We’re living in a time where technology is changing almost everything about how we manage our health. Whether it's Googling symptoms, using AI-powered apps for nutrition advice, or reading health articles online, support feels more accessible than ever.

And in many ways, that’s a great thing.

But as a registered nutritional therapist, I often come back to this: What do people really need when they’re struggling with their health or trying to make lasting changes?

In most cases, it’s not just about quick answers. It’s about trust, understanding, and meaningful human connection. And no matter how smart the software gets, that’s something AI can’t replicate.

AI in Healthcare: Helpful, But Not the Whole Picture

There’s no doubt that artificial intelligence (AI) is playing a growing role in healthcare. Health apps now track symptoms, suggest diets, or even write supplement plans. Google’s new AI-generated answers now appear at the top of many health searches. These tools promise speed and convenience, and they can be helpful.

In fact, a 2023 review in The Lancet Digital Health discussed how AI can help bridge gaps in access to healthcare, especially in underserved communities. And as practitioners, many of us use AI in the background, whether to streamline admin or stay up to date with nutrition research.

But with that growing presence comes some real limitations, especially when we start replacing personalised support with instant, generic advice.

When Google Replaces the Practitioner

Not long ago, a friend said to me, “Why would I pay to see a professional when I can just ask Google?”

It’s a sentiment I hear more often, especially with Google’s AI-powered search responses giving people instant, confident answers to health questions.

But here’s the thing: access to information isn’t the same as access to care.

These AI tools often give generalised advice based on average data. They don’t know you—your history, your relationship with food, your stress levels, or what else is going on in your body. For anyone with complex symptoms, chronic health issues, or emotional ties to eating, this kind of advice can be oversimplified at best, and harmful at worst.

I’ve had clients come to me after following AI-generated diet plans or supplement suggestions that weren’t right for them. It’s not that the tools are “bad”—it’s just that they’re not a substitute for thoughtful, qualified, human support.

Why Human Support Still Matters in Nutritional Therapy

Health is deeply personal. And for most people, changing how they eat or managing symptoms isn’t just about following instructions—it’s about feeling safe, supported, and understood.

That’s where working with a practitioner makes such a difference.

As a nutritional therapist, I help clients make sense of their story. We talk about what’s going on physically, emotionally, and practically—and create a plan that works for them. This relationship, often called the therapeutic alliance, is supported by research showing that it improves health outcomes, adherence, and long-term change.

Here’s what AI can’t do:

Notice subtle cues in your body language or tone.
Create space for complex emotions like shame, fear, or overwhelm.
Encourage you gently when you feel stuck.
Spot patterns beyond what the data shows.

How AI Can Support—But Not Replace—Care

This isn’t about rejecting technology. I use AI tools to make my practice more efficient and to summarise long research papers. Some of my clients use apps to track symptoms, log meals, or explore food sensitivities, which can be really helpful!

But those tools are just that: tools. Not a replacement for real, human connection.

When you’re trying to improve your digestion, manage a skin condition, or deal with any health concern, what you often need most isn’t a list of foods to cut out. You need someone who listens. Who knows the right questions to ask. Who can hold space when it gets hard, and walk beside you as you make changes, at your own pace.

A More Human Approach to Digital Health

AI will continue to grow in healthcare. It has a role to play, especially in making basic health education more accessible.

But the heart of care will always be human.

Nutritional therapy is about understanding the whole person, not just the symptoms. It’s about creating sustainable change in the context of someone’s real life. And no AI tool can replace the value of a caring, trained practitioner who knows when to challenge, when to support, and when to simply listen.

Final Thoughts: When It Comes to Healing, Connection Still Wins

We live in a world of fast answers, smart apps, and endless information. But health isn’t just about data. It’s about people.

So while AI can be a useful ally, it can’t replace the power of a supportive relationship, one where you feel seen, heard, and understood. That’s the space where real change happens.

If you’ve been relying on Google or an app to manage your symptoms, but something still feels missing, it might be time to reach out for something more personal.

Because healing isn’t just about what you know.
It’s about who you walk the journey with.

Why Human Connection Still Matters in Healthcare – Even in the Age of AI