What is Dietetics?
Dietitians are qualified and regulated health professionals that assess, diagnose and treat dietary and nutritional problems that can improve health.
In a world where nutrition advice can be given by unqualified influencers, dietitians appreciate the importance of understanding the science and research whilst working with the client to ensure the advice is tailor-made to individual requirements. Dietitians will work with healthy and unwell clients advising on ways to optimise nutrition whilst managing their conditions or symptoms.
Benefits of Dietetic (services)
Dietitians interpret the science of nutrition to improve health and in some instances use it to treat medical conditions. Dietitians acknowledge that making dietary and lifestyle changes are not easy despite having nutritional information to hand. Long-term sustained change requires on-going support as clients work to incorporate new habits and discard old ones. At LBPC sustained dietary change with the aim of long-term health is our primary goal. As providers of multiple services, we are well placed to collaborate with other therapies such as physiotherapy and psychotherapy to ensure you have a holistic experience of care and to assist you in meeting your long-term goals.
Nutrition has a big impact on our health regardless of our age. Getting the right balance of nutrients allows our bodies to be fuelled adequately (thus making us feel more energetic), prevents deficiencies and can positivity impact our mental wellbeing. Healthy eating habits can also help with recovery from illnesses and infections. In the long term, good nutrition can lessen the risk of developing chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.
Unfortunately, with the vast amount of information available via social media and the internet, deciphering fact from fiction can often be confusing. Getting information from a qualified practitioner such as a dietitian means that scientific evidence can be considered whilst placing the patient at the heart of care.
Clients will have the choice of a virtual or face to face consultation which will last up to 40 minutes and this will include:
- Assessment of relevant background information such as your medical history, current medication, recent blood tests and lifestyle.
- Exploring your relationship with food and your current eating habits.
- A collaborative discussion around your long and short terms goals for improving your eating habits.
- Evidence-based and up to date nutritional advice that is tailored specifically to your diet and lifestyle.
- A follow-up plan to suit your needs
During the initial consultation long and short term goals are often discussed. In order for dietary change to be effective and sustainable we often recommend clients commit to at least 4 sessions of care. This enables the client to implement the goals discussed and feedback about any concerns. A prolonged period of care also enables the client to feel supported whilst making long term habit changes before the next goals are discussed. Over a period of 6 months, clients often see a marked improvement in eating habits that they can then continue with for life.
Surgical procedures can induce metabolic activation which can result in inflammation, muscle loss and an increased need for energy due to tissue repair and recovery. It is well known that patients with low nutritional reserves and reduced muscle content may struggle to meet the demands of this increased metabolic stress induced by surgery and as a consequence may have more complications with a prolonged recovery period.
Scientific evidence and clinical guidelines* acknowledge the benefits of perioperative nutritional assessment and a plan to meet nutritional needs to give your body the best chance of recovery.
*NICE guidelines NG180 Perioperative care in adults.
Conditions Treated with Dietetics
Here are LBPC we provide disease-specific advice for a number of medical conditions. We also provide support to make healthy diet and lifestyle choices. Below is a brief list of some of the specialities we cover. It is not an exhaustive list, so if you are unsure if we will be able to cater for your needs please get in touch and we will be able to advise you further.
- Anaemia
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Chronic fatigue
- Diabetes
- Fibromyalgia
- Gastrointestinal disorders
- Healthy Eating and habit change
- Osteoporosis
- Paediatric and teenage Nutrition (including allergies)
- Renal diets
- Vegan and vegetarian diets