Emily Luxford

Established by dietitian Emily Luxford in 2014, Luxford Nutrition is dedicated to improving health through dietary awareness. Emily helps clients use food as a tool to improve quality of life, promote a healthy gut, and manage inflammatory autoimmune diseases. She was voted a 2024 “South Bay’s Favorite” nutritionist in the Daily Breeze and The Beach Reporter.

Tell us about your background in nutrition.

My nutrition education, work experience and volunteer work in the community have equipped me to offer superior dietetic services. I am a registered dietitian nutritionist, integrative and functional nutrition-certified practitioner, and certified LEAP therapist with a master’s degree in nutritional science. I have worked as a credentialed elementary school teacher in the Los Angeles Unified School District and also taught nutrition at California State University, Long Beach.

I completed my dietetic clinical internship at the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System. Over the 14 years that I’ve worked in the industry, I have provided individualized nutrition therapy at various hospitals and clinics. I developed and published research regarding dietary modification for patients with Ménière’s disease and served on the board of directors for the Celiac Disease Foundation from 2014 to 2020.

What inspired you to pursue this career?

As a young adult, I was diagnosed with celiac disease and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis—both are autoimmune conditions. These diagnoses taught me the role of nutrition as a health intervention. This personal experience led me to a career in dietetics and additional credentials in integrative and functional nutrition therapy. 

What services do you offer?

I provide nutrition counseling for digestive distress, autoimmune solutions, women’s health, chronic fatigue, brain fog, anxiety and mood swings, inflammation, IBS and general health.

What is your current passion project?

Nurturing the gut at an early age can help with the trajectory of a person’s health status. My current passion project is to educate families so they may support their children’s gut integrity and have a positive impact on their overall long-term health. 

In what ways do you stand out in your market?

Experience has taught me that research and medical expertise can resolve health issues when the practitioner listens to the patient. Only the patient knows what she is feeling or experiencing. I implement a plan that addresses each patient’s symptoms and is conducive to her lifestyle, current health status and health goals. This ability to dedicate time to each patient is due to the structure of my practice. Your voice will be heard at Luxford Nutrition. 

How does authenticity impact your work?

As a health professional, I believe it is integral to live the lifestyle you preach to others. I believe in a “whole food as medicine” approach to health. This is the cornerstone that safeguards my family’s health and allows my patients to thrive. 

Tell us about a current trend in your industry.

Artificial intelligence is making a strong push into the medical field including dietetic practice. While AI has potential, I still believe there is no replacement for direct interaction with a board-certified dietitian and the personal connections that promote positive health outcomes.

Describe your dream client.

My dream client is someone who will match my level of dedication and desire to achieve results. They are motivated to make the changes needed to improve their health and are willing to put in the work to get there. Lifestyle changes can be difficult to implement, but with support from a dietitian and a willingness to drive toward one’s goals, anything is possible!

How often are you on the road for work? 

I attend several conferences a year to keep up to date on the latest research and trends. This continued education helps me help you! 

Whom do you credit for your success?

When I started my practice 10 years ago, many in the industry were not supportive of virtual care for dietitian services. However, my female clients expressed a need. Juggling work, family and personal care often meant that my clients prioritized themselves last. Their feedback added to my success. It prompted me to design a patient-centered practice that offers virtual and in-person sessions. Luxford Nutrition is health care when and where you need it.

Tell us about your team.

As an integrative and functional practitioner, I value an interdisciplinary approach to wellness. Food may be the foundation of health, but other specialties also play a role in preventing disease and managing symptoms. I surround myself with other professionals who can help support clients on their health journey including psychologists, therapists, acupuncturists, physical therapists and a variety of physicians. Together, we can help you feel your best. 

Photographed by Shane O’Donnell