Gripe:
The number one gripe I have as a dietitian is when a client ‘self diagnoses’ themselves with a particular allergy, intolerance or vitamin/mineral deficiency.
It is not unusual for a client to remove whole food groups from their diet, swap to an alternative food that is less nutritious or start taking a vitamin supplement that is not required. In doing so, the client can become very unwell, undernourished or may compromise the absorption of critical micro/macronutrients.
Why:
Clients believe that what they are doing will make them thinner, healthier or boost their vitality in some way. They may have read about a celebrity losing weight by going gluten free, turning vegetarian, cutting carbs or quitting sugar and follow like sheep. Some read misleading packaging or advertising and feel that by consuming certain products/supplements they too will have a ‘ripped’ and lean physique.
Bad because:
Self-diagnosing, without medical intervention, can lead to a long list of problems. By simply taking a mineral supplement (e.g. iron) without requiring it, the person can become deplete in another mineral. A person choosing to go vegan by swapping meat and vege for hot chips with tomato sauce is not going to gain any health benefits. Removing gluten from the diet often means removing all nourishing wholegrains and replacing them with refined high GI rice or potato products, which can lead to a spike in blood glucose levels.
Instead:
Rather than self-diagnosing a person should visit an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) who is trained in understanding both chronic disease and nutrition. The role of an APD is to educate the person using evidence based practice to ensure that the person is able to become as healthy as possible. If the person suspects they have a vitamin or mineral deficiency, then they should have a blood test done to confirm that this is the case before taking a supplement.
So, step away from Dr Google and get in touch with your own body. If you need help, flick me an email.
Lisa Donaldson APD
www.FEEDinc.net
¾ Kennedy St, Kingston
NOTE: If you NEED it, Lisa is running a Gluten Free workshop Friday 1st May. Check the details here.
