Dietetics
Dietetics deals with the impact of nutrition on health, the diagnosis of eating disorders, and the selection of individual dietary plans supporting the treatment of chronic diseases. A dietitian helps patients with digestive, metabolic, and hormonal problems, as well as individuals who want to improve their well-being and lifestyle. A properly tailored diet can alleviate symptoms of many conditions, support therapy, and significantly improve quality of life.
Indications for a consultation
You should consider seeing a dietitian when difficulties suggest improper nutrition, metabolic disorders, or digestive problems. The most common indications include:
- overweight, obesity, or underweight,
- difficulty maintaining a healthy body weight despite dietary efforts,
- digestive disorders such as bloating, diarrhoea, constipation, or reflux,
- type 1 and type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance,
- thyroid diseases (e.g. Hashimoto’s disease),
- elevated cholesterol, triglycerides, or hypertension,
- food allergies and intolerances,
- gastrointestinal diseases (e.g. coeliac disease, IBS, IBD),
- chronic fatigue, sleep problems, or low mood related to diet.
A dietitian can also help patients preparing for clinical studies requiring a stable and controlled diet.
What does a consultation involve?
During the consultation, the dietitian conducts a detailed nutritional history, discussing eating habits, lifestyle, medical history, and the patient’s goals. Depending on the needs, the dietitian may:
- analyse a food diary,
- perform body composition assessment (if equipment is available),
- adjust a dietary plan to the current health condition,
- suggest dietary modifications,
- recommend additional laboratory tests (e.g. thyroid panel, glucose, insulin, lipid profile),
- discuss possible food intolerances or reactions to specific products.
The visit often ends with the preparation of individual dietary recommendations or a nutrition plan.
How to prepare for the consultation
- Bring recent test results (e.g. glucose, insulin, lipid profile, TSH, intolerance tests).
- Prepare a list of current medications and dietary supplements.
- Write down what your typical daily diet looks like — what, when, and in what amounts you eat.
- Think about your health and dietary goals to discuss them more easily during the visit.
- If you experience symptoms after certain foods, note them and specify when they occur.
