Nutritional Well Being Specialist

What role does nutrition play in maintaining health and avoiding disease and illness?

Every organ and tissue in the body depend on nutrients to function properly, and that means making sure dietary choices include all the vitamins, minerals, amino acids and other components essential for optimal health and wellness at every age. Today, many people make poor nutrition choices due to busy lifestyles and other issues that make prepackaged foods a convenient option. However, these foods are often high in sodium, fats and other unhealthy ingredients that can have a big impact on health, especially when consumed over a long period. Making smart nutritional choices forms the foundation of better health and wellness, providing the body with the nutrients it needs to perform at its peak and to ward off serious acute and chronic medical issues.

What is nutritional counseling?

Nutritional counseling helps patients make smarter food choices and develop healthier eating habits by providing them with education about their nutritional needs as well as guidance on how to incorporate better-eating habits into their daily routines. Counseling takes into account the food preferences of each patient, as well as his or her health issues, medical history and lifestyle factors that can sometimes interfere with healthy eating. Using that information, a nutritional plan can be developed that is optimized for the individual needs of each patient.

Is nutritional counseling focused on weight loss?

No, nutritional counseling is aimed at developing better eating habits and supporting the body through better nutrition. Weight loss can be a component of a nutritious eating plan, but even people who have healthy weights can benefit from optimizing their nutritional intake.

What kinds of health issues are associated with poor nutrition?

Nutritional deficiencies have been linked to an array of health issues, including obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, blood vessel disease, gastrointestinal disorders and more. Good nutrition can also promote better sleep patterns and help eliminate chronic fatigue and mood disorders like depression and anxiety.