How Do You Know if You Need Nutrition Therapy?
Nathan Slinkard, MS, RD, LD, CLT
Where Do You Get Your Nutrition Info From?
I always find it interesting to learn where people obtain nutrition information. The top responses I usually here? Family members, the internet, friends, and their doctor.
Who should you get nutrition info from, though? First and foremost, a registered dietitian (synonymous with a registered dietitian nutritionist).
Dietitians are the healthcare professional who provides the highest level of nutrition expertise through something called medical nutrition therapy (or nutrition counseling).
Other health professionals such as physical therapists, medical doctors, and nurse practitioners are qualified to give nutrition education and play an important role in managing nutrition-related conditions. The benefit of nutrition therapy provided by a dietitian is that a dietitian’s training and practice is entirely dedicated to understanding and interpreting scientific research related to the complex interplay between food/nutrition, health/wellness, and chronic disease.
They also help with the next step…which is to actually apply this information to daily life. So, a registered dietitian is trained in counseling modalities related to healthy lifestyle change. One reason why dietitians are successful in achieving health outcomes is that a one-one nutrition counseling session usually lasts an hour (1). So, you will have more time and specific expertise at your disposal to discuss your nutrition questions with a dietitian than with other healthcare professionals.
Who Needs Nutrition Therapy?
If food and nutrition decisions cause you stress, you do not know if what you are eating is best for you, or you cannot stick to your nutrition goals, working with a RD can be crucial for your progress.
Many individuals may benefit from receiving one-on-one nutrition counseling from a registered dietitian (RD). RDs may help with gastrointestinal conditions (IBS, Crohn’s and colitis, gastroparesis, Celiac Disease, etc.), cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, PCOS, achieving a healthy weight (weight loss or weight gain), disordered eating, and many more conditions. Seeking out a RD that has experience in your specific need is essential! While sometimes nutrition therapy is a primary treatment, many times it can be a crucial adjunctive approach. Examples would be nutrition counseling for those with cancer, eating disorders, and autoimmune diseases.
How Much Does it Cost?
People with health insurance can often get their nutrition therapy covered. Refer here to which insurances I accept!
How Many Visits Will I Need?
Depending on the reason for the visit, it is common for a dietitian to work with a client weekly or biweekly for a few months. Think about physical or mental health therapy. The presenting problem is unlikely to be resolved after one session, especially if it took decades to develop. So, nutrition therapy with a dietitian is no different. Completing the amount of visits that your dietitian recommends is well worth it!
Will I Have to Give up My Favorite Foods?
Most of the time, you will work with a registered dietitian to expand your current food choices to incorporate more foods not less! Many people over-restrict themselves (giving up all sugar, for example) which eventually leads to burnout and over-indulging in those foods (a whole box of cookies in one sitting).
One exception would be if someone needed to try an elimination diet for a condition such as IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome). An elimination diet is a structured plan to avoid or limit certain foods for a short period (usually a few weeks) of time. These foods are reintroduced carefully one at a time to determine if any foods need to be avoided or limited for a longer period.
People with food allergies, for instance, often get stuck eating the same foods over and over and can work with a dietitian to find more safe foods and recipes.
Why Wait?
Nutrition therapy with a registered dietitian can be one of the most important steps you can take to transform your health and improve your quality of life.
References
Sikand G, Handu D, Rozga M, de Waal D, Wong ND. Medical Nutrition Therapy Provided by Dietitians is Effective and Saves Healthcare Costs in the Management of Adults with Dyslipidemia. Curr Atheroscler Rep. 2023 Jun;25(6):331-342. doi: 10.1007/s11883-023-01096-0. Epub 2023 May 11. PMID: 37165278; PMCID: PMC10171906.
