what does a clinical nutritionist do
A common misconception about nutritionists is that they tell people what to eat, create meal plans and count calories. I’m here to tell you that a clinical nutritionist does so much more. Stay tuned to learn valuable insights about what a clinical nutritionist can do, what to expect during a consultation, what chronic conditions can be addressed and what health outcomes are achievable using nutritional medicine.
What is a clinical nutritionist?
A clinical nutritionist is a degree qualified health professional with an educational background in a range of disciplines including anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, nutritional biochemistry, pharmacology, pathology, and clinical nutritional medicine. By leveraging nutritional medicine, a clinical nutritionist targets the signs and symptoms of illness and chronic conditions. Nutritional medicine adopts a holistic approach, recognising that micronutrients are essential for all biochemical processes to function optimally; and symptoms are understood as indicators of deeper issues, influenced by an interplay of environmental, genetic, nutritional, and lifestyle factors.
Clinical nutritionists formulate evidenced-based nutritional therapy plans based on your individual needs, symptomology, nutritional inadequacies, pathology and functional testing results, and personal health goals. No cookie cutter approaches or fad diets here!
Why see a clinical nutritionist?
Clinical nutritionists are often considered when all other options have been exhausted with no clear answers for bothersome health complaints. Some of the common symptoms that people might not get answers for are recurrent skin rashes, headaches, migraines, hair loss, diarrhoea, constipation, bloating, heartburn, indigestion, brain fog, menstrual problems, mood swings, fatigue, weight gain or difficulty losing weight.
Optimal nutrition, combined with therapeutic doses of key nutrients, can significantly improve one’s health. The nutrients in food interact with our genes and can either promote illness or prevent disease. For instance, a buildup of toxins and heavy metals may disrupt hormonal signalling and transport of nutrients within cells, affecting biochemical pathways contributing to conditions like ADHD, Autism, and metabolic imbalances. All body systems—gut, brain, endocrine, and reproductive—are interconnected. For example, harmful gut bacteria that produce endotoxins can trigger inflammation in the brain, leading to symptoms like mood swings, poor concentration, and low motivation.
What chronic conditions can clinical nutritionists assist with?
The scope of practice for a clinical nutritionist depends on their qualifications, such as a bachelor’s or master’s degree, postgraduate certifications, and their clinical knowledge and experience. It’s important to understand that clinical nutritionists are not permitted to diagnose, cure, or directly treat diseases. If a formal diagnosis has not been made, you may be referred to your primary care physician or a specialist for further investigation. However, clinical nutritionists can provide supportive care for clients with diagnosed chronic conditions, which may include rare genetic disorders.
Gastrointestinal: IBS, Crohn’s disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Diverticulosis, Coeliac Disease
Metabolic: Type 2 diabetes, Pre-diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome, Dyslipidaemia
Reproductive: Perimenopause, Menopause, Andropause, PCOS, Endometriosis, Infertility (male & female), Dysmenorrhoea (painful periods)
Mental health: ADHD, Autism, PMS, PMDD, Depression, Anxiety, Addiction, Alzheimer’s and Dementia
Immune/Respiratory: Asthma, Sinusitis, Food or Seasonal Allergies, Frequent colds and flus, Glandular fever, Epstein Barr Virus
Autoimmune: Rheumatoid arthritis, Grave’s Disease, Hashimoto’s, Coeliac disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Type 1 Diabetes
What to expect at your first consultation
Your initial consultation, either via telehealth or in person, will last approximately 75-90 minutes. During this time, the practitioner will ask questions about your lifestyle, diet, medical history, family medical history, physical activity, and current medications and supplements. Depending on your specific concerns, they may also take a detailed look at various body systems—so be prepared for questions about your bowel habits. The practitioner might request a food and symptom diary, refer you to your GP or another health professional for further assessments or tests, or recommend specialised functional testing to gather more information before creating a treatment plan.
What happens next?
After the initial consultation, a follow-up will be recommended within an appropriate timeframe to review any pathology or functional test results, specialist reports, and food and symptom diaries. The practitioner will also discuss your treatment plan. If a plan was already provided, this follow-up will focus on your progress and any necessary adjustments. The frequency of follow-ups will depend on the complexity of your condition. For instance, complex gastrointestinal cases may require weeks to months to achieve the desired outcome. Rest assured, you will receive ongoing support throughout the process, and your budget, work, and lifestyle will be considered when scheduling appointments.
If you’re ready to take control of your health, uncover the root causes of your symptoms, and achieve lasting results through personalised nutrition, let’s work together. Book a consultation today to explore how clinical nutrition can support your unique health journey. Book a consultation