Patti K.
Kudos to nutritionist Andy Babkes and clarification of REAL value vs out of pocket expense
Before I respond to the comments in the comment box I want to give kudos to Sr Health Advisor and Clinical Nutritionist, Andrew (Andy) Babkes, CNC, FDNP, whom I just had my phone from my phone consultation with And say it was a truly enjoyable peer to peer conversation, during which time he reminded me of things I had forgotten, and helped me refocus Definitely grateful that I got to speak with him. He is definitely knowledgeable, kind and caring. And I am sincerely grateful to have met him and can’t say enough that I would recommend him to others if you are looking for a good nutritionist who really knows his stuff That said, I want to address the frustrations and concerns expressed by several people in the chat box in hope of reframing your perception as to the value you will find here As an ex nurse/self educated nutritionist, utilizing the same knowledge gathering skills that allowed me to be a straight A student and pull 91% on my boards, I understand the concern & frustrations of many of those who have commented that, in summary, they didn’t get a magic bullet of instant gratification they were hoping for, that is the false promise of modern pharmacologically based medicine. But I want to reframe your expectations and to remind you that while medicine promises overnight results, such as instant pain relief, you didn’t get sick overnight. And true healing also doesn’t occur overnight. I.e. we can cut a patient open and give some immediate relief to some of their pain, but we can’t make them heal. Only nutrition can do that. And that is something Mds are deliberate kept the dark about, Because in our disease focused model of medicine, there is no profit to be made in healthy patients. So it’s not the MD’s fault. But if you want to heal, you’re going have to take it upon yourself to do so, because no insurance company is going to pay to help heal because once you’re healed, there’s no repeat business from you So given you didn’t get sick overnight, you’re not going to heal overnight. it’s going to take time. Time which translates into a financial cost. Ie just like you know that when you go to see your MD, it’s not the 15min allowed by the insurance companies that he spends with you that’s being paying for It’s his years spent in college, to gather the basic knowledge that he was taught, that enables him to be able to help save your life, if and when, in the spur of the moment, you need someone to be able to. So what you’re paying for, or rather your insurance is paying for, is both your MD’s previous time spent gathering the knowledge he now has, in addition to his current time spent staying up on the latest drugs and paraphernalia. It is no different with going to a nutritionist, who also has spent years in school gathering his knowledge base and must also spend most of his free time studying to stay up on the latest knowledge of the REAL workings of the body. You’re basically getting an MD’s worth of knowledge, only without the MD behind their names, Knowledge insurance companies won’t pay for because, again, once you’re healed, there’s no repeat business At least here you have a support system HELPING YOU GET WELL, FOR LIFE So Please remember that next time you compare real value to cost. Your personally supporting Them so THEY CAN SUPPORT YOU. something the insurance companies won’t pay them to do
Response from The Health Institute With Dr. Josh AxeDec 10, 2025
Hi Patty! Thank you so much for sharing this — and for speaking so thoughtfully about your experience. And yes, Andy is incredible! It means a lot to hear how supported and understood you felt in that conversation! We appreciate your reframing of expectations around healing. Real change takes time, consistency, and guidance — and that’s exactly why our team is here: to educate, support, and walk with each person as they build lasting health. Your perspective is encouraging for anyone just starting this journey, and we’re grateful you took the time to share it! Warmly, The Health Institute




