More than ever today, health matters. People nowadays are not only concerned with how long they live, but also the quality of life they are living. As the prevalence of chronic diseases and obesity continues to rise, more are determined not to let these be their fates when they grow old. Hence, one of the remedies people are seeking today is nutritional therapy.
Nutritional therapy is born out of the knowledge that the food we eat affects our body’s health and performance. Today, unhealthy eating habits are being highlighted as the primary reason for the development of many chronic illnesses. Because it addresses this root of so many illnesses, nutritional therapy is steadily increasing in popularity, with many training programs being offered for aspiring nutritional therapists.
Here is everything you need to know about what nutritional therapy can do for a person:
What is nutritional therapy?
Nutritional therapy involves applying nutrition science — or the study of how nutrients and food components play a part in bodily function — for the promotion and improvement of health and performance. A nutritional therapist is trained in nutrition science and is responsible for offering clients guidelines with regards to diet and lifestyle that can help them reach their health needs or goals.
Nutritional therapy is considered a complementary medicine to aid those with chronic conditions or those who want to get the best out of their bodies. Because nutritional therapists work with clients individually, each is getting advice that is specific and tailored to their conditions. Thus, clients can be sure that this advice will work for them and that these are able to address their specific needs.
Why do I need nutritional therapy?
There are many benefits that come with consulting a nutritional therapist. Those with health problems especially stand to gain a lot from nutritional therapy. For example, those struggling with conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases will know which food to take and avoid in order to mitigate their condition. Given that nutrition can also affect even the simplest of problems, such as acne, sensitive skin, or a weak immune system, nutritional therapy can help address these as well.
Even the healthiest individuals can gain something from nutritional therapy. In particular, competitive athletes can use nutritional therapy to help them improve their physical strength and performance. Given that nutritional therapists can tailor their programs to match the needs and demands of the athletes’ respective sports and training programs, this makes nutritional therapy a perfect option for them.
Generally, there is no restriction as to who can and cannot seek out nutritional therapy. It is for anyone who simply wishes to actively live a healthier lifestyle.
How does nutritional therapy work?
When you first visit a nutritional therapist, the initial consultation should last a little bit more than an hour. During this time, the nutritional therapist will do a thorough review of your case history. This includes your medical history and personal health symptoms, as well as your needs and goals.
Based on these, they will offer you lifestyle advice, as well as work with you to craft a meal plan that will work for you and help you achieve your health goals. The nutritional therapist may also recommend additional food supplements you will have to take, and in some cases, ask you to take some laboratory tests.
Follow-up sessions will consist of monitoring your progress and the effects that your diet plan has had. Depending on what happens, some adjustments may be made to your plan as well.