Adult and Paediatric Nutrition
What is it?
Geriatric care and feeding tubes
These services typically include comprehensive assessments to determine the most suitable nutrition plan, maintenance of feeding tube functionality, and regular health check-ups to address potential weight, muscle mass and hydration challenges. Additionally, these services often include personalized meal plans, nutritional counselling, and supplements/nutritional formulas to enhance the quality of life for individuals navigating the complexities of geriatric care- with/without the aid of feeding tubes. The goal is to optimize nutritional intake, promote overall health, and foster a compassionate and dignified environment for seniors with specific feeding needs.
Cancer care
Nutrition services play a crucial role in supporting individuals undergoing cancer treatment by addressing the specific nutritional challenges they face. Oncology nutrition services are designed to optimize the nutritional status of cancer patients, enhance treatment outcomes, and improve overall recovery and quality of life. Registered dietitians specialized in oncology develop personalized nutrition plans that consider the type of cancer, treatment modalities, and individual patient needs.
These services involve nutritional assessments, where we evaluate the patient’s nutritional status, weight, and dietary habits. Based on this assessment, a tailored nutrition plan is created to help manage side effects of cancer treatments, such as nausea, fatigue, weight loss (cachexia), dry mouth and loss of appetite. Specialized diets or supplements may be recommended to address specific dietary restrictions or challenges associated with cancer therapies. Maintaining adequate hydration, managing symptoms related to treatment, and addressing nutritional deficiencies are also part of the assessment. Evidence-based guidance is provided to patients and their caregivers in order to make informed choices about nutrition during the cancer journey. Overall, dietitians aim to optimize nutrition, support treatment tolerance, address feeding challenges, and contribute to the overall well-being of individuals undergoing chemotherapy, radiation therapy or surgery.

Celiac disease, IBS, IBD
Nutritional care for individuals with celiac disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is tailored to address the specific dietary needs and challenges associated with each condition. In celiac disease, a gluten-free diet is the cornerstone of treatment, with a focus on eliminating wheat, barley, and rye (and their by-products) from the diet to prevent permanent intestinal damage and associated symptoms. For IBS, dietary strategies often involve identifying and managing trigger foods that may exacerbate symptoms such as abdominal pain and bloating. Individualized dietary plans, low in fermentable carbohydrates (FODMAPs), are commonly recommended for IBS sufferers. Overall, dietitians help to identify these trigger foods and replace them with alternatives in the diet to ensure nutritional requirements are met- without the pain and discomfort.
In the case of IBD, nutritional care is multifaceted, aiming to manage symptoms during flare-ups and optimize nutrition during remission. This may involve adjusting the diet to alleviate inflammation and promote healing, and in some cases, the use of specialized nutritional formulations. Overall, these nutritional care approaches play an important role in improving the quality of life for individuals with celiac disease, IBS, and IBD by addressing their individual dietary needs, offering alternatives in order to avoid any nutritional deficiencies, and helping to manage symptoms effectively.
Infant and child complex feeding issues
Infants and children with complex feeding issues require a comprehensive and individualized approach to address their specific challenges. This may include difficulties with breastfeeding, bottle feeding, or transitioning to solid foods due to developmental delays, oral-motor issues, or medical conditions. Pediatric nutritionists work closely with healthcare teams and conduct thorough assessments, considering the child’s growth, nutritional requirements, and any underlying health concerns. Tailored feeding plans are then crafted, often incorporating specialized formulas, textures, and feeding techniques including feeding tubes, which all depend on the child’s needs. These plans aim to ensure adequate caloric intake, nutrient balance, and optimal growth and development. Close collaboration with parents and caregivers is essential to implement strategies that promote positive feeding experiences, foster healthy eating habits, and support the overall well-being of infants and children facing complex feeding challenges.
Infant allergies and formula selection
Nutritional care for infants with allergies involves careful consideration of allergenic triggers and appropriate formula selection to meet the infant’s nutritional needs. For infants with cow’s milk protein allergy or lactose intolerance, hypoallergenic formulas, which are semi- or extensively hydrolyzed or based on alternative sources like rice, are commonly recommended. In cases of multiple allergies, amino acid-based formulas may be prescribed to minimize allergic reactions. The nutritional content of the formula is closely monitored to ensure the infant receives essential nutrients for proper growth and development. As dietitians, we fine-tune the nutritional care plan, ensuring that infants with allergies thrive while avoiding allergens that could compromise their health.
