Nutrition Services
What are nutrition services?
Nutrition services provide patients with education and counseling on their diet. Nutrition services may focus on overall health and well-being or maybe a part of treatment for specific diseases.
Nutrition services dietitians
Nutrition services are provided by registered dietitians. A registered dietitian specializes in food and nutrition. Maine requires that registered dietitians be licensed by the Board of Dietetic Practice as licensed dietitians. Registered dietitians provide reliable nutrition information and use evidence-based practice that is specific to patients’ nutritional goals. Nutrition plays an important role in many conditions and diseases, including diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and gastrointestinal problems. At MaineHealth, registered dietitians are here to help you achieve better health.
Who needs nutrition services?
MaineHealth dietitians can provide nutrition education and counseling on many aspects of health, including:
• Low blood sugar
• High blood sugar
• High cholesterol
• High blood pressure
• Acid reflux disease
• Kidney disease
• Weight management for children/adults
• Eating disorders
• Food allergies
Dietitian services
Nutrition Services can be individualized to help you achieve a specific goal. Dietitians provide services that include:
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Weekly visits
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Individual counseling
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Support groups
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Informational/educational sessions
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Metabolism testing
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Individualized food plans to help reach a specific goal
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Food preparation tips
Dieting Tips
How to fix 5 Common Eating Problems
As you age, you may lose interest in eating and cooking. Small changes can help you overcome some of the challenges to eating well.
1. Food no longer tastes good: Try new recipes or adding different herbs and spices. Some medicines can affect your appetite or sense of taste - talk to your doctor.
2. Chewing difficulty: Try softer foods like cooked vegetables, beans, eggs, applesauce, and canned fruit. Talk to your doctor or dentist if there is a problem with your teeth or gums.
3. Poor digestion: Talk to your doctor or registered dietician to figure out which foods to avoid while still maintaining a balanced diet.
4. Eating alone: Try dining out with family, friends, or neighbors. See if your local senior center hosts group meals.