To best accommodate the needs of our patients we take an individualized approach to each patient’s nutritional needs. This means having our expert doctors examine what you’re eating and how it’s affecting your health. Then they can provide in-depth recommendations for how you can improve your diet to meet your specific needs.
To get started on your customized nutrition recommendation, call LA Integrative Gastroenterology & Nutrition at (310) 289-8000.
What is Nutrition?
Proper nourishment is among the primary needs of any living thing. The science of nutrition focuses on assessing exactly what nutrients we need and how we should get them. Nutrition also looks at the ways in which diseases and conditions can be prevented or lessened through diet.
Nutrition Basics
The human body needs seven basic types of nutrients to survive. These are:
- Carbohydrates
- Proteins
- Fats
- Fiber
- Water
- Minerals
- Vitamins
In addition to these nutrients there are five food groups:
- Vegetables
- Fruits
- Grains
- Dairy
- Protein foods
The amount of each food group you need depends on a variety of factors. These include your age, sex, and level of physical activity. A healthy eating plan that incorporates how many calories you need each day, how much of each food group you should be eating, and how to make healthy choices in each food group is essential to lasting health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between a dietician and a nutritionist?
A: A dietician is someone who studied dietetics, while a nutritionist is someone who studied nutrition. While terms are similar, they are not exactly the same. Dietetics is the interpretation and communication of nutrition. It focuses on helping people make the right choices when it comes to nutrition. Nutrition is the study of nutrients in food. It also looks at how the body uses those nutrients and the relationship between food and health.
Q: How much of each food group do I really need?
A: While there are general recommendations on how much of each food group you should consume, these do not necessarily apply to everyone. The best way to get recommendations that work for you is to make an appointment with LA Integrative Gastroenterology & Nutrition and have your specific nutrition needs analyzed.
Q: What is a healthy diet?
A: A healthy diet can be broadly defined as a diet in which enough of each essential nutrient is obtained through a variety of nutrient-dense foods. However, specific recommendations depend on the needs, sensitivities, and lifestyle of each individual person.
Q: What are bad fats and where are they found?
A: Generally, saturated and trans fats are considered bad fats. Saturated fats come largely from animal sources, such as meat and dairy. These fats are also found in certain plant foods such as palm oil. Trans fats are found in a variety of different foods. They are common in commercial baked goods as well as fried foods, and snack foods.
Contact a Los Angeles Nutrition Expert
At Los Angeles Integrative Gastroenterology & Nutrition, we believe a healthy diet is key to overall health and well-being. That’s why we offer our customized nutrition recommendations. Not only will we help you determine what nutrients you need, we’ll help you decide how much you need and how to get them. Call us at (310) 289-8000 or email us to schedule a consultation.
Next, read about Consultation with Nutritional Consultant.
