Final up to date: 2026 | This publish incorporates affiliate hyperlinks. Should you enroll by way of my hyperlink and use the code FITNESSISTA, you’ll stand up to $250 off and I’ll earn a fee at no additional value to you.
Hiiii mates! I hope you had a beautiful weekend and that you just’re having fun with the morning. At present I wished to speak about one among my favourite subjects: IHP.
Should you’ve been following alongside right here for some time, you recognize that I’ve spent years constructing out my diet and health teaching follow and that I’m somebody who genuinely loves studying. I’ve collected plenty of certifications over time (Precision Diet, NASM Private Coach, Weight Loss Specialist, Girls’s Health Specialist, Corrective Train Specialist, 200-hour yoga RYT, and extra), and every one has added one thing significant to the way in which I work with purchasers.
However there was at all times a niche.
Working with diet purchasers on-line, I saved operating into conditions the place I knew one thing deeper was occurring – a hormonal imbalance, a intestine concern, a mineral deficiency – and all I may do was refer out. Suggesting particular labs or deciphering check outcomes is solely not throughout the scope of follow for a diet coach or private coach. I’d added different practitioners to my group who may run these assessments, however as my on-line follow grew, I wished to have the ability to do that work myself.
That’s what led me to the Integrative Well being Practitioner (IHP) certification, and after finishing each Degree 1 and Degree 2 (over 100 hours of coursework, persevering with training, and a few very difficult assessments later), I may give you a radical, trustworthy image of what to anticipate.
Fascinated about Enrolling? Begin Right here.
Use code FITNESSISTA for $100 off Degree 1, or $250 off each ranges.
IHP Certification Assessment: What I Discovered, What It Prices, and Is It Price It (2026)
What Is the IHP Certification?
The Integrative Well being Practitioner certification was created by Dr. Stephen Cabral, a Board Licensed Physician of Naturopathy, founding father of EquiLife and the Integrative Well being Practitioner Institute, and writer of the worldwide bestseller The Rain Barrel Impact. (Should you haven’t learn it but, get it. It’s free!) After practically 20 years, over 600,000 pages of analysis, dozens of certifications within the pure well being discipline, and over 1 / 4 of 1,000,000 personal consumer classes…. Dr. Cabral is the true deal.
I’d been following him on Instagram for a few years and had him as a visitor on the podcast earlier than I enrolled. Once we wrapped up the podcast, I knew I wished to be taught as a lot as I may from him, and when the partnership got here collectively, I took it as an indication that the timing was lastly proper.
This system is constructed on 7 integrative disciplines:
Ayurvedic drugs – the science of life and body-typing
Bioregulatory drugs – the science of self-healing and rebalancing
Chinese language drugs and herbalism – unlocking nature’s therapeutic knowledge
Jap philosophy – utilizing the thoughts to heal the physique
Conventional naturopathy – “proper residing” to reverse sickness
Orthomolecular drugs – nutritional vitamins and minerals as drugs
Useful drugs – state-of-the-art lab testing to uncover underlying root causes
The whole lot is taught by Dr. Cabral himself, and I genuinely loved the way in which he presents complicated info, making it accessible and simple to implement. His real-world medical expertise is invaluable, and it comes by way of in each lesson.
The Two Ranges: What’s the Distinction?
IHP Degree 1: The DESTRESS Protocol
Degree 1 focuses on Dr. Cabral’s DESTRESS methodology: a root-cause way of life framework constructed round Eating regimen, Train, Stress administration, Toxin elimination, Relaxation, Emotional stability, Supplementation, and Success mindset.
Every lesson runs about half-hour, and Dr. Cabral consists of instructed studying, complementary podcast episodes, and tons of client-ready handouts and sources all through. The total Degree 1 course can take round 6 months relying in your tempo. It’s tremendous complete.
I cherished Degree 1. I discovered myself studying one thing beneficial from each single lesson. However it’s the big-picture basis and it builds your framework and vocabulary. The appliance actually is available in Degree 2.
Need the total breakdown? Learn my full IHP Degree 1 evaluation right here.
IHP Degree 2: Useful Labs
That is the place issues acquired actually thrilling for me. Throughout every module I saved considering: that is precisely what I wish to be taught. That is how I wish to assist my purchasers.
