About Nutritionist Speciality
A nutritionist is a trained medical professional who studies the effects of food on an individual’s health and suggest diets to the clients in order to lead a healthy life. A nutritionist uses the best possible options to create a nutritional plan based on the client’s requirements and also assesses any changes or improvements to their health. Furthermore, nutritionists may be involved with endorsing nutritional education and researching population health.
A nutritionist can work in multiple fields such as private practice, community health, research, fitness and food production. Nutritionists can be employed in health clubs, gyms, food stores, consulting diagnostic labs, government organisations etc. While nutritionists may focus on sports nutrition, weight management or food service, their interaction largely involves high level of public dealing.
Duties performed by a nutritionist
Some of the responsibilities undertaken by a nutritionist involve:
- A nutritionist will examine a person’s dietary habits and monitor their health requirements
- A nutritionist will explain nutritional deficiencies, if any
- A nutritionist will assist people in making healthy food choices and plan meals accordingly
- A nutritionist will create a nutritional plan according to a client’ needs, goals, budget and personal preferences
- A nutritionist will supervise client progress and make necessary changes to their diet
- A nutritionist can be a part of a healthcare team
- A nutritionist also supports schools and other educational institutions in preparing nutrition-rich meals
A nutritionist may advise other healthcare professionals about food and nutrition issues
In order to become a certified nutritionist, one must complete a four year bachelor's degree which focuses on physiology, food service management, biochemistry and culinary arts.
Nutritional solutions provided by a nutritionist
Nutritional plan for weight loss
Weight loss can be easily achieved by consuming daily required calories and some doing some physical activities. Nutritionists are medical professionals suited to prepare a nutritional plan for weight loss. A nutritionist may suggest reducing sugars and starch, eating protein, fats and low-carb vegetables, exercising 5 times a week, eating whole and unprocessed foods and sleeping for 6-8 hours daily.
Nutrition plan for pregnancy
It’s no rocket science that healthy eating during pregnancy is vital for both the mother and the unborn. Certain nutrients require special attention during this time. Nutritionists are medical professionals suited to prepare a nutritional plan for pregnancy. A nutritionist may suggest taking protein from milk, milk products, eggs, fish calcium from soya beans, milk, sunflower seeds iron from Bengal gram, lentils, apples folate from spinach, broccoli, sprouts, eggs vitamin A from carrots, mangoes, tomato vitamin B12 from breakfast cereals, milk and milk products, eggs vitamin D from milk and milk products, eggs, fish iodine from iodised salt, yogurt, cheese, eggs omega-3 fatty acids from fish, canola oil, walnuts etc.
Nutrition plan for diabetes
Diabetes requires healthy eating to control high or low blood sugar levels. A healthy-eating diet plan is key to managing both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Nutritionists are medical professionals suited to prepare a nutritional plan for diabetes. A nutritionist may suggest a diet-plan rich in nutrients and low in fat and calories comprising of healthy carbohydrates, fibre-rich foods, heart-healthy fish, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. He may also suggest avoiding saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol raising foods, and limiting the amount of daily sodium intake.
Nutrition plan for heart disease
For people suffering from heart disease, eating the right foods with right nutrition is a big deal. Not only does it slows the arteries from narrowing but also prevents further complications. Nutritionists are medical professionals suited to prepare a nutritional plan for heart diseases. A nutritionist may suggest eating more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes, balancing meals with lean meat, fish, and vegetable sources of protein, limiting cholesterol, including right kind of carbohydrates, and reducing the use of salt.
Nutrition plan for obesity in children
Poor nutrition in children can lead to several problems such as obesity, cardiac problems, type 1 diabetes etc. Instances of childhood obesity are on the rise across the world. Nutritionists are medical professionals suited to prepare a nutritional plan for children so that they don’t become vulnerable to such disorders. A nutritionist may suggest restricting milk to 3 cups a day, avoiding heavy meals and snacks, limiting the intake of juices, including whole grain and fruits, reducing dairy products etc.
Nutrition plan for cholesterol management
High cholesterol is associated with cardiovascular disease, circulatory problems, heart attack and hypertension. Nutritionists are medical professionals suited to prepare a nutritional plan for controlling high cholesterol. A nutritionist may suggest consuming foods rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, high fibre foods, increase the consumption of vitamin C, using garlic more often in cooking and sipping green tea.
Nutrition plan for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Polycystic ovary syndrome is a complicated hormonal condition which may lead to several symptoms in women including irregular periods. Nutritionists are medical professionals suited to prepare a nutritional plan for polycystic ovary syndrome. A nutritionist may not be able to cure the condition, but he’ll provide personal advice and support about simple changes to eating and exercise patterns that can help manage symptoms associated with PCOS. A nutritionist will suggest you to include fibre-rich fruits such as cherries, plums, apricots, unsaturated fats, essential fatty acids, magnesium rich foods along with lean meat.
Nutrition plan for digestive diseases
Digestive diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can be upsetting because symptoms include abdominal cramping, diarrhoea and constipation. Eating right is the key to managing symptoms of IBS. Nutritionists are medical professionals suited to prepare a nutritional plan to easily manage the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. A nutritionist may suggest avoiding foods high in fat, milk products, alcohol or caffeine, large amounts of artificial sweeteners, beans, cabbage and other foods that may cause acidity. A nutritionist may recommend fruits such as apples, mango, pears, plums, watermelon along with yogurt, curd, custard, and ice cream to manage the symptoms easily.
A nutritionist requires outstanding interpersonal skills to efficiently communicate with clients, understand their needs and explain what needs to be done in calm and collected manner. Nutritionists must keep themselves abreast with the newest research relating to nutrition and health and based on that come up with new plans for the clients. Good organisational skills are a must for a successful nutritionist as it comes in handy while maintaining client records.
