I'm Dr. Ambily Kushal, RD, MS, PhD. For 19+ years I've helped people take back their health from diabetes, gut disorders, and metabolic disease with personalized, science-based nutrition.
I'm Dr. Ambily Kushal, RD, MS, PhD, a Precision Nutrition Specialist and Registered Clinical Dietitian with over 19 years of experience in evidence-based nutrition and holistic health. My expertise lies in treating and reversing chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and autoimmune conditions through personalized dietary strategies and lifestyle interventions. By focusing on the root causes of these conditions, I help clients achieve sustainable, long-term health improvements.
When you work with me, you can expect a comprehensive and personalized approach. I believe that every individual is unique, so I tailor my recommendations to your specific needs, incorporating advanced techniques like nutrigenomics, functional medicine, and behavior modification. Whether you're dealing with gut health issues like IBS, anxiety disorders, or managing complex conditions like PCOD or NAFLD, my goal is to empower you with the knowledge and tools to take control of your health.
Outside of my professional life, I enjoy exploring new culinary ideas and creating healthy, delicious recipes. I'm also an avid hiker, taking full advantage of the beautiful trails around Richland, WA. My passion for dietetics is driven by a deep belief in the power of nutrition to transform lives. I've dedicated my career to helping people understand the profound connection between food and health, and I'm here to guide you on your journey to better wellness.
With my background in clinical practice, research, and public speaking, I bring a well-rounded perspective to my work. I'm committed to making a positive impact on your health, helping you achieve your goals with a compassionate, science-based approach. Let's work together to unlock your full potential and create a healthier, happier you.
I focus on treating and reversing chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, obesity, fatty liver, and autoimmune disease through root-cause analysis, personalized diets, and lifestyle interventions. My work also includes improving gut health, IBS, and anxiety disorders using functional medicine and behavior modification tailored to each individual.
A Registered Dietitian with an MS and PhD, and a background spanning clinical practice, research, and teaching — brought to every visit.
I use nutrigenomics, functional-medicine thinking, lab work, and behavior change to find the root cause — not just manage the symptom.
Patients see real change — steadier blood sugar, calmer digestion, better labs, and energy that lasts — with plans built around their real life.
Complex and chronic conditions are where personalized nutrition makes the biggest difference.
Most of these are driven by the same roots — inflammation, insulin resistance, and an out-of-balance gut. With the right, personalized plan, they can be managed, improved, and often reversed. Here's why expert guidance makes the difference.
In autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto's, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and psoriasis, the immune system attacks the body's own tissues — often fueled by gut inflammation, food triggers, and nutrient gaps. A personalized anti-inflammatory, gut-healing plan can calm flares, lower antibodies, and restore energy. The key is finding your specific triggers, which is exactly what I help uncover.
Before or after weight-loss surgery, nutrition is what separates lasting success from complications. You have to fit enough protein, vitamins, and minerals into a much smaller volume of food while building habits that prevent regain. I build and adjust that plan at every stage so you heal well and keep the weight off for good.
Celiac is an autoimmune reaction to gluten that damages the small intestine and blocks nutrient absorption. The only treatment is a strict, lifelong gluten-free diet — but gluten hides in unexpected places, and going gluten-free can leave you short on iron, fiber, and B vitamins. I help you eat safely, heal your gut, and replace what's been missing.
Ulcerative colitis inflames the colon, causing pain, urgency, and flares that come and go. Some foods aggravate the inflammation while others soothe it, and your needs shift between flare and remission. I help you eat to reduce inflammation, stay nourished even during flares, and lengthen the stretches when you feel well.
Type 2 diabetes and prediabetes develop when the body stops responding to insulin and blood sugar climbs — but for many people it's improvable, and often reversible, with the right food, timing, and lifestyle. A truly personalized plan (not a generic "diabetic diet") can lower your A1c, reduce medications alongside your doctor, and protect your heart, eyes, and kidneys.
Anorexia, bulimia, binge eating, and years of chronic dieting harm both the body and your relationship with food. Recovery isn't about more rules — it's about safely restoring nutrition, healing the metabolism, and rebuilding trust with eating. I provide the structure, compassion, and medical safety that make real recovery possible.
Allergies, intolerances, and sensitivities each need a different approach, and cutting foods without a plan can leave you malnourished and no better off. I help you pinpoint your real triggers — often through a structured elimination and reintroduction — then avoid them safely while keeping your diet varied and complete.
