Nutrition
Historical Overview
The relationship between food and health has been studied since the advent of medicine in Ancient Greece in 400 B.C. The first scientific experiment in the field of nutrition was performed in 1747 by Dr. James Lind, a physician in the British Royal Navy. In his experiment, Dr. Lind tested solutions for scurvy by giving sailors seawater, vinegar or limes. He did not know of the existence of Vitamin C but this study gave rise to the term “Limeys.” As science improved and the actual structure of common elements became known, so did the knowledge of nutritional elements. In 1968, Linus Pauling won the Nobel Prize in chemistry and coined the term Orthomolecular Nutrition which means “pertaining to the right molecule”. His theory was that by giving the body the right molecules, you could improve health and increase longevity. This gave rise to modern nutritional studies and its medical application.
Treatment Method
Dietitians and nutritionists plan food and nutrition programs, and in some cases administer the preparation and serving of meals. They seek to prevent or treat illnesses through the promotion of healthy eating habits or by changing current eating habits. The scientific basis linking nutrition and health has been well documented i.e. high blood pressure can be alleviated by reducing salt intake, monitoring what you eat can help reduce cholesterol, etc. Dietitians manage food services for many types of institutions like schools, hospitals, and prisons while some nutritionists work on a one on one basis.
Provider’s Training
A provider must earn at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited school in dietetics, foods and nutrition, or in a related field. Upon completing this academic coursework, dietitians/nutritionists must participate in a supervised internship. To become a Registered Dietitian, a provider must also pass the exam given by the Commission on Dietetic Registration of the American Dietetic Association. In order to maintain status as Registered Dietitians, providers must complete 75 hours of approved continuing education every 5 years.
Credentials and Regulation Bodies
33 states require licensure in order to practice as a dietitian or nutritionist, 12 require certification, and 1 requires registration. The Commission on Dietetic Registration of the American Dietetic Association is the certification body for dietitians and nutritionists. It is under the American Dietetic Association, which is sets and regulates practicing standards.
Professional Associations
The American Dietetic Association is the official professional association for nutritionists and dietitians, and acts as an umbrella for its state chapters.
To learn more about dietitians and nutritionists, visit the American Dietetic Association’s website at www.eatright.org or Ask the Dietitian at www.dietitian.com.
Sources:
American Dietetic Association. Web. 04 June 2010.
Ask the Dietitian. Web. 04 June 2010.
| Treatments Associated with Nutrition | |
| Diet and Supplements | 5 Reviews for 5 Conditions |
| Nutrition and Probiotics | 4 Reviews for 4 Conditions |
| Dairy Free | 2 Reviews for 2 Conditions |
| Nutrition and Diet Changes | 1 Reviews for 1 Conditions |
| FirstLine Therapy | 1 Reviews for 1 Conditions |
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