their body and food. She works with clients to facilitate changes that will improve overall quality of life. She believes that food and nutrition should not only support someone’s physical health, but their social, emotional, and mental health as well. Her own experiences have fueled her particular interest in intuitive eating, disordered eating and HAES aligned care. She loves working alongside clients to find creative ways to make food both nourishing and enjoyable.
Specializes in Disordered Eating, Eating Disorders, General Healthy Eating, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, IBD, Low FODMAP, GI Conditions, Diverticulitis, Crohn's, Ulcerative Colitis, High Blood Pressure, Oncology Nutrition, Pre/Post Natal Nutrition, Malnutrition, Gastroparesis, Underweight Nutrition, Baby Led Weaning, Hyper/Hypothyroidism, and Sports Nutrition.
Heather is passionate about working collaboratively with her clients to help them heal their relationship with their body and food. She works with clients to facilitate changes that will improve overall quality of life. She believes that food and nutrition should not only support someone’s physical health, but their social, emotional, and mental health as well. Her own experiences have fueled her particular interest in intuitive eating, disordered eating and HAES aligned care. She loves working alongside clients to find creative ways to make food both nourishing and enjoyable.
Gastrointestinal (GI) Nutritionists and Dietitians
What is gut health?
Gut health refers to the overall functioning and well-being of the gastrointestinal (GI) system. Key to gut health is the gut microbiome, which is the collection of healthy bacteria living in the gut. These bacteria are essential for the digestion and breakdown of food, and their health significantly impacts digestion. Poor gut health can result in symptoms such as bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, and general abdominal discomfort, which may indicate imbalances or issues with the gut microbiome.
Can diet help with GI issues?
Diet plays a major role in gut health, and changes in diet can often reduce or eliminate some of the symptoms associated with gastrointestinal (GI) issues. Often, GI distress is due to food intolerances or sensitivities, such as gluten sensitivity or lactose intolerance. In these cases, eliminating the problematic foods from the diet can resolve the issue. GI problems can also stem from a combination of environmental or genetic factors, such as in the case of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Disruptions in the gut microbiome, such as those caused by taking antibiotics, can also lead to GI issues. In both scenarios, maintaining a balanced diet as much as possible with foods that support a healthy microbiome—such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and probiotic foods—can often significantly reduce symptoms and improve gut health.
What are the best foods for gut health?
Maintaining a balanced microbiome is essential for gut health, and this is best achieved through a varied diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and probiotic foods. Fruits and vegetables provide essential nutrients and fiber, which nourish the beneficial bacteria in the gut. Probiotic foods, which are those that contain live bacteria, are also great for gut health. Consuming probiotic foods and drinks, such as yogurt, kefir, kombucha, and tempeh, can help support the microbiome by contributing to the diversity of bacteria within the gut.
When should I see a dietitian for GI issues?
Many people can benefit from seeing a dietitian for GI issues. In general, most dietitians are knowledgeable about what foods support gut health and may help clients choose foods that support a healthy GI system, such as fruits and vegetables high in fiber or foods high in probiotics. Dietitians may be especially beneficial to clients with known gastrointestinal concerns, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). For clients diagnosed with these or similar conditions, dietitians can help clients identify food triggers and develop a meal plan for the client that minimizes symptoms. Dietitians may also work with clients who are having gastrointestinal distress (such as bloating, gas, constipation, diarrhea, etc.) but are not aware of the cause of their symptoms. In such cases, dietitians may be able to help the client identify the cause of the GI distress and coordinate with other medical professionals to help the client better manage their symptoms.