Even without a diagnosis, most people fall short on protein, fiber, and key nutrients while drowning in conflicting online advice. As a Registered Dietitian I cut through the noise with an evidence-based plan built around your body, your labs, and your goals — so you have more energy, feel better, and prevent problems before they start.
GERD happens when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus, causing heartburn, cough, and, over time, real damage. Medications mask it, but food choices, meal timing, and weight usually drive it. I help you find and remove your triggers and address the root cause, so you can break the antacid cycle instead of managing it forever.
Your gut shapes digestion, immunity, mood, and metabolism — and bloating, irregularity, or discomfort are signs it's out of balance. Instead of another probiotic guess, my functional approach identifies what's actually disrupting your microbiome and rebuilds it with targeted foods, so you heal from the inside out.
Hypertension quietly raises your risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease — and diet is one of the most powerful ways to bring it down. Beyond "eat less salt," I build a heart-healthy, potassium-rich, realistic plan that can lower your numbers, often reducing the need for medication.
High LDL and triglycerides build up in your arteries long before you feel anything. Food matters more than most people realize: the right fibers, fats, and plant foods can meaningfully lower cholesterol and inflammation. I personalize this to your labs so you protect your heart without giving up everything you enjoy.
Inflammatory bowel disease brings chronic gut inflammation, pain, and nutrient loss, with needs that change between flare and remission. Nutrition can calm inflammation, correct deficiencies, and support your medications. I tailor your plan to your disease and its current phase so you stay nourished and in remission longer.
Irritable bowel syndrome causes bloating, pain, and unpredictable bowel habits that disrupt daily life — even when every test looks "normal." A structured, evidence-based approach like the low-FODMAP method, done properly with reintroduction, can dramatically reduce symptoms. I guide you through it so you find relief without needlessly restricting your diet.
Polycystic ovary syndrome is driven largely by insulin resistance and hormonal imbalance, affecting weight, cycles, skin, and fertility. The right nutrition and lifestyle changes can improve insulin sensitivity, rebalance hormones, and restore ovulation — often more effectively than any single medication. I build that plan around your body and your goals.
Children have unique nutritional needs, and picky eating, growth concerns, allergies, or weight can worry any parent. I help your child get the nutrients they need to grow, develop, and build a healthy relationship with food — with practical, family-friendly strategies that actually work at home.
As hormones shift, many women face stubborn weight gain, fatigue, brain fog, and rising heart and bone risks — and what used to work suddenly stops. Targeted nutrition supports your hormones, metabolism, muscle, and mood through this transition, so you feel like yourself again. I tailor it to this exact stage of life.
Pregnancy and recovery place enormous demands on your body, and the right nutrition supports a healthy baby, an easier pregnancy, and your own energy and recovery. From nausea and gestational diabetes to rebuilding after birth and supporting breastfeeding, I keep you and your baby well-nourished at every stage.
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth occurs when bacteria grow where they shouldn't, causing bloating, gas, and food reactions that never seem to resolve. Real relief takes the right combination of targeted nutrition, gut support, and careful reintroduction to prevent relapse. I guide you through it so it doesn't keep coming back.
Whether you're a competitive athlete or just training hard, what and when you eat drives your energy, performance, and recovery. Generic advice leaves gains on the table; I dial in your fueling, protein, hydration, and timing for your sport and body so you perform at your best and bounce back faster.
Your thyroid sets your metabolic pace, and when it's underactive — often from Hashimoto's — you can feel exhausted, gain weight, and struggle despite doing everything right. The right nutrients, gut support, and trigger reduction can support your thyroid and how you feel alongside your medication. I personalize it to your labs.
Plant-based eating is powerful for health, but it takes planning to get enough protein, iron, B12, omega-3s, and other nutrients — otherwise you can end up deficient and tired. I help you build a plant-based diet that's genuinely complete, satisfying, and tailored to your goals, so you truly thrive.
Lasting weight loss isn't about willpower or the next fad — it's about metabolism, hormones, habits, and a plan you can actually sustain. I help you lose fat (not muscle), address root causes like insulin resistance, and keep it off for good — with support and adjustments along the way instead of another cycle of regain.
I draw on a full toolkit of evidence-based methods — and match the right ones to you, your labs, and your goals.
Regular check-ins and honest tracking that keep you consistent and moving toward your goals.
Practical techniques to shift the thoughts and patterns behind emotional and unhelpful eating.
A structured remove-and-reintroduce process to reveal exactly which foods trigger your symptoms.
