7 Reasons Why You Should See a Registered Dietitian
UPDATE as of October 2022: I am no longer in private practice, but if you live in the Kitchen-Waterloo area, you can refer yourself to see me through CarePartners.
You may have noticed that it’s been a couple months since my last blog post. I’m sure during that whole time you’ve been lamenting my absence, “Where has Splendorous been? I miss her nutrition tips as much as her witty, charming writing style.” Lament no longer - I’m back.
I spent my time away pursuing learning opportunities to up my RD (registered dietitian) game. Taking a break from my blog also gave me the mental space to get inspired with fresh ideas for posts. I’ve got some good ones coming up ;) The most exciting thing that happened during my blog break is that I landed my dream job position. I am very happy to announce that I am now working in private practice!
I am SO happy to announce my that I have started a private practice!
I’m beyond excited to start seeing clients and begin helping people reach their goals! I will have both in-person and virtual appointments available. If you live in the province of Ontario, book a meet and greet with me to see how you can benefit from an appointment. In my professional yet slightly biased opinion, a trip to the RD can help improve anyone’s quality of life.
You might be thinking, “Hmm…I’m not sure how seeing a dietitian would benefit me. What does a dietitian even do anyways?” Well, the Dietetics Act of 1991 defines the practice as follows: “The practice of dietetics is the assessment of nutrition and nutritional conditions and the treatment and prevention of nutrition related disorders by nutritional means.” [1] Yes, I agree, using “nutrition” 4 times in one sentence is too many times. This definition is very broad, but it basically means that if a condition or issue can be prevented, managed, or improved with nutrition, it falls within the scope of a dietitian.
You might be surprised how many health and/or wellness issues are related in some way to what and how you eat. Here are 7 excellent reasons why you should book an appointment with a dietitian today. I bet that at least one of these reasons applies to you!
1) To Prevent Chronic Disease
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There is a LOT of scientific evidence that shows how our eating patterns affect our health in the long run. For example, research has found that diets high in ultraprocessed foods are linked to type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and cancer [2]. Other studies show that binge eating increases the risk of stroke, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and chronic pain conditions [3]. Conversely, balanced diets rich in whole foods are associated with a lowered risk of the medical issues listed above as well as many others (including Alzheimer’s disease, osteoporosis, and depression) [4].
In more recent years, a growing body of research has demonstrated that the microbes in our gut influence virtually every aspect of our health, from our weight to our mood [5]. Did you know it’s possible to make positive changes to your microbiota through your diet and supplements [6]? A dietitian can give you advice on how to do this! All of these factoids show that what and how you eat now has a powerful impact on your future health. Us dietitians can give you practical, easy-to-follow advice on how to eat more healthfully in a way that fits your lifestyle. Making changes to your eating habits now will help prevent health issues down the road.
2) To Manage and/or Improve Your Medical Condition
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People often think of diabetes or heart disease when they think of medical reasons to see a dietitian. While people with these conditions can definitely benefit from nutrition counselling, there are many other medical issues that can be managed or even improved with nutrition. Dietary changes have been shown to decrease the severity and frequency of symptoms in people with IBS [7] as well as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease [8]. Nutrition therapy is also used to normalize hormone levels in women with polycystic ovary syndrome [9] and increase energy levels in those with hypothyroidism [10]. Dietary changes can even improve arthritis [11] and migraines [12]! By talking to an RD about your medical condition, you’ll get tailored nutrition therapy that addresses your specific needs to optimize your health.
3) To Get Pregnant
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There are many factors that influence fertility and nutrition is one of them! Being either underweight or overweight can negatively impact fertility [13]. It has also been found that supplementation with certain nutrients (such as vitamin D and vitamin B12) increases the chances of conception [14]. If you are having difficulty becoming pregnant or are planning to become pregnant in the next 6 months to a year, make an appointment with a dietitian. They will help you make changes to increase your fertility and have a healthy, safe pregnancy.
4) To Meet Your Life-Stage-Specific Nutrition Needs
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Though humans all have the same basic needs, there are specific nutrient needs associated with each phase of the life cycle. Did you know that babies who are partially or exclusively breastfed should be given a daily vitamin D supplement [15]? Or that a growing teenager can need up to 3000 calories per day [16]? Or that the elderly are at higher risk of vitamin B12 deficiency [17]? Well, dietitians know that - and so much more! Your RD will help you ensure that you and/or those in your care meet all your nutrition needs. They can also advise you on how to overcome the particular challenges that tend to pop up at certain life stages. For example, picky eating in children and healthy eating on-the-go for adults with hectic schedules.
5) To Improve Your Quality of Life
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Do you feel tired all the time? Are you struggling with low mood? A dietitian will help you determine if these issues are rooted in a nutritional cause. You might be surprised how heavily nutrition issues (such as a nutrient deficiency) can impact your quality of life [18]. RDs will counsel you on how to optimize your diet, boosting your energy and mood, which will in turn enable you to live your best life.
6) To Fall Back in Love with Food
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Finding out that you have an allergy, intolerance, celiac disease, etc can be very frustrating! Maybe you feel like you can’t eat anything. Maybe you feel like you’ll never enjoy food like you used to. Never fear! RDs are obsessed with food. And we know all sorts of alternative options and recipes. By working with a dietitian, you’ll learn how to make modifications to the dishes you love so you can enjoy them once more. You might even discover new foods that you’ve never tried before and find out that they’re delicious!