Degree 2 is sort of completely targeted on purposeful drugs labs. You learn to suggest particular house lab assessments, analyze outcomes, and recommend motion plans based mostly on what you discover.
Right here’s what’s lined:
Meals Sensitivity Testing: IgG reactions to 190 meals on a scale from not vital to excessive. These are sensitivities (not allergic reactions) and might present up as complications, joint ache, pores and skin rashes, poor temper, and extra.
Parasite and Micro organism Stool Testing: key intestine micro organism and parasite markers related to mind fog, low vitality, physique ache, and complications.
Natural Acids (OAT): an analysis of intestinal yeast and micro organism that may contribute to fatigue, conduct points, immune dysfunction, and extra. Many individuals with power sickness and neurological points present up right here. I run this check with purchasers nearly each single day.
Omega-3 Testing – your Omega-6 to Omega-3 ratio, which has actual implications for coronary heart well being, irritation, temper, vitality, pores and skin, and muscle and joint ache. (Enjoyable reality: analysis reveals that when Omega-3 ranges within the blood attain 9% or extra, the danger of sudden cardiac loss of life drops dramatically. That alone was eye-opening.)
Adrenal Hormone Testing – estrogen, progesterone, and cortisol patterns all through the day.
Thyroid Adrenal Hormone Testing – provides testosterone, DHEA, thyroid markers (T4, T3, TSH, TPO antibodies), insulin, A1C, and vitamin D. Weight reduction has much more to do with hormone stability and metabolism than most individuals understand.
HTMA (Hair Tissue Mineral Evaluation) – a foundational lab utilizing only a hair pattern that appears at mineral ranges, electrolytes, and poisonous heavy metals, and offers perception into how your physique is responding to emphasize and whether or not you’re a sluggish or quick oxidizer.
Word: these labs will not be supposed to diagnose, stop, deal with, or treatment any illness, however they supply extremely particular and actionable details about your particular person physique. I really love this side of the labs; we’re in search of underlying imbalances however nothing scary.
About two-thirds of the way in which by way of Degree 2, I spotted that if I saved making an attempt to grasp each module earlier than transferring on, I’d by no means end, since you may actually spend a lifetime going deep on any one among these assessments. One of the simplest ways to essentially be taught this materials is to do it: learn actual outcomes, re-watch the related module as you undergo every marker, and hold layering in podcasts, books, and persevering with training. That’s nonetheless how I strategy it.
For the total Degree 2 breakdown, learn my IHP Degree 2 evaluation right here
How A lot Does the IHP Value?
Pricing can change, so I at all times suggest checking present enrollment particulars straight.
That stated:
Degree 1 is the lower-cost entry level, with fee plan choices obtainable
Each ranges collectively is the place the larger funding (and larger low cost) is available in. I believe that Degree 2 is ABSOLUTELY value it. (Price saying right here that I’m presently working my means by way of Degree 3 and loving each second)
Use code FITNESSISTA for $100 off Degree 1, or $250 off each ranges
IHP additionally periodically runs enrollment specials, so it’s value maintaining an eye fixed out if timing is an element for you.
For context on worth: the purposeful lab coaching alone – one thing only a few coach-level certifications provide at this depth – would value considerably extra if pursued by way of particular person programs or medical coaching packages.
What I Really Love Concerning the IHP Program
It fills an actual hole in conventional well being teaching. As a diet coach and private coach, there’s a tough ceiling on how deep you’ll be able to go along with purchasers. The IHP certification – particularly Degree 2 – gave me instruments to truly get to root causes, not simply provide normal way of life steering.
Dr. Cabral is genuinely one of many good ones. Should you comply with him on Instagram or take heed to his podcast, you already know this. He’s extremely educated, however you may also simply inform that he’s a genuinely good one who actually needs to assist folks heal. That comes by way of in each lesson.
The assist construction is superb. There’s a personal Fb group for IHP candidates and licensed practitioners, dwell Zoom Q&A calls, and – for Degree 2 graduates who full an extra mentorship program – they’ll even refer purchasers to you straight. The handouts and sources are one other big plus; Dr. Cabral shares the precise protocols he makes use of in his personal follow, which makes it simple to begin implementing with purchasers immediately.
Self-paced with lifetime entry. No cohort deadlines to emphasize over. You may transfer rapidly when life permits and decelerate when it doesn’t. (For this reason it’s taken me 18 years to finish Degree 3 lol.) They’re additionally continuously including new modules, handouts, and content material to the platform.
