Meet Erica
Like so many nutritionists I know, I didn’t start out in this field. I spent the first six years of my post-college life working for a graphic designer whose primary client was The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Radios (remember them?) were allowed in the office, and when my mother was diagnosed with cancer, I found myself gravitating to shows about “alternative” medicine. I had absolutely no science background, having gone to a university that allowed me to opt out of even the most basic courses, so I couldn’t really evaluate what I was hearing, but I was fascinated nonetheless. I was also ready for a change.
After toying with a degree in Folk Art, I decided that nutrition was my real passion, and I began taking all the prerequisites required to become a Registered Dietitian. Organic chemistry, biochemistry, statistics…I wasn’t a natural, but I worked hard, did well, and three years later, I proudly added credentials to my name.
My first job as a nutritionist was doing research for a holistically oriented primary care physician. That was quickly followed by working one-on-one with patients at a busy complementary medicine practice − a job that reinforced my desire to provide personalized care to individuals struggling with a variety of health conditions. Other counseling positions (as well as writing and lecturing) followed, and after many years of working for some wonderful people and institutions, I opened my own practice in 2011.
At around the same time, my professional focus shifted to gastrointestinal health and disease, and I was lucky enough to be able to also hone my gastro skills as a Clinical Nutrition Coordinator in the Department of Gastroenterology at Mount Sinai Hospital. Now I’m ready to join the FODMAP Everyday® team so I can help even more people find relief and (re)learn how to love food once again.
Professional Bio & Description of Practice
Erica Ilton is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist with a private practice in New York City. She received a B.A. from Brown University and studied nutrition at Teacher’s College, Columbia University and Hunter College. She is trained in the low FODMAP diet by Monash University.
Erica Specializes in Gastrointestinal Disorders Including:
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)
- Bloating & Distention
- Gastroparesis
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Constipation
- Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease & ulcerative colitis)
- Celiac disease
- Non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS)
- Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE)
- Congenital sucrase-isomaltase deficiency (CSID)
- Lactose, fructose and other food intolerances
- Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
In addition to gastrointestinal disorders, Erica has expertise in food allergies, metabolic syndrome, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), osteoporosis, and weight management. She also offers nutrition counseling for disease prevention and general healthy eating.
Erica’s Background Includes:
- Clinical Nutrition Coordinator, Division of Gastroenterology, Mount Sinai Hospital, NY
- Consulting Nutritionist, Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Mount Sinai Hospital, NY
- Nutrition Counselor, Joy Bauer Nutrition, NY
- Senior Nutritionist, Reebok Sports Club, NY
- Teaching Assistant, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, NY
- Producer, NPR’s Science Friday and WNYC/New York Public Radio’s The Leonard Lopate Show
- Producer and consultant, What the Heck Are You Eating, with Joy Bauer
- Director of Nutrition Research, Food Cures, by Joy Bauer
- Editor, The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Total Nutrition, 4th edition, by Joy Bauer
- Writer, Websites: Berkeley Wellness, Everyday Health, FODMAP Everyday; Magazines & Newsletters: Parade, Self, Woman’s Day, Berkeley Wellness Letter
Nutrition Services:
- Nutrition counseling and education for individuals and small groups.
Website and Contact Information
Erica Ilton, RDN, CDN
16 East 41st Street
New York, NY 10017
Tel: 917-734-6500 Fax: 646-558-3418
Email: erica@ericailton.com
Website: www.ericailton.com
Before you decide on a restaurant, check to see if it has a menu posted online. Look for FODMAP-friendly options, and don’t be afraid to ask for small modifications that will make a nearly low FODMAP dish suit your needs. For example, if a salad comes with a garlicky dressing, request oil and vinegar on the side and make your own.
This is one of my favorite Dédé recipes – Cornbread Waffles! She says that dinner was a big thing in her house when she was growing up, but in mine, the reverse was true – especially on weekends, when my dad made waffles for Sunday breakfast. His weren’t FODMAP-friendly, but I know he would have loved these!