7) To Repair Your Relationship with Food and Your Body
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We live in a diet-obsessed culture that worships thinness. We’ve been conditioned to believe that certain foods are “good”, certain foods are “bad”, and we’re either “good” or “bad” depending on which foods we eat. Have you been on diet after diet and you’re sick of it? Talking with a dietitian can help you make peace with food and learn to respect and love your body. The main way I help clients achieve this is by teaching Intuitive Eating, a style of eating that has been scientifically shown to improve both physical and mental health [19].
I don’t know if I can afford to see a dietitian...
Many group health insurance plans cover nutrition counselling costs. Depending on the plan, you can get $500 or more covered per year. Check your health plan to see if RD services are covered. If this benefit isn’t part of your current insurance plan, try requesting that your employer consider selecting dietitian services as a reimbursable benefit. If that isn’t a possibility, dietitian services can be written off as a tax deduction under medical expenses. [20]
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When you’re deciding whether it’s worth it for you to see a dietitian, keep in mind that our diets affect our present as well as our future health and happiness. A visit to an RD today is an investment in yourself and your future! I hope to see you in my office soon :)
Did any of my 7 reasons surprise you? How likely are you to see an RD in the future?
References
[1] College of Dietitians of Ontario. (2020) Scope of Practice and Controlled Acts. College of Dietitians of Ontario. Accessed September 27, 2020.
<https://www.collegeofdietitians.org/programs/practice-advisory-program/professional-practice-resources/scope-of-practice.aspx>
[2] Sandoiu, Ana. (2019) More evidence that ultra-processed foods could harm health. Medical News Today. Accessed September 27, 2020. <https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325330>
[3] Mandl, Elise. (2019) Binge Eating Disorder: Symptoms, Causes, and Asking for Help. Healthline. Accessed September 27, 2020. <https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/binge-eating-disorder>
[4] Butler, Natalie. (2018) What are the benefits of eating healthy? Medical News Today. Accessed September 27, 2020. <https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322268>
[5] Robertson, Ruairi. (2017) Why the Gut Microbiome Is Crucial for Your Health. Healthline. Accessed September 27, 2020. <https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/gut-microbiome-and-health>
[6] Chavoustie, Cynthia. (2019) 10 ways to improve gut health. Medical News Today. Accessed September 27, 2020. <https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325293>
[7] Sambrook, Jan. (N.D.) Diet and lifestyle changes for treatment of IBS. Patient Platform Limited. Accessed September 27, 2020. <https://patient.info/news-and-features/ibs-diet-sheet>
[8] Crohn’s and Colitis Canada. (2019) Diet and Nutrition. Crohn’s and Colitis Canada. Accessed September 27, 2020. <https://crohnsandcolitis.ca/About-Crohn-s-Colitis/IBD-Journey/Diet-and-Nutrition-in-IBD>
[9] Grassi, Angela. (2017) Women’s Health: New Data on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Today’s Dietitian. Accessed September 27, 2020. <https://www.todaysdietitian.com/newarchives/0517p12.shtml>
[10] Raman, Ryan. (2019) Best Diet for Hypothyroidism: Food to Eat, Foods to Avoid. Healthline. Accessed September 27, 2020. <https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/hypothyroidism-diet>
[11] Paturel, Amy. (N.D.) The Ultimate Arthritis Diet. Arthritis Foundation. Accessed September 27, 2020. <https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/healthy-living/nutrition/anti-inflammatory/the-ultimate-arthritis-diet>
[12] Olsen, Natalie. (2018) Which foods help prevent migraines? Medical News Today. Accessed September 27, 2020. <https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323161#:~:text=Eating%20a%20healthful%20diet%20can,as%20monosodium%20glutamate%20(MSG).>
[13] Office of Women’s Health. (2018) Weight, fertility, and pregnancy. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. Accessed September 27, 2020. <https://www.womenshealth.gov/healthy-weight/weight-fertility-and-pregnancy>
[14] Kubala, Jillian. (2020) Try These 12 Vitamins and Supplements to Boost Your Fertility. Healthline Parenthood. Accessed September 27, 2020. <https://www.healthline.com/health/fertility/fertility-vitamins>
[15] Hoecker, Jay. (2020) Does my baby need a vitamin D supplement? Mayo Clinic. Accessed September 27, 2020. <https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/expert-answers/vitamin-d-for-babies/faq-20058161#:~:text=Your%20baby%20needs%20vitamin%20D,to%20prevent%20vitamin%20D%20deficiency.>
[16] Ellis, Esther. (2019) How Many Calories Does My Teen Need? Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Accessed September 27, 2020. <https://www.eatright.org/food/nutrition/dietary-guidelines-and-myplate/how-many-calories-does-my-teen-need#:~:text=Calorie%20needs%20vary%20depending%20on,of%202%2C200%20calories%20a%20day.>
[17] Appold, Karen. (2012) Dangers of Vitamin B12 Deficiency. Today’s Geriatric Medicine. Accessed September 27, 2020. <https://www.todaysgeriatricmedicine.com/archive/012312p30.shtml>
[18] Health Beat. (N.D.) Could a vitamin or mineral deficiency be behind your fatigue? Harvard Health Publishing. Accessed September 27, 2020. <https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/could-a-vitamin-or-mineral-deficiency-be-behind-your-fatigue>
[19] Conason, Alexis. (2014) The Evidence for Intuitive Eating: Is there an alternative to dieting that actually works? Psychology Today. Accessed September 27, 2020. <https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/eating-mindfully/201406/the-evidence-intuitive-eating>
[20] Craving Health. (2020) FAQ (about Dietitian Services). Craving Health: Dietitian and Wellness Services. Accessed September 27, 2020. <https://www.cravinghealth.ca/faq>