FAQ’s
What is a Clinical Nutritionist?
A Clinical Nutritionist incorporates a whole-body (holistic) approach to healthcare that reflects the physical, social, economic and emotional needs of each individual.
A Clinical Nutritionist is an expert in the field of food and nutrition.
Each comprehensive health assessment includes an evaluation of the presenting concern, a thorough investigation of relevant medical history, dietary behaviors, exercise habits and lifestyle practices. A range of testing can be used including physical examinations, functional testing and bio impedance analysis to further analyse and explore health concerns.
A Nutritionist can assist with the prevention and management of many complex health conditions, both acute and chronic.
A Clinical Nutritionist will work with you to formulate an individualized treatment plan to optimize your health. Treatment strategies can include therapeutic, dietary and lifestyle recommendations, nutritional supplements and nutraceuticals.
Is there a difference between a Clinical Nutritionist and a Nutritionist?
You bet there is!
A Clinical Nutritionist is a Nationally Accredited, practicing Nutritionist who has completed a University Degree (Health Science). Unfortunately the word ‘nutritionist’ isn’t regulated here in Australia, which means that those with very limited qualifications can also call themselves a Nutritionist. Make sure your healthcare professional is nationally certified (and qualified) to give you the health advice that you deserve.
What’s the difference between a Clinical Nutritionist and a Dietitian?
Clinical Nutritionists and Dietitians both practice evidence-based medicine and have a matching principle approach: better food, optimal health and well-being.
However, these two professions practice using different philosophies.
Clinical Nutritionists use a whole-body and lifestyle approach when it comes to healing the body. Nutritionist practice using evidence-informed information and as a result, each client is given an individualized treatment plan in response to their presenting health concerns.
Clinical Nutritionists work in primary healthcare (first point-of contact with the healthcare system) and secondary healthcare (acute issues requiring intervention). Clinical Nutritionists work in community and public health as well as private practices. Nutritionists focus on prevention through dietary and lifestyle modifications as well as education to ensure each client is empowered to make informed decisions about their health outcomes.
Dietitians use knowledge in the science of food to recommend appropriate diet, food preparation and menu planning to manage nutrition-related disease. Dietitians often work in hospitals, private practice and can help develop food and nutrition policies for government and non-government organisations.
Both Clinical Nutritionists & Dietitians have obtained a University degree and are nationally certified.
Why Should I See a Clinical Nutritionist?
A Clinical Nutritionist does SO much more than just adjust your diet.
General Wellness – Is there something just not quite right with your health? Have you had blood tests that have comeback ‘normal’ but you know that there’s something not quite right? A clinical Nutritionist professionally analyses all aspects of your health (pathology included) and will provide a custom treatment plan to improve your quality of life.
Digestive Issues & Improving Gut Health– Nutritional Medicine can decrease bloating, cramping, pain and nausea as well as reinoculated the gut and support the immune system. If you’re suffering from unexplained digestive issues such as heartburn, reflux, excessive burping, excessive flatulence, diarrhoea, constipation, bloating, cramping or nausea then a Clinical Nutritionist can assist you.
Immune Support – Nutritional and Dietetic Medicine offers specific dietary intervention to protect the body and enhance resistance against illness, infection and disease.
Children’s Health – Ensure your child is getting all the vital nutrients they need to guarantee optimal growth and development. Gain a better understanding of allergies, intolerance’s and general health to ensure you are giving your child optimal quality of life.
Women’s Health – Nutritional Medicine offers significant assistance with premenstrual syndrome (PMS), menstrual issues, fertility, pre-conception care, conception care, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, peri menopause, menopause and fibroids.
Men’s Health – Gender specific, quality custom health care for issues including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, liver disease, cardiovascular disease, erectile dysfunction, prostate health, fungal infections and kidney disease.
Mood Dysregulation – By providing your body with the fundamental, nutritional building blocks you can improve your mood, energy levels, daily performance and overall heath.
Sports Nutrition – Detailed, calculated and individualised sports-specific nutritional plans to assist with peak performance and optimal recovery.
Weight Management/Loss – Goal orientated, customised nutritional and lifestyle plans for weight loss, weight gain and overall weight management.
Sleep Disturbances – Implementation of a sleep protocol accompanied by adequate dietary consumption of specific nutrients to improve quality of sleep.
Stress & Fatigue – Feeling exhausted, flat and frustrated? Simple dietary and lifestyle modifications have been shown to significantly relieve stress and fatigue symptoms.
Vegan/Vegetarian Nutrition – Make sure you’re getting all of the right nutrients in your diet to thrive.
IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), FODMAPS (Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides and Polyols) – Clinical Nutritionists offer expert dietary advice and distribute individual therapeutic dietary plans for client’s suffering from IBS and/or FODMAPS.
Coeliac Disease – Dietary modification can be overwhelming if recently diagnosed with Coeliac disease. remember, you are not alone. Coeliac Disease affects 1 in 70 Australians and 80% of this number remains undiagnosed. A Clinical Nutritionist can educate, assist you with dietary advice and meal planning to ensure you are ingesting all of the fundamental nutrients to support your health.
High Cholesterol, High Blood Pressure and/or Heart Disease – Sometimes it’s the simple changes that make the biggest difference to our health. Diet and lifestyle modifications can decrease blood pressure, stabilise cholesterol and prevent heart disease. If you have a family history of these issues, you’re displaying early signs of potential development or are currently suffering, then a Clinical Nutritionist can provide assistance in this area.
Diabetes – A Clinical Nutritionist can assist you with dietary advice to support your health journey as well as assist with blood sugar regulation, weight management and education.
What Does a Consultation Look Like?
Firstly you fill out a health and medical history questionnaire (via email or post) and attach any recent pathology for your Nutritionist to review.
You then book an appointment (either online or via phone call) and then it’s time to get your health journey started.
Each session includes a thorough investigation into the main health goal/concern, plus a detailed review of your health history. Your Nutritionist will conduct a dietary recall and then begin explaining your customized nutritional treatment plan.
To book your appointment you can contact Belinda via email, Facebook or Instagram. You can also hit this link to do it online book my appointment.
You can call 0490 327 135.
Can I Claim Nutrition on my Private Health?
Belinda is a Nationally Accredited Clinical Nutritionist and is registered for healthcare rebates. Unfortunately, not all health care providers recognize Nutrition as a standalone modality (fingers crossed that they all will in the not-too-distant future). If your provider recognizes the importance of professional nutritional advice from a University-qualified Clinical Nutritionist, then you are entitled to a rebate for your sessions.
To date, the following healthcare providers recognize and cover Nutrition:
- APIA Health (NIB)
- Australian Health Management (AHM)
- Australian Unity
- CUA Health
- GU Health
- HBF Health
- Latrobe Health Services
- Medibank
- Mildura Health Fund
- NIB (AAMI & Suncorp)
- Phoenix Health Fund
- Qantas Health Insurance (NIB)
- St Lukes Health
- Westfund Health Insurance
