Dietitians are qualified and regulated health professionals that assess, diagnose and treat dietary and nutritional problems at an individual and wider public-health level. 

They use the most up-to-date public health and scientific research on food, health and disease which they translate into practical guidance to enable people to make appropriate lifestyle and food choices.

Dietitians interpret the science of nutrition to improve health and treat diseases/conditions by educating and giving practical, personalised advice to clients, patients, carers and colleagues.

They advise and help to maintain nutritional status when individuals want to trial dietary interventions such as exclusion diets, nutritional supplementation or dietary interventions in areas such as autism for which evidence is still emerging. They use recognised methodologies to critically appraise the evidence base which includes all forms of evidence and research to inform their advice.

They often work as integral members of multi-disciplinary teams to treat complex clinical conditions such as diabetes, food allergy and intolerance, IBS syndrome, eating disorders, chronic fatigue, malnutrition, kidney failure and bowel disorders. They advise and influence food and health policy across the spectrum from government, to local communities and individuals.

REASONS TO SEE A DIETITIAN

You may be referred by a GP or specialist  to address a specific medical/health need or condition.

Dietitians are the only qualified and regulated health professionals with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) that assess, diagnose and treat dietary and nutritional problems at an individual and community level.

Dietitians can help you with the following:

• You or someone you are caring for needs to regain weight following a spell of ill-health or as the result of a medical condition.
• You are wanting or needing to lose weight in a safe and sensible way.
• You are experiencing symptoms of a food allergy or intolerance.
• You are having problems feeding your baby or child.
• You suffer with digestive problems or coeliac disease.
• You have been diagnosed with a medical condition, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease

FIELDS OF INTEREST IN OUR PRACTICE

OBESITY :

If you are living with overweight or obesity,  dietitians can support you to build the knowledge, confidence and skills to achieve your health and weight management goals.

Obesity is now recognized as a disease, and can have dire consequences for many individuals’ health. Dietitians are skilled in teaching you how to lose weight on realistic and healthy ways while keeping in mind what your food preferences are.

Your dietitian will usually work with a team which may include a doctor, physiotherapist or psychologist. The team will work with you to form a plan for your eating patterns, food, activity levels & wellbeing that takes into account your personal goals, preferences and cultural needs.

After losing weight, your dietitian will also help you with a maintenance diet plan that will prevent unnecessary weight gain and maintain optimal overall health.

DIABETES

Dietitians can help you manage your diabetes, for example to improve your blood glucose levels. They can help you to achieve a healthy diet and lifestyle in the best way for you and your diabetes. Managing your diabetes is very important to lower the risk of complications later.

Dietitians can support you at any age if you or your family have type 1 and type 2 diabetes. They can also support you with gestational diabetes (high blood glucose levels during pregnancy).

How do diabetes dietitians work?

Your diabetes dietitian will usually work as part of your healthcare team. They will help you improve your knowledge and confidence in managing your diabetes. Your diabetes dietitian may work with you one-to-one or in a group, often as part of a diabetes education programme.

They will help you to understand how your diet affects your diabetes and to consider the options available to you, then make a plan so that you can make changes to achieve your goals.

CRITICAL CARE

If you experience a life-threatening illness or injury, your nutritional needs will change. Your dietitian will make sure you get the right amount of nutrition, at the right time and in the right way, to support your recovery. They can also advise you on eating and drinking well after you leave intensive care. 

Critical care dietitians work with a team of skilled healthcare professionals like physicians, surgeons, physiotherapists and soeech therapists and can support patients who are ciritically ill.

When you are extremely unwell, your nutritional needs may change on a daily basis. Critical care dietitians are specially trained to adapt your nutrition plan quickly if your condition changes. 

If you are unable to eat and drink, your critical care dietitian will help you get the nutrition you need through a tube – either into your gut or straight into your blood supply.

Once you are able to eat and drink again you may have ongoing problems with reduced appetite, taste changes or swallowing difficulties. Your critical care dietitian can advise you on how to get the nutrition you need.

Where do critical care dietitians work?

You are most likely to see your critical care dietitian in intensive care and high care units in a hospital. You may also see them once you have moved to a ward or in the rooms after you have been discharged, for follow up support.

GASTROINTESTINAL HEALTH

Dietitians can help you to eat the right food if you have a digestive disorder. They are the experts in the nutritional management of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

If you have a condition(s) that affects your stomach, liver, pancreas, small intestine or colon, a gastroenterology dietitian could help you. For example, Crohn’s Disease, Liver Disease, Pancreatitis or Coeliac Disease. These conditions can stop your body absorbing food properly and cause uncomfortable symptoms. The dietitian can support you with both of these problems.

RENAL DISEASE

Dietitians educate and empower people with any kind of kidney condition to make the food and drink choices that support their health.

Your renal dietitian can help you if your kidneys are not working well. For example, if you have acute and chronic kidney disease, kidney stones, dialysis, kidney transplant or polycystic kidneys.

Your renal dietitian will support you to manage your condition with changes to your food and drink. Any changes they recommend will be based on your condition, treatment you are currently receiving, blood results, weight, medications and personal circumstances as well as what you normally eat and drink.

Source: BDA- The Association of UK Dietitians