How to Choose a Dietician
Some diseases and illnesses require special care, and it often begins with a proper diet. We all know about food pyramids and the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals, but some patients and individuals with special needs require a specialized diet. While it’s possible for you to consult a diet book or a health guide to make a special diet for yourself, a friend, or a family member, it’s still best to consult the advice of dieticians to create a healthful, balanced diet.
What a Dietician Does
Dieticians are medical professionals who design and formulate diets based on a person’s special needs. Dieticians are employed by hospitals, community health care facilities, private clinics, food establishments, and fitness clubs, although some of them may be engaged in private practice.
Dieticians have many tasks and responsibilities, including:
Coordinating with physicians and surgeons to make a nutritious and suitable diet for a patient.
Coordinating with hospital staff to provide meals for confined patients who are not in critical condition.
Formulating, programming, and designing meals and meal patterns for patients with special dietary needs like the obese, anorexics and bulimics.
Determine the nutritional value of products sold in a restaurant or store to check if the servings are healthful, and won’t cause health problems for customers and patrons.
Observe and make changes to a person’s diet plan if necessary.
Conduct research for universities and government to create recommendations for everyone to get on a healthy diet and eat nutritious food.
Cost and Insurance
Most hospitals have an in-house dietician who is paid for by the hospital’s payroll. If you do need to have a private dietician, you may want to check costs for professional fees. Some insurance policies may also offer options for you to charge a dietician’s fee to your existing insurance premiums, so you may need to consult with your insurance provider first. A rule of thumb to remember is that depending on the length of the diet program, a dietician charges less than a physician or a doctor.
Licensed Dieticians
When choosing a dietician, make sure that he or she is licensed. Dieticians almost always have a medical degree or specialized education in the science of eating and nutrition. Always look for the dietician’s accreditation and other relevant documentation about his or her professional experience before making your choice. You don’t want to risk further health problems because your dietician is not licensed.
Nutritionists
Nutritionists have a less specialized background than dieticians, although their advice is valuable especially if you’re into alternative diets. Nutritionists often recommend a diet plan based on their own experiences, or if they endorse a particular diet regimen. You need to consult with a physician first if your medical history agrees with a particular dieting plan. Remember that not all diets are suitable for people, because a person may have allergic or adverse reactions to a particular group of foods.
Choosing a dietician or a nutritionist helps you take a step forward to good health, for you to enjoy a good life. With these tips, choosing a dietician can help you make better decisions for your own health and well-being.