You don’t want a well being background to begin. We’ve IHPs who fully modified careers due to this program, and likewise bodily therapists, nurses, docs, private trainers, and dental professionals. It actually spans backgrounds.
The mission behind it’s lovely. The concept is that you just heal your self after which go on to heal others. That’s one thing I consider in fully, and it’s been additional significant to me as I’ve been by myself therapeutic journey.
What I’d Inform You to Know Going In
The teachings require your full consideration. This was my solely actual frustration: Dr. Cabral goes into plenty of info (much more so in Degree 2), and I felt like I wanted to be at my desk taking notes, not listening on a stroll or throughout a commute. The upside is it forces you to truly soak up the fabric, however you’ll be able to’t blast by way of it as rapidly as you would possibly wish to.
It’s not a medical credential. The IHP doesn’t provide the authority to diagnose, deal with, or prescribe. That is true of all well being teaching certifications, and it’s one thing to go in realizing. You’re working throughout the scope of a well being practitioner, which remains to be significant and impactful; it’s only a totally different lane than drugs.
You’ll must buy your personal insurance coverage after Degree 2. Most grads undergo an organization like Different Steadiness. It’s pretty simple to arrange, but it surely’s an ongoing value to issue into your planning. (I believe I pay about $160/yr)
It takes actual time. Degree 1 sometimes takes round 6 months; Degree 2 can take 6 months to a yr. There’s no shortcut, and actually, that’s applicable for the quantity of fabric lined.
Is the IHP Price It in 2026?
For me, 10000% sure.
I wish to be trustworthy about why, although. I got here to this already working within the well being area, with a selected hole I wanted to fill and a real ardour for the sort of work. IHP stuffed that hole. I’ve been ready so as to add a brand new layer to my 1:1 teaching, work with members of the family and mates utilizing these instruments, and deepen my very own therapeutic course of with data I didn’t have earlier than. (The timing was additional significant for me personally. Coping with some sudden well being problems with my very own made the purposeful lab materials really feel extremely related.)
I’ve additionally been the one who was advised “nothing is fallacious” or “you’ll simply need to dwell with it” by a number of physicians. I do know firsthand how a lot it issues to have somebody in your nook who thinks in root causes, who doesn’t hand over on you when customary labs look “regular.” That’s the form of practitioner I wish to be, and IHP gave me actual instruments to get there.
Should you’re a well being skilled in search of one other method to serve your purchasers, or for those who’re somebody who needs to heal your self after which assist the folks round you, I genuinely can’t suggest this program sufficient. I’d do each ranges, particularly if purposeful labs are your purpose. That’s the place the true magic occurs.
Take a look at the IHP program and use code FITNESSISTA for as much as $250 off
I solely suggest packages I’ve personally accomplished and consider in. Enrolling by way of my hyperlink helps this weblog at no additional value to you.
Fast FAQs
Do I want a well being background to enroll?
Nope! This system is open to everybody: profession changers, well being professionals, and genuinely curious folks alike.
Can I simply do Degree 1?
Sure. Degree 1 is its personal certification. But when purposeful lab work is your purpose, you’ll need each ranges. I’d begin with Degree 1 to ensure the fabric resonates, then proceed to Degree 2. (If you buy each on the identical time, the pricing is best, although.)
How lengthy does it take to complete?
Degree 1 is often round 6 months at a snug tempo; Degree 2 is comparable or a bit longer. There’s no time restrict, so you’ll be able to go at no matter tempo works to your life.
What can I really do with this certification?
You may add purposeful well being teaching to your current follow, create new 1:1 or group choices, use it to deepen your personal private well being data, and contribute to content material you create. Degree 2 graduates even have the choice to obtain consumer referrals by way of the IHP community.
Is there group assist when you’re going by way of it?
Sure! The personal Fb group is energetic and genuinely useful. And Dr. Cabral’s podcast (The Cabral Idea) is an ongoing useful resource that I nonetheless use repeatedly.
Take a look at the small print right here and my code is FITNESSISTA to your low cost
Have questions concerning the IHP that I didn’t cowl right here? Drop them within the feedback. I learn each single one and am blissful to assist!
xo,
Gina
I’ll be updating this publish yearly to mirror any adjustments in pricing, curriculum, or program particulars.
