How Does Nutrition Impact Health?
Nutrition is a recognized branch of science that deals with food and the nutrients that can be obtained from them. Cells survive not only because of oxygen, but also due to various minerals, vitamins, and enzymes from the food that a person consumes. However, food can also be a source of many metabolic problems as they can contain additives, preservatives, and other ingredients that may be toxic or unhealthy for the cells. Fortunately, nutrition counselling can help you learn how to harness all the good nutrients to keep your body healthy. People with chronic or serious diseases can also take advantage of it as a complementary therapy.
What is Nutrition Counselling?
Nutrition counselling is a two-way interaction between a client and their registered dietitian, where clients learn how to interpret the results of their nutritional assessment and how to incorporate a variety of well-balanced nutrients into healthy, economical, and flavourful meals and snacks. Clients can gain an understanding of the impact that nutrition has on their health status and modify their behaviour to focus on practical lifestyle changes to reach nutritional goals. Clients benefit from establishing and maintaining personal goals that lead to a healthier lifestyle overall.
Furthermore, a Registered Dietitian develops and implements an individualized personal nutrition program through dietary, physical and lifestyle assessment, customized nutrition education and personal coaching. This is based on the client’s specific needs, i.e. weight reduction, food allergies and sensitivities, and support for diagnosed medical conditions.
Who Should Undergo Nutrition Counselling?
People who want to achieve optimal health You don’t have to be sick before you start seeing your dietitian. In fact, to achieve optimal health, it’s best to approach one while you’re still feeling well to fend off diseases, particularly those that are life-threatening such as cancer. Your dietitian can help you plan your meals, select the types of food that are best for your metabolic or medical history profile, and monitor your progress.
Those who are overweight or obese Being overweight or obese can be a serious health problem. Obesity is associated with cardiovascular diseases, hormonal imbalances, diabetes, and even certain types of cancers. Your dietitian can help you safely lose excess fat by introducing sustainable eating habits and closely monitoring your progress.
People who have a higher risk of developing certain diseases Some people, for example, are predisposed to type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular disease because their family members have been diagnosed with the same issue. The risk of developing the same medical condition can be mitigated through prompt and regular nutrition counselling.
People with various medical conditions Various health conditions can be improved by proper nutrition. Take note that nutrition alone may not be enough, and it may not cure an illness. However, it may be helpful in alleviating symptoms, delaying the progress of the disease, or enhancing the client’s response to treatment.
Children and other people with allergies According to Food Allergy Research & Foundation, at least 15 million Americans have a food allergy. While the symptoms can be mild, they can also become deadly due to anaphylactic shock. It may, therefore, help if the person avoids foods that they are allergic to. Your dietitian can work with you to identify appropriate food substitutions to ensure adequate nutritional status.
Benefits of Nutrition Counselling
Slow or reverse symptoms of chronic disease Chronic disease can be difficult to manage. However, proper nutrition can slow the progression of your chronic disease and may even reverse or stop some of the symptoms you are experiencing. An example of this can be seen when a person with type 2 diabetes is able to maintain their blood glucose levels in target ranges, they may experience fewer symptoms associated with unmanaged diabetes such as frequent urination or weight gain.
Prevent other diseases from happening in the first place Nutrition counselling may help to reduce the risk of chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease and obesity.
Lose weight As a result of balanced nutrition, you may also see a reduction in your weight. Many chronic diseases are exacerbated by excess weight so weight loss may be a first-line goal of your nutrition therapy.
Increase your daily energy and activity levels Optimizing your nutrition may also increase your overall energy levels, allowing you to focus on other components of your overall health and self-care plan.
Reduce your health care costs Preventing chronic disease and managing symptoms more efficiently can save you a lot of time and money down the road. For example, if you lower your cholesterol with a personalized nutrition plan, you may not have to undergo invasive tests and procedures.
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