If it’s about optimal nutrition, ask a Dietitian!
Registered dietitians are food and nutrition experts with a degree from an accredited dietetics program. In South Africa, they’re registered with the Health Professions Council (HPCSA), ensuring they provide evidence-based advice. Dietitians work across various fields, offering personalised support to address dietary issues and help people live healthier lives. They are trained to follow the nutrition care process which is a systematic method used to provide optimal nutrition care.
When dealing with food allergies, a consultation with a dietitian can take some time. This is because they need to conduct a thorough allergy focussed assessment and create a tailored plan just for you. As part of an assessment by a dietitian, you can expect some questions about your weight history or a child’s growth, medical history and previous tests that have been done, symptoms experienced and digestive health, as well as a detailed look at your diet. They’ll dive into your eating habits, family meal dynamics, food choices at and away from home, cooking methods and much more. They are well trained to find practical solutions for the challenges that you as an individual or family might face.
Food allergies are often linked to picky eating, especially in young children. Dietitians help make mealtimes less stressful by sharing creative meal ideas and recipes, fostering a healthy relationship with food. Managing food allergies means avoiding allergens completely, but this can sometimes lead to nutrient deficiencies. It is therefore also crucial to determine whether children with food allergies face any potential growth challenges. Dietitians step in to find safe and nutritionally adequate alternatives to ensure that you’re getting all the nutrients you need.
One tool that dietitians rely on is a food – and symptom diary. This diary helps track any links between the foods you eat and the symptoms you experience during the process of eliminating and reintroducing foods. It’s also a handy way to identify areas in your diet that might need a nutritional solution. Download a food – and symptom diary here / Follow this link to download a food – and symptom diary.
Dietitians are not just nutrition experts—they’re also enthusiastic educators, dedicated to empowering you with knowledge about your food allergy. They’ll guide you through the process of identifying allergens on food labels and introduce you to a wider range of safe and enjoyable products.
Beyond nutrition, dietitians understand the social challenges that come with food allergies. They’ll work with you to plan meals that fit seamlessly into family dynamics and offer practical advice for navigating social events outside your home. Their goal is to make food allergy management easier and less restrictive.
In summary, dietitians play a vital role in managing food allergies effectively. Their expertise ensures both safety and nutritional adequacy while addressing the challenges that come with food allergies. For personalised support, don’t hesitate to reach out to a qualified dietitian with a special interest in food allergies here. They’re here to help you thrive! Or if you are a registered Dietitian with a special interest in allergy and wish to be listed on our website, please email afsapartners@allergyfoundation.co.za. Or for more information see here
For further information, visit:
AFSA – allergy information – allergic diseases – food allergy
https://www.hpcsa.co.za/board/dietics
https://www.eatrightpro.org/about-us/our-members/about-rdns-and-ndtrs
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