Nutritionists believe in the old adage, "You are what you eat." These specialists study how the body uses the nutrients it is given through food and supplemental sources of energy. By learning about what you put in your body, a nutritionist can help you better understand your individual energy output and level of general overall health. One reason nutritionists might be consulted is to pursue weight loss efforts and/or fulfill a desire to lead a healthier lifestyle.
Job Duties of a Nutritionist
Nutritionists can work in research, learning about nutritional deficiencies and sources of nutrition and preparing education about proper nutrition. There also nutritionists who make recommendations for proper nutrition to the public, states Career Q and As. There are public health nutritionists in charge of outreach and nutritional education to the communities and who identify current and future nutritional problems.
When a nutritionist is sought for your nutrition advice, the nutritionist will evaluate your lifestyle and overall health to see what vitamins and minerals might be missing from your diet, states Find My Nutritionist. The nutritionist might order lab tests of your blood, hair or urine to determine if you are lacking in digestive function or have a nutritional deficiency, states the Holistic Internet Community. Subsequently, he will craft a diet that will allow you to receive all the components you might be missing and address health issues.
Why a Nutritionist is Sought
Career Q and As states that weight loss is the No. 1 reason people seek nutritional advice. According to Find My Nutritionist, nutritionists also might be visited for the following reasons: mental health, general allergies, weight or muscle gain, cardiovascular health, pre- and post-natal concerns, joint pain, optimizing general health, doctor's referral, eating disorders, digestive problems, skin disorders, fatigue, cancer prevention or treatment, stress, food allergies, hormonal problems, and for child or sports nutrition.
Qualifications
The Holistic Internet Community recommends finding a nutritionist whom you can talk with and have an open dialogue. You can ask if she is registered with an accredited institution and where she received her degree. Many times, nutritionists will have a title associated with their name. The Holistic Internet Community lists some of the more common titles as C.C.N., for certified clinical nutritionist; R.D., for registered dietitian; C.N., for certified nutritionist; F.A.C.N., for fellow of the American College of Nutrition; and F.A.D.A, for fellow of the American Dietetic Association.
Nutritionist vs. Registered Dietitian
Career Q and As states that dietitians are nutritionists who work one on one with patients about their individual needs. Registered dietitians can work in places such as schools and hospitals as a meal planner to residents and students. Other registered dietitians work in outpatient clinics for the regular population, and some work exclusively with athletes to plan a specific diet. The American Dietetic Association explains that someone who is a registered dietitian is credentialed by the Commission on Dietetic Registration of the American Dietetic Association. Some registered dietitians might be nutritionists, but not all nutritionists are registered dietitians.
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