Medical Nutrition Therapy
Our nutritionists focus on promoting positive lifestyle changes to lessen modifiable risk factors for diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure for enhanced health and longevity. We work with you to create an individualized meal plan in accordance with your medical needs, food preferences and goals.
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Diabetes |
If you have diabetes or prediabetes, understanding the relationship between food, activity and blood sugar changes is critical to your health. We will teach you how to balance your intake of carbohydrates, protein and fat to gain greater control of your diabetes.
Metabolic Syndrome is a cluster of symptoms that may indicate increased risk for heart disease and diabetes. One hallmark of metabolic syndrome is insulin resistance, which is strongly linked to both genetics and diet. Two modifiable risk factors for metabolic syndrome are inactivity and excess weight. Together, nutritionist and client will create a diet and exercise plan that fits lifestyle needs and helps reduce long-term health risks.
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Hypertension |
The definition and management of hypertension has changed dramatically over the years. We now know that early detection and control of high blood pressure can reduce risk of coronary artery disease and stroke.
Dietary changes and weight reduction are often used as the first line of treatment of mild hypertension, and have been shown to manage the condition in 40% of at risk individuals. Dietary considerations for the management of high blood pressure may include:
- Meal plans for weight control as appropriate
- Reduced sodium intake
- Assurance of adequate calcium intake
- Assessment of and recommendation for adequate potassium and magnesium intake
- Recommendation for appropriate alcohol intake
- Shopping Lists
- Goal setting
- Eating out guidelines
- Holiday and vacation meal planning
- Vitamin mineral supplementation
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High Cholesterol |
While genetics certainly plays a role in our cholesterol profile, our diet and lifestyle factors contribute a great deal to how our genetics play out. Whether you have been told you have high total cholesterol, LDL ("bad cholesterol"), and/or triglycerides (TG), or low HDL ("good cholesterol"), Nutrition Energy will teach you what you need to know to minimize your risk for heart disease. Your personalized nutrition counseling can include any of the following:
- Education on the reduction of high cholesterol/high saturated fat foods
- Incorporation of foods that actually help LOWER your cholesterol
- Guidelines for appropriate sodium intake and sodium content of foods
- Shopping Lists
- Goal setting
- Eating out guidelines
- Holiday and vacation meal planning
- Vitamin mineral supplementation
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Gastrointestinal Disorders |
If you have been diagnosed with IBS (Irritable Bowel Disease), Celiac disease, or Crohns disease, or have been plagued by stomach distress for years without knowing why, finding your specific nutrition needs with a professional nutritionist may be the key to reducing or eliminating much of your distress. |
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Eating Disorders |
Eating disorders are often complex and multifaceted. Behavior that began as an attempt to lose a few extra pounds or improve athletic performance can take on a life of its own and spiral out of control. Common disordered eating behaviors include an extreme fear of gaining weight, refusal to eat specific foods, (such as all fats or carbohydrates) for fear of gaining weight, constant weighing, skipping meals, extreme exercise to burn calories, or consuming large amounts of food while feeling out of control. Stress, biochemical imbalances, and the pressure from both sport and society to appear thin may also be involved.
Rapid or excessive weight loss can lead not only to a decrease of muscle mass, strength and power, but also to vitamin and mineral deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, bone loss and poor immune function. Amenorrhea, or loss of regular menstruation, is often another sign of inadequate calorie intake, and is associated with lower bone density and high incidence of stress fractures in athletes.
Our nutritionists work one-on-one with individuals dealing with eating disorders and focus on developing a healthy relationship with food. Step by step, the nutritionist and client work together to broaden the scope of safe foods, while working towards ensuring adequate calorie and calcium intake. This process leads to consistent menstrual function, minimizing bone loss and restoring optimal health. |
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