Raksha Chhadva (Naturopath, Psychiatric Nutritionist, Dietitian & Counsellor), Director, Navjivan Nature Cure Center (NNCC)

Eating healthy is rooted in nutritional science, but our diets may be influenced by our genetic composition, lifestyle, and health goals. A healthy diet provides the necessary macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, and fats) and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) to support bodily functions, energy, and overall health. This involves balancing food choices to meet individual needs while minimizing harmful substances like excessive saturated fats, sugar, and salt.

A healthy diet can have different meanings for different individuals as the trend of personalization nutrition is gaining traction today. Personalized nutrition is changing how we eat today. Formidably, it’s all thanks to the burgeoning technology wave that’s easing the job through development of artificial intelligence (AI) and data-driven solutions. AI is making nutrition more accurate, accessible, and efficient than ever before by utilizing machine learning, big data, and biometric tracking. Conclusively, it would not be wrong to say that nutrition is hyper-personalized today. But is the hype around Hyper-Personalized Nutrition reliable enough, when it’s powered by technology i.e., a collective result of data, analytics, AI, and automation.

Let’s explore this through Mandvi Singh, Managing Editor, siliconindia’s exclusive CXO interaction with Raksha Chhadva, a Naturopath, Psychiatric Nutritionist, Dietitian & Counsellor), and Director of Navjivan Nature Cure Center (NNCC).

How do you foresee the role of AI in meal planning, like, how it predicts and helps prevent health issues?

Artificial intelligence has a big role across industries today, including nutrition. Undoubtedly, Artificial intelligence (AI) can aid in dietary planning but cannot replace expert consultation. While AI may offer helpful tools, its reliance on potentially biased online sources limits the reliability of its information or say, credible research. Qualified healthcare professionals are essential for interpreting complex cases and providing tailored dietary recommendations, especially in critical situations like cancer. Nonetheless, AI is effective in identifying nutritional deficiencies and genetic predispositions before clinical symptoms arise.

In my practice, I consider both patients' and their families' health histories to assess genetic risks. When time is limited, AI aids in quickly analyzing data and identifying metabolic imbalances, prompting important questions I might miss, though I always verify with the patient's history. While AI enhances my practice, it cannot replace medical expertise. There's a significant risk of data misuse; for example, AI can't identify if a research paper on eggs is sponsored by those promoting egg consumption. This potential for misuse is concerning.

What ethical considerations should a nutritionist like you should consider as they address technology in the practice?

I believe human interaction is irreplaceable, and we must avoid over-relying on AI. While AI can provide general information, it lacks the ability to consider individual circumstances and sensitivities, raising ethical concerns, especially in fields like healthcare. For example, a generic low-sodium diet plan generated by AI wouldn’t consider the specific needs of a cancer patient, who may have unique dietary restrictions and personal desires. Such nuances are essential for effective patient care, unlike the simplistic information often found online. Furthermore, maintaining confidentiality is crucial for trust, yet not all professionals prioritize it. Secure handling of sensitive medical information is essential, particularly with AI systems that do not inherently seek patient consent for data use. The need for transparency in how patient data is stored and used cannot be overstated. As we navigate the intersection of emotional, mental, and physical data, sensitivity is key to ensuring patients feel safe sharing their concerns.

With the global personalized nutrition market projected to reach $15 billion in 2025, $15.7 billion in 2025 as per market reports, what strategic innovations and partnerships should companies consider today to stay competitive, while just in this rapidly evolving sector?

Collaboration is essential for effective teamwork among dieticians, mental health experts, and technology professionals, including those working with AI in order to proactively deliver hyper-personalized nutrition care. Addressing the ethical aspects of technology is crucial; we need to ensure that sensitive information remains confidential. Ongoing innovations in microbiome research show that specific gut microbes can significantly impact health outcomes, such as reducing the risk of diabetes or causing gut dysbiosis. Therefore, collaboration should involve integrating emotional profiles from mental health experts and establishing clear ethical guidelines on information disclosure. By leveraging AI, we can identify predispositions to certain conditions, like diabetes, based on genetic markers, prompting preventive measures even before the onset. Partnerships, especially with clean label food producers, can greatly enhance wellness initiatives at my naturopathy center, ultimately leading to significant advancements in health and wellness.

In this over-personalized nutritional space, where food anxiety could lead to certain health conditions, how do you think this industry should introduce guidelines that help consumers or the users navigate through this overwhelming amount of data and avoid being overly fixated on the minute dietary adjustments?

It's a thought-provoking question. As a psychiatric nutrition counselor and dietitian, I've seen many clients overwhelmed by rigid dietary guidelines or the vast amount of conflicting information online. I believe education and empowerment are essential. Instead of simply providing a diet plan, I collaborate with my patients to create a plan that works for them, helping to eliminate fear and anxiety around food. This approach boosts their confidence, leading them to think, "Yes, I can manage this."

I believe the focus should be on mindful eating and f lexible approaches, emphasizing nourishment over perfection. By encouraging reflection on their abilities, patients often realize that small changes are manageable. This personal insight, which AI cannot replicate, makes the human touch more effective in addressing food anxiety.

As there is a lot of focus on the noise going around sustainability and clean label demand kind of things, shaping the consumer choices. So, do you think it is okay to rely on technology to balance the need for personalized nutrition while ensuring that the products remain ethically sourced and environmentally responsible?

We often focus on other things and forget about the impact on our planet, Mother Earth. At my naturopathy center in Gujarat, we practice a farm-to-table concept, prioritizing organic food and minimizing plastic use. I emphasize local, seasonal, and ethically sourced ingredients. Technology can help by providing information about available local foods. While foods like avocados are labeled as superfoods, they only truly apply to those who grow them locally. Instead, we should recognize mulberries, which we can grow, as our superfood instead of imported options like blueberries. Seasonal consumption and sustainable packaging contribute to a healthier environment. AI technology should also be more mindful when making dietary recommendations.

As AI continues to evolve and reshape personalized nutrition, how do you think future advancements brought about by neural networks and quantum computing can further enhance the precision of dietary recommendations?

I believe the potential of this technology is immense, especially in my wellness center, where we use software for extensive data analysis. However, ethical data management is crucial. While AI can assist in identifying solutions, it relies on the data we provide. For instance, if a client with diabetes seeks naturopathy therapies, the AI can suggest options, but it's essential for me to assess individual cases. Personalized recommendations require human insight, and as long as we prioritize accurate data and respect privacy, AI can be incredibly beneficial in our field.