Nutritional Assessment: Treatment, Procedure, Cost and Side Effects

It is just not people with critical ailments who need nutritional assessment; in simpler words, guidelines to maintain a diet regimen that improves the quality of life. In a fast-paced world where the intake of nutritious food has become a matter of concern, it is an earnest imploration to all and sundry to opt for professional nutritional assessment for better health.

Nutritional assessment is primarily based on the collection of data which includes a person’s medical history, food habits and lifestyle. On the basis of the data collected the concerned nutritionist evaluates whether the subject possesses healthy eating habits. If the results are positive, the individual is asked to maintain his/her current dietary status, if not, a new plan is provided for him/her to follow in order to attain a better health.

Nutritional Assessment is conducted using various methods. Anthropometrics is one such method where a person’s height and weight ratio is evaluated and compared to standard values, besides that skin folds and body mass index are also measured. In other words, the nutritionist checks whether the body weight is compatible with the height, age and gender of an entity. The evaluation revolves around assessing the development in a young individual or identifying weight loss or weight gain in an adult. Other evaluation methods include blood and urine test, evaluating the medical history of a person and collection of data based on one-on-one interview between the nutritionist and the individual seeking assistance.

A diet chart varies from person to person depending on the constitution of the subject. A person who is overweight is usually asked to consume low-fat, low-carbohydrate foods like lean meat, beans, grains, leafy vegetables and dissuaded from eating starchy food items like rice, pasta and oats; on the other hand, a person who is underweight or suffers from malnutrition might be instructed to eat plenty of starchy foods like rice and pasta, lots of fruits and vegetables every day, dairy products and protein-rich products like nuts, meat, fish, eggs and beans. Doctors might even choose to push nutrients and fluids directly into the digestive system or veins of the person suffering from malnutrition if need be.

Treating a person suffering from cirrhosis of liver is different from treating a person who is recovering from a cardio-vascular ailment. For instance, a CVD patient might be asked to increase the intake of plant proteins present in chickpeas, kidney beans, almonds, peanuts, soybeans, legumes, peas etc. Mackerel, salmons and sardines are some of the fish rich in omega 3 fatty acids that are especially recommended for people having a weak heart. They are usually advised to eat food prepared in oils such as olive oil, canola oil or flax seed oil and are prohibited to eat red meat and dairy products rich in saturated fats such as cheese, mayonnaise, margarine, baked goods, ice cream and sauces. Patients with cirrhosis of liver tend to suffer from malnutrition and they are usually given 700 calories and 25 g of protein per day during the nighttime to prevent the reduction of glycogen stores in the liver.

It is necessary for any person, healthy or otherwise to get assessed on their intake of nutrients because proper food is the key to healthy life.

Any person of any age is fit to undergo nutritional assessment. This method of evaluation exists to determine whether a child, adult or an elderly person have a suitable Body Mass Index. If it is found that the weight of a person is not proportionate to his/her age and height, nutritional guidelines are made, that the person can follow to regain a good health.

A person who is found to have a desirable Body Mass Index in respect to his/her age and gender may not need nutritional assessment at all and may be asked to maintain his/her current dietary habits.

There are no found side effects of treatments based on nutritional assessment.

Patients who are instructed to follow a particular diet chart shall maintain the regime for as long as possible in order to stay healthy. Those who are instructed to take supplements containing restorative essentials shall continue the medicines till the doctor asks him/her to. The medicines shall be stopped only when the doctor finds fit.

A patient who follows the advice of the dietician closely post nutritional assessment is likely to notice significant changes in his/her Body Mass Index after a month from the beginning of the regime.

The cost of getting a Nutritional Assessment Treatment in India can be anywhere between Rs 2000 to Rs, 50,000 based on the severity of the patient’s condition and the kind of treatment required to combat that.

A proper diet chart can work wonders with people who wish to recuperate from an illness or are looking forward to acquiring the perfect health with the combination of some exercises. A person who diligently follows the guidelines chalked out by a nutritionist is likely to get