Dietitian Availabilities

Our Dietitian sees patients every fortnight on Wednesdays from 10am-7pm at Alsalam Medical Centre!

What is a Dietitian?

If you have a problem with your weight and are concerned about your diet, or if you have a problem with your health that relates to your diet, a dietitian can help. It’s important to know how to find a registered dietitian and what to expect when you make an appointment.

Dietitians help people to understand the relationship between food and health. They also help people change their diet so that they can become healthier, and stay healthy.

Dietitians must have a university degree in nutrition and dietetics, and those who meet strict criteria are eligible to join the Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) program, which is run by the Dietitians Australia. The APD program is the only credential for dietitians recognised by the Australian Government (for Medicare and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs' purposes) and many state governments and private health insurers.

What does a Dietitian do?

Dietitians provide expert nutrition and diet advice for people of all ages. They can help if you have a food allergy, high cholesterol, diabetes, cancer or gastrointestinal diseases, or if you are overweight or underweight. They can help with other health problems too.

In Australia, dietitians are different to nutritionists. Both are qualified to work in areas like public health, research and teaching, or in the food industry. Dietitians are also qualified to work in private medical practices, medical centres, or hospitals.

A dietitian will ask questions about your health, what you want to achieve, and what you eat and drink.

They will give you feedback and advice on your diet and health condition. They will also help you set food-related goals.

When should you see a dietitian?

1. You’re healthy & curious.

If you want to know if what/how you’re eating is right for your health and goals, even with no overt symptoms to complain of, it could be helpful to discuss with a dietitian.

2. Your relationship with food needs help.

If you are looking for help building (or rebuilding) a healthy relationship with food & diet and are trying to figure out how to navigate the world of food and nutrition, a dietitian can help.

3. You have ANY digestive complaint.

Digestive complaints can range from gas, bloating, heartburn, diarrhea, constipation, stomachaches, etc. Meeting with a dietitian can help guide you on diety &/or lifestyle changes to make. Don’t just guess or go off google, ask a professional.

4. You want to improve athletic performance.

You want to gain insight into how to fuel your sport/activity and/or gain some competitive advantage through diet/lifestyle. You may even want to seek out a Sports Dietitian (you’ll see CSSD after their name) as they specialize in the timing of nutrients, energy needs, supplements, and more as it pertains to sport/activity & performance.

5. You are either always hungry or never hungry (aka lack of appetite).

Hunger is a very important indicator to help guide your health. You may wake up in the middle of the night hungry or maybe you don’t even know what hunger is or is supposed to feel like. Hunger should be normal and recognizable and easily fixed with food, end of story.

6. You are experiencing fatigue even when sleeping 8+ hours.

Being tired when you go to bed is normal. Being tired around the clock and not being able to function or feel like you are going to fall asleep at inopportune times is NOT normal.

7. You are often sick and/or injured.

This is NOT normal. Your diet and/or lifestyle may be contributing to this an guess what?! You can feel better and can stop getting hurt. Seek help.

8. You are experiencing hormonal issues including (but not limited to): loss of menstruation, lack of sex drive (or ability to perform), infertility issues, etc.

This can look different to anyone but if you are feeling like your hormones are or could be off, it’s time to talk to someone.

9. You are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant.

This also applies to those who are post-partum and looking for help with breastfeeding, post-partum health, etc.

10. You want help with meal planning.

Note: some dietitians may not provide meal plans but aim to help you learn how to do it for yourself! I do offer meal plans, if interested.

11. You are dealing with thoughts or actions of disordered eating.

Note: if you are experiencing an eating disorder it is very important to seek help from a dietitian that specializes in the field! You could also look at online resources for Eating disorder treatment to know more about your ailment and take necessary steps for the same.

12. Abnormal bloodwork.

You have abnormal bloodwork (whether self-tested or through a doctor) and/or have been told by your doctor you need to change your diet.

13. You have diagnosed and/or suspected food allergies/intolerances/sensitivities.

It’s important to work with someone who can guide you through a food allergy/intolerance/sensitivity instead of just guess or google your way through it!

14. You have been diagnosed with a chronic disease.

This can include diabetes, heart disease, cancer, autoimmune disorders, IBD, IBS, high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease, etc. However, if you have a family history of any chronic disease, it may be best to see the RD BEFORE you are diagnosed with such a disease.

15. You want to manage your weight.

Weight is not the only marker of health, but it can be important to work with a professional if you think you need to or need help to gain, lose, or maintain your weight.

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