Picky eaters
Meeting nutritional requirements in picky eaters is essential for promoting healthy growth and development. Picky eating in children can lead to nutritional gaps, potentially impacting their overall growth, focus or attention, and development. Pediatric dietitians work with parents and children to devise strategies that encourage a varied and balanced diet, while ensuring the intake of essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals. This may involve introducing new foods gradually, incorporating creative and appealing presentations, and involving children in meal planning or preparation. The focus of such interventions is to create a positive and stress-free mealtime environment for both parents and children. Nutrient-dense snacks and foods are emphasized to address potential deficiencies, and the goal is to establish lifelong healthy eating habits. Occasionally, specialized nutritional formulas are recommended for catch-up growth, based on a child’s needs and day to day activity. Regular monitoring of growth parameters and nutritional status helps ensure that picky eaters receive the necessary nutrients for optimal physical and cognitive development.
Pre-diabetes, Gestational, Type 1, Type 2 Diabetes
Nutrition plays a pivotal role in managing the various forms of diabetes. For individuals with prediabetes, adopting a balanced diet that includes high fiber sources can be effective in preventing the progression to Type 2 diabetes. In gestational diabetes, pregnant individuals benefit from personalized meal plans that help control blood sugar levels while ensuring the healthy growth of the baby. Type 1 diabetes management involves precise carbohydrate counting, insulin administration, and maintaining a consistent eating schedule to stabilize blood glucose levels. For those with Type 2 diabetes, dietary interventions often focus on portion control, carbohydrate moderation, and weight management. In all cases, nutritional care plans are tailored to individual needs, promote stable blood sugar levels, and support overall health and reduce risk of complications.
Metabolic syndrome
Nutritional care for individuals with metabolic syndrome is centered around adopting a lifestyle that addresses the underlying risk factors contributing to the condition. This includes implementing a heart-healthy diet that emphasizes whole foods, while reducing intake of saturated fats, refined sugars, and processed foods. Portion control and weight management are key components, as excess body weight often exacerbates metabolic syndrome. Dietary choices that help regulate blood pressure and cholesterol levels are prioritized, with an emphasis on limiting sodium and choosing sources of healthy fats. Regular physical activity complements nutritional interventions to improve insulin sensitivity and overall metabolic health. Nutritional care plans are tailored to the specific needs of individuals with metabolic syndrome and weight progress is monitored through body composition analysis testing.
Bariatrics
Diet and nutrition is integral to the success and well-being of individuals undergoing bariatric surgery, which includes procedures like gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy. Before surgery, patients typically undergo nutritional assessments to identify potential deficiencies and receive counselling on recommended dietary changes pre-surgery. They may also be required to take nutritional supplements that prepare them for surgery. Post-surgery, a gradual transition from liquid to solid foods is carefully managed, considering the altered anatomy of the digestive system. Specific vitamins and minerals are prescribed throughout the weight loss journey, as well as oral nutritional supplements pre- and post- surgery. Patients are advised to prioritize lean proteins, vitamins, and minerals to prevent nutrient deficiencies. Portion control and mindful eating become crucial aspects of post-bariatric nutritional care, aiding in weight management and supporting long-term health. Regular follow-ups with dietitians and healthcare providers ensure that individuals receive ongoing guidance, adapt to dietary changes, and achieve optimal nutritional outcomes following bariatric surgery.
Food intolerance test
Nutritional care based on food intolerance tests involves tailoring dietary recommendations to address specific sensitivities identified through testing. This test aims to identify foods that may trigger adverse reactions, such as gastrointestinal discomfort or inflammation. Upon receiving test results, individuals work with registered dietitians, to develop a customized diet plan. This plan typically involves eliminating or reducing intake of identified trigger foods while ensuring the maintenance of a balanced and nutritious diet. Reintroduction of eliminated foods may be systematically explored to assess individual tolerance levels. It is important to note that the scientific validity and reliability of some food intolerance tests have been debated, and consultation with a healthcare professional is crucial to interpret results accurately and implement a well-founded nutritional care plan that suits an individual’s specific needs and health goals.
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