MNT

What can a dietitian do for you?

If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease or other serious medical condition that may be affected by what you eat, chances are, you will need a diet-makeover. Talk to a registered dietitian.

Unfortunately, many physicians do not understand the complexity of medical nutrition therapy. They simply brush the patient off with a “don’t eat this or that” and a wave of the hand. If you are lucky, your doctor might even suggest that the nurse or secretary give you a ‘diet sheet.’ Few give thought to giving you a referral to see a nutrition specialist. It is no wonder so many people with diabetes and other chronic diseases are out of control and suffer dire consequences.

If you are diagnosed with a serious medical condition, you need to ask the doctor for a referral to see a registered dietitian. The same way you would be referred to a foot specialist or an eye doctor, you should be referred to a diet and nutrition specialist. Registered dietitians are health care professionals with extensive training in the sciences, diet and disease, food composition, meal planning, cultural food practices, economics, psychology, counseling, and education and use this knowledge base to help people manage their diet.

In a sense, registered dietitians and nutritionists are change agents. They help people identify ways to improve their diets and provide the guidance and motivational support need to achieve weight and health goals. It is crucial for people with diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease and other serious diet-related medical conditions to talk to a dietitian and get the support they need.

Medical Nutrition Therapy relates to the sum of the processes involved in helping people adjust their diet in accordance with their unique medical needs. Unlike popular diets, medical nutrition therapy looks at the whole person, including specific nutrient needs, the interaction between food and medications, fluid intake in relation to output, personal weight and weight goals, gasto-intestinal, liver and kidney function, metabolic activity, and a host of other factors.

So, what can you expect from a visit to the registered dietitian? First, you should obtain a referral from your doctor, if you have any serious medical condition. The dietitian will then use the doctor's order to begin the process of nutrition counseling and diet planning. Keep in mind that you are the central player in all of this, and the dietitian is the skilled facilitator, whose job is to help you identify the right solutions for your particular situation. That is where medical nutrition therapy differs from situations in which you are handed a piece of paper with a generic diet, having little relevance to your needs, and told to follow that "diet."

The dietitian will ask a series of questions about your personal and family health history, laboratory values, medications, weight, health goals, dietary habits, exercise, etc. She will want to know about your personal food preferences, and will analyze your diet to determine how well you are meeting your nutritional needs, or what changes might be indicated. She may need to ask lots of other questions too, in order to help you prepare for the changes that you will need to make. Together, you will work out an intrinsic plan that is not just medically correct, but one that you can live with.

It may take many hours of counseling for you to understand the fine points of your diet. The dietitian will help you through the process. If you have a question or need clarification about the diet, you should not hesitate to ask until you are satisfied that understand what the dietitian or the doctor meant.

You may need to have several relational (counseling) sessions before it all begins to make sense. For some people, two to four sessions might be all that is required. Others may need more frequent attention, for a longer period of time. But, if you stay committed and follow through, you will see what a difference your diet, along with exercise, can make. You will soon begin to look better, feel better and experience real improvement in your health. Unfortunately, many people give up before they get to this point.

Over the past few years, a large number of studies have shown that medical nutrition therapy can help people with chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease and kidney disease reduce the risks of complications, such as blindness, amputations and renal dialysis. In many cases, some individuals find that their need for medication is reduced. Good nutrition may also mean fewer doctor visits as well as fewer incidences of hospitalization. This means real economic savings, but more importantly, it means greater productivity, increased enjoyment and a longer, more fulfilling life.

If you have a medical condition requiring special attention to diet, get a referral from your doctor and talk to a registered dietitian. You can find a registered dietitian in your area by visiting the American Dietetic Association web site at http://www.eatright.org or by contacting your local health department or state dietetic association. Try to find one who has extensive experience and/or specialized training in the area that you need help.

Keep in mind that a therapeutic diet is not like any normal diet or popular weight loss program. It has to be carefully thought out and planned to meet your unique health needs. Because there are so many variables involved, you should seek medical nutrition therapy from a trained nutrition expert. Registered dietitians must adhere to certain standards of care, professional ethics and other guidelines to ensure that you get the best quality professional care.

What about cost? Most dietitians will charge between $85.00 and $125.00 for an initial consultation, depending on the complexity of the diet. Follow up visits may cost slightly less. If you think you might have difficulty paying for the visit, ask about a sliding scale fee. Most dietitians are willing to work with you to ensure that you get the service you need. And if you are on Medicare, be sure to see what the pay for.

Learn about Medicare Coverage for Medical Nutrition Therapy.

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