How Do Nutritionists Study Food?
Nutritionists major in nutrition and wellness studies in order to advance their careers. Because nutrition has become a part of the medical industry, individuals gaining knowledge to become a nutritionist may be able to work in the medical field as a personal nutritionist for patients. Nutritionists create recipes for health and counsel their patients on their nutrition and eating habits. Those studying nutrition may also test foods for safety. Nutritionists study food and food intake in a variety of different ways.
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History
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French chemist, Lavoisier discovered in the 18th century that foods and our metabolism had an effect on the breathing process. In the early 20th century, it was discovered that certain diseases were related to certain diets. Casimir Funk, a Polish chemist, discovered in 1912 that vitamin B1 prevented the disease "beri-beri." Later on, with advances in science, it was discovered that certain illnesses and diseases are caused by the lack of specific nutrients. The study of food effects on the human body was crucial to these discoveries.
Study of Food
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Nutritionists study how different nutrients or lack of nutrients effect the body. Without certain nutrients, a deficiency may develop which can cause all sorts of physical problems. Nutritionists are responsible for monitoring an individual's lifestyle and food intake in order to offer advice on how to change his lifestyle for maximum health.
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Recommended Dietary Allowance and Dietary Reference Intakes
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Scientists today are still learning about how specific nutrients are capable of preventing and treating certain diseases and illnesses. In the 1940s, a list was created by the National Research Council which stated the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDAs) which listed the minimum amount of nutrients need to prevent an illness. Later, this was changed to the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) which lists how much nutrients we need to maximize health, instead of listing the minimum amount needed.
Patient Nutrition Information
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Nutritionists study food intake by asking questions about the lives of the patient. Questions include information about medical history, family history and the lifestyle of the patient including diet, weight loss or gain, sleep, exercise habits and relaxation. This information allows the nutritionist to gather a better understanding of the individual's lifestyle in order to determine what changes should be made for maximum health.
Food Logs
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Nutritionists may ask their patients to bring food logs or food diaries that list what they have eaten over a three-day period. The information provides the nutritionist with a picture of your life. After reviewing your food log, the nutritionist may take samples of your blood for laboratory tests or to test your organ function in order to determine how healthy (or unhealthy) you are.
Follow-up and Advice
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Upon gaining a better understanding of your life and food intake, nutritionists will offer advice for your diet. For example, if you are consuming too much sugars, she may ask that you cut back and eat more carbohydrates instead. Nutritional advice is important as the nutritionist knows what is going on within your body. Nutritional supplements may also be recommended by your nutritionist. A nutritionist will also schedule future appointments in order to monitor your health and progress.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit vitamin c image by timur1970 from Fotolia.com
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Comments
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Yes there are but you have to really look for them. The disappointing part is that the average perosn who seeks help from these people "assume" they are being given the correct advise. The lady on the Today show knows her stuff and is worht listening to.
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So wouldnt it be good to look for a nutritionist who does understand how those refined foods affect or body? Or those sort of nutritionists not around?
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If they "study" food why then do they promote crappy carbs? Why do they promote laziness like eat frozen foods eat tinned foods. All high in sodium and preservatives and additives. All the unhealthy things?
