Women's Nutrition

		Lona Sandon, MEd, RD/LD Section Editor, Current Trends in Nutrition Section Editor, Women's Nutrition - Assistant Professor, Department of Clinical Nutrition; UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas - American Dietetic Association Spokesperson

Five reasons women need to see a registered dietitian
Posted: March 2005
Source: Lona Sandon, MEd, RD/LD

#1: You are planning to start a family. With pregnancy comes special nutrition needs. Women who are planning to get pregnant need to assure they are getting enough folic acid to prevent birth defects such as Spina-bifida. Pregnant women also need more calories, protein and iron. A registered dietitian can help you design a plan to ensure adequate nutrition and the right amount of weight gain for you and baby.

#2: You struggle with body image or have a history of anorexia, bulimia, or are overweight. A dietitian specializing in eating disorders or weight management can design a nutrition plan that works for your body type. Healthy eating and regular exercise can improve body image as well as help keep you in a healthy weight range. A dietitian will teach you how to use food as a tool to nourish your body, not punish it.

#3: Your digestive track just doesn’t work like it used to. Many women experience changes in digestion as they go through life. Don’t let chronic constipation, bloating, diarrhea or indigestion keep you from enjoying life. Some of these symptoms may be related to hormonal fluctuations, lactose intolerance, or more serious conditions such as thyroid disease, irritable bowel syndrome or gastritis. A dietitian can help you identify foods that may trigger your symptoms or alleviate them. Fried foods, caffeine and carbonated beverages are often on the trigger list.

#4: You have high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or diabetes. Although your genes may have a lot to do with it, diet and other lifestyle factors play a major role in the prevention and treatment of these health issues. Even if you don’t have any of the above but a family member does, you are at risk. See a registered dietitian to determine if your eating and exercise habits are putting you at risk. Simply adding fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy foods in just the right amounts and at the right calorie level can help you prevent chronic health problems.

#5: You want to improve physical and mental performance. From mastering a marathon for the first time or keeping up with the kids, good nutrition is key for keeping energy levels at their peak. Learn to eat for optimal performance both mentally and physically with the help of a registered dietitian.

Bottom line: These are just a few reasons among many to see a registered dietitian. Proper nutrition is needed throughout the life cycle. Get a yearly check-up with a dietitian or at minimum with each decade of life.