Dietetic Services
At UnityPoint Health, our team of registered dietitians can help you achieve your health goals through personalized nutrition counseling. We offer the expertise, education and support to help you make informed choices, so you can feel your best.
How Does Nutrition Impact Health?
Eating a healthy and balanced diet acts as a powerhouse for your health, helping to:
- Boost energy levels
- Strengthen your immune system, so your body can fight off infections and diseases
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Reduce your risk of chronic conditions, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, osteoporosis, diabetes, stroke and certain types of cancer
- Improve your mental health with nutrients essential for regulating mood and brain function
Who can benefit from nutrition counseling?
While nutrition counseling is recommended for people with specific health conditions or goals, its valuable for anyone who’s ready to take the next step in improving their overall well-being. Our registered dietitians can help with the prevention or management of the following conditions:
- Certain cancers
- Celiac disease
- Diabetes and pre-diabetes
- Digestive disorders
- Food allergies or intolerances (peanuts, eggs, dairy, shellfish, tree nuts, soy, wheat and more)
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Heart disease
- Kidney disease
- Weight loss or management
Oncology Nutrition
Food and nutrition are critical for supporting cancer treatments. Nutrients support the growth of healthy cells in your body and go a long way in helping with energy and strength. It’s advisable for patients to avoid a highly restrictive diet during treatment. Trying to maintain your weight while dealing with the side effects of treatment can be counterproductive. The “stress” of following an ultra-restrictive diet also turns on fight or flight mechanisms in our body, which produce stress hormones that raise blood sugar levels and suppress immune function.
Once cancer treatment is complete, maintaining a nutritious diet helps the body heal and offers protective effects for the future. A diet of mainly fruits and vegetables, whole grains, beans, peas, lentils, nuts and plant-based fats is best for people with a history of cancer. Refined grains, added sugars, red meat and alcohol should be limited. Find a cancer dietitian near you to learn more.
These types of eating habits are also good for heart health and reduce risk of other chronic diseases.
Weight Loss or Management
Healthy nutrition plays a major role in preventing obesity. The condition can lead to decreased quality of life and increased health problems, such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, sleep apnea and certain types of cancers.
Losing weight is difficult and takes commitment. Research shows people who maintain a significant weight loss report improvements in their physical health and energy levels, mobility, general mood and self-confidence. Lifestyle changes, like new eating habits, help with weight loss and maintaining a healthy weight as you age.
What's the difference between a dietician vs nutritionist?
Both dietitians and nutritionists are experts in food and nutrition, but their qualifications and training differ. All dietitians are nutritionists, but not all nutritionists are dietitians.
What does a dietician do?
Dietitians are registered medical professionals with specialized education in nutrition and food science. They must meet specific educational and licensing requirements to become a registered dietitian (RD) or registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN).
To help you achieve your health goals, registered dietitians offer personalized nutrition counseling and exercise recommendations. Services are typically covered by insurance with a referral from your provider.
What does a nutritionist do?
Nutritionists may or may not have professional accreditations, and their services typically aren’t covered by insurance. While nutritionists can provide advice on healthy food choices, they may not have the same level of formal training as a dietitian.
What types of nutrition services are there?
Many dietitians are board certified in specialized health needs, such as:
- Gerontological Nutrition: Focuses on special dietary needs for seniors, such as managing chronic diseases, preventing malnutrition and promoting healthy aging.
- Obesity and Weight Management: Focuses on healthy eating habits, education and portion control for individuals with obesity or concerns about managing their weight.
- Oncology Nutrition: Focuses on nutrition for individuals with cancer, such as nutritional support during recovery, managing side effect of treatment and maintaining a healthy weight.
- Pediatric Nutrition: Focuses on nutrition for children and teens, such as healthy growth and development, addressing food allergies and intolerances and childhood obesity.
- Pediatric Critical Care Nutrition: Focuses on nutrition for critically ill children and adolescents, such as specialized support for children in intensive care.
- Renal Nutrition: Focuses on nutrition for people with kidney disease, such as managing fluid and electrolyte balance, nutrients and promoting overall kidney health.
- Sports Dietetics: Focuses on nutrition for athletes and active individuals, addressing optimal performance and supporting recovery.
Inpatient Nutrition Services
Our clinical dietitians offer expert care, including assessments, education and customized meal plans to support your healing while you’re in the hospital, including:
- Nutrition assessments, physical assessments and nutrition care plans
- Physician-ordered meals tailored to your specific needs and medical conditions
- Guidance on healthy eating habits and informed food choices
- Coordination with home care, ensuring a seamless transition with other agencies for your care at home
Outpatient Nutrition Services
Our outpatient nutrition consultations and counseling sessions take place with a registered dietitian. Here’s what to expect:
- Initial nutrition consultation: A registered dietitian will review your health history, medications, food choices, behaviors and health goals. That information will help you and your dietitian develop a nutrition and wellness plan tailored to your needs and lifestyle. This consultation is approximately 60 minutes. Some health plans cover the cost of nutrition counseling with a physician's referral. Check with your insurance prior to your visit.
- Individual nutrition counseling: After completing the initial nutrition consultation, you'll begin ongoing nutrition counseling with a registered dietician. These follow-up sessions are 15-30 minutes.
- Programs and classes: When it comes to chronic disease, our teams understand the challenges patients face on a daily basis. Many of our registered dieticians offer educational opportunities on how to manage your health and overall eating patterns, such as diabetes support groups, heart-healthy cooking classes and cooking for cancer prevention. Find a location to learn more about what’s available near you.
Find a Dietitian Near You
A provider referral may be required for nutrition counseling, also known as "medical nutrition therapy." Find locations near you below.