Movement matched to your body and goals, woven into your plan for metabolism, mood, and results.
The evidence-based low-FODMAP method for calming IBS and gut symptoms — done properly, with reintroduction.
A root-cause, systems view that asks why your symptoms are happening, not just how to mask them.
Weight-inclusive care focused on health behaviors and wellbeing, not just the number on the scale.
Treating the whole person — diet, sleep, stress, and movement — not one symptom in isolation.
Blending conventional and complementary approaches, coordinated with your medical care.
Rebuilding trust with your body's hunger and fullness cues for a peaceful, lasting relationship with food.
Using your bloodwork and targeted labs to personalize the plan and track real, measurable progress.
Realistic, tailored meal plans and recipes that fit your life, preferences, and schedule.
Addressing how stress and emotions affect your digestion, hormones, and eating.
A supportive, judgment-free style that helps you find your own motivation for lasting change.
Protein, carbs, and fat dialed in to your body, labs, and goals — not a generic template.
Complete, satisfying plant-forward nutrition that covers protein, iron, B12, and omega-3s.
Healing guilt, restriction, and food fear so eating feels calm and sustainable again.
Improving sleep as a foundation for appetite, blood sugar, hormones, and recovery.
Evidence-based, targeted supplements — only what you actually need, safely and without the guesswork.
Guidance and nutrition support for GLP-1s and other weight-loss medications, so results last and side effects are managed.
4.8 out of 5 across 1,250+ ratings, with 52 written reviews — every one verified by Google.
"I started a year back to consult Dr. Ambily Kushal to help me manage my diabetes. She works with you to identify the root causes and then creates an action plan. She is one of the finest nutritionists I have come across. I am a vegetarian and she helped me a lot. Finally my HbA1c came down from above 8 to below 6."
"Dr. Kushal was a savior for me. I had unexplainable symptoms for almost 8 months. I'd worked with almost 15 doctors and nutritionists — no one could figure it out. In one meeting, she diagnosed me. Her treatment was strategic and she didn't bombard me with supplements. 1.5 months in, I finally see my silver lining. Incredibly grateful."
"I consulted her for my diabetes, and with her guidance I was able to fully overcome it — just by managing my diet and adding the right supplements. She's so committed to your health; her compassion and care kept me on course. I'm fully recovered."
"Dr. Kushal has been more than I could have asked for! Her knowledge is remarkable. From the 1st visit she gave me guidance on getting to the bottom of long-standing issues. She has also helped my adult son. Insurance pays for it! I'm very grateful."
"Working with Dr. Ambily has been truly transformative. From the very first session she took time to understand my lifestyle and tailor a plan that felt realistic and sustainable. She educated me on how food works with my body. I've seen improvements in energy, digestion, and mood. I can't recommend her enough."
"Dr. Kushal is the best dietitian I've ever had. She listens, she's kind, and her expertise is amazing. She has helped me so much in my gut health and weight-loss journey. Grateful for all her help. 100 stars!"
"Dr. Ambily has changed my entire understanding of gut health. She helped heal me when other doctors just tried to give me some pills to put a bandaid on my problems. I'm so grateful for her holistic approach to total health. She is helping me heal in ways I didn't think were possible."
"Dr. Ambily's recommendations have worked wonders in controlling my IBS. She gave me valuable insight into why they work, rather than simply prescribing pills. I really loved her holistic approach to addressing issues instead of just treating the symptoms."
"Dr. Kushal has exceeded my expectations. I was seeking a nutritionist with a functional-medicine approach, and she did not disappoint. She translated complex bloodwork and clearly explained what it revealed about my overall health in a way that's easy to understand — this is what truly sets her apart. Warm, kind, and genuinely invested. I'd highly recommend her."
"Dr. Ambily is very knowledgeable, a great listener, and very thorough. It's the first time a dietitian goes over my blood tests and takes them into consideration when advising."
"Dr. Ambily is an exceptional dietitian who consistently demonstrates a strong commitment to my overall health and well-being. She provides thoughtful, evidence-based guidance and personalized recommendations tailored to my needs. Attentive, thorough, and proactive. I highly recommend her services."
"Dr. Kushal was extremely thorough with my first session. I was impressed by her knowledge and attention to detail. She took the time to get to know me and explained next steps. I enjoyed my session and learned a lot, and am confident she'll be able to help me."
"She explained everything and broke it down so I could understand my nutritional needs. Informative, helpful, friendly, and motivational. When the outcomes are explained it becomes inspiring. Would totally recommend Ambily Kushal."
"Dr. Ambily is so knowledgeable, kind, and compassionate. I feel very grateful to have her as my dietitian."
"We've had two appointments and I feel better about the way she is addressing my medical concerns than about what my PCP has done. Very knowledgeable and a pleasure to work with. I look forward to seeing the results!"
"Dr. Kushal is kind and attentive. I greatly appreciate her holistic and thorough approach. She breaks down complex information so it's relatable and easy to understand. Glad to be working with her to heal my body and gut health with a functional approach."
"She explained a lot of what's going on in my body and gave me a supplement idea to remove my first prescription. She's going to continue helping me get the weight off, heal my fatty liver, and heal my gut. I'm very excited to get my health back."
"I've lost about 6 pounds just changing my diet, drinking a gallon of water every day, and cooking my own food — no fast food, no sugar — and moving my body every day. For the first time I'm confident I will lose this weight and heal my body."
"She is the first clinician to actually listen to me and provide some guidance. I've made significant progress in only two weeks because of her help."
"Just completed my first visit and I'm confident we're going to work well on getting my insulin and weight down. She gave me actionable, clear, simple instructions. Excited to keep working with her!"
"Dr. Kushal was amazing! She listened to me and gave me so much important, vital information about my gut health. I'm looking forward to continuing to seek her guidance on my new journey of health!"
"Dr. Kushal is a great doctor who has given me reassurance and hope in fighting this battle with my nutrition. It's only been one session but I already love her approach of tackling the issues at the core. I look forward to continuing with her."
"Dr. Ambily is a great clinical nutritionist. I consulted her for my diabetic problems, and with her guidance I was able to fully overcome my diabetes just by managing my diet and adding the right supplements. She's so committed to your health — it was her care and attention that kept me the course, and I'm fully recovered."
"Ambily Kushal, RD was amazingly knowledgeable and recommended a great action plan, additional lab work, and follow-up in 6 weeks."
"I had a good session with Dr. Ambily. She listened to all my concerns, then discussed the main points to improve my overall health that would help with weight loss."
"Very knowledgeable and encouraging. I'm really glad I reached out to her — this is long overdue!"
"She was extremely detailed, helpful and supportive."
"I really enjoy my appointments with Dr. Kushal. She's very knowledgeable and teaches me something new every appointment. I'm on track to meeting my health goals because she listens and responds accordingly. Glad I chose her."
"She is very attentive to your needs. She actually cares and wants you to achieve your best health — both physically and mentally."
"She took time to break down the science of it all. I can now understand how one thing affects the other."
"Love her — she is very detailed with what's going on with your body and how to prevent it from happening."
"Very knowledgeable and helped me set a diet as well as supplements that will help me."
"Very detail-oriented, with a willingness to listen and jointly engage on issues and concerns to address them and provide support."
"Very patient, kind, and so good at explaining things."
"Wonderful conversation and very knowledgeable."
"Dr. Ambily Kushal is very good — kind, humble, experienced — helping me with my health issues in a healthy, natural way. I really appreciate her."
"Really looking forward to diving deeper and figuring out how to get my body into optimal shape."
"Dr. Kushal was very knowledgeable and listened to my concerns. She gave me a great starting point to begin healing."
"She is very well informed and listens."
"Very knowledgeable and explains things in a way you can understand!"
"Great two-way conversations. She really wants to know what I need help with."
"Very patient, attentive, thorough and informative."
"Very patient, informative, attentive, and thorough."
"Very knowledgeable, professional, and solution-oriented."
"I really loved how Dr. Ambily handled my situation. She was very strategic, asking questions to get to the possible root causes in order to treat. Thank you, Dr. Ambily!"
"She's great, extremely informative — cares about helping your entire body heal, not just calories and weight loss."
"Dr. Kushal was very knowledgeable, patient, and caring. I know we'll get to the bottom of my issues and I'll be feeling better in no time."
"So helpful in getting me on the right track. I'm very happy with my results and recommendations."
"Loved our first consultation — she uses a very holistic approach."
"Dr. Kushal is one of the best dietitians I have ever seen."
"My time with Dr. Kushal is well spent. She is patient and listens well. Her knowledge is vast and she explains everything clearly. She's in nutrition and weight loss for the person's health and vitality — not just a quick fix. I encourage everyone to book!"
"Wonderful."
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