Dietician

A dietician is an expert in dietetics; that is, human nutrition and the regulation of diet. A dietician alters their patient’s nutrition based upon their medical condition and individual needs. Dieticians are the only healthcare professionals licensed to assess, diagnose, and treat nutritional problems. For example, safely regulating the diet of a patient with Crohn’s disease is out of physician’s scope of expertise, thus a dietician must be called to permit any changes based upon their knowledge of nutritional biochemistry. Dieticians work in a variety of settings from clinical to community and public policy to media communications.

A balanced diet is one that gives your body the nutrients it needs to function correctly. In order to get the proper nutrition from your diet, you should obtain the majority of your daily calories from:

• fresh fruits
• fresh vegetables
• whole grains
• legumes
• nuts
• lean proteins

A balanced diet is important because your organs and tissues need proper nutrition to work effectively. Without good nutrition, your body is more prone to disease, infection, fatigue, and poor performance. Children with a poor diet run the risk of growth and developmental problems and poor academic performance. Bad eating habits can persist for the rest of their lives.

Lack of a balance diet can directly influence the cause of any of the following:

• heart disease
• cancer
• stroke
• diabetes
• obesity