Hipócrates
The clinical data related to nutrition, diet and healthy eating that we have today is much broader. However, this does not translate into adequate nutritional education for the general population, nor does it translate into a Nutrition service integrated into the current health system. Interest in self-care is increasing and it is normal that we search for nutritional information outside the healthcare circuit (internet, social networks…).
Is the nutritional information we receive reliable?
Surely we have heard or read about a balanced diet and the Mediterranean diet…But do we know what nutrients foods contain?
Nutrition is the science that studies how to provide the necessary food to a person for their proper development, according to their physiological state and circumstances, through balanced and individually planned dietary guidelines.
And in the event that a disease occurs, how can we improve the symptoms and prognosis of this pathology through a diet?
Diet therapy is the area of Nutrition that is dedicated to the development of dietary guidelines adapted to the pathophysiological state of the patients. We could say that therapeutic diets are balanced diets with energy, nutritional or texture modifications and adapted to the patient’s pathology.
In Diet Therapy, it is therefore essential to study the patient’s clinical-dietary history, to know their pharmacological treatment as well as possible allergies or intolerances, and to carry out a correct assessment of their nutritional status. In addition, we must take into account food preferences and aversions when developing the dietary plan for the patient to adhere to it.
On the other hand, the collaboration of other health professionals (doctors, nurses, psychologists, physiotherapists…) is often necessary and Diet Therapy will ALWAYS be more effective if there is family support and a multidisciplinary team behind it.
