Health Professionals Who Can Help
There are a number of health professionals who can help you set up a healthy food plan, and inform you about supplements and vitamins. Your family physician is a good place to start. Physicians will measure your height; weigh you; take down information on any allergies, intolerances, and dietary restrictions; and explain what and why changes may be necessary to your diet. Medical doctors will give you information about a good eating plan, and if you want more specific information, they may be able to make a referral to a dietary expert.
Dietitians and nutritionists plan nutrition and food programs and sometimes supervise meal preparations. They first assess your specific needs and educate you on healthy diets and dietary restrictions and modifications you may have to make. For example, restrictions in sweets if you are diabetic. Then they work with you to set up a program to meet your needs and keep you on track and will confer with other health care professionals who treat you.
Fact
Dietitians and nutritionists require at least a bachelor's degree in nutrition and food, dietetics, or food service management. Dietetics is the science of food preparation and the planning of dietary programs. These professionals often work in institutions, like hospitals, but many have private practices and consult with individuals. Check with your state laws if dietitians and nutritionists require a license to practice.
Ciropractors treat health problems caused by dysfunctions of the nervous and muscular systems. They also emphasize adjustment of the skeletal system, especially the spine. The philosophy behind chiropractic medicine is that when these systems are compromised, the immune system is unable to fight off conditions and diseases. Ciropractors have a holistic view of health care and look at a person's general health, diet and exercise, environment, family history, and lifestyle. A bachelor's degree and four years of chiropractic college is required to practice.
Other professionals include physicians who practice homeopathic medicine, and registered nurses and other health care professionals with specialties in nutrition. You may also be able to get help from the numerous practitioners of “alternative” medicines and therapies. It is suggested that in addition to seeking professional nutritional help for controlling your anxiety, you educate yourself by reading as much as you can about how diet affects your moods. Go to your local library, bookstore, or check out online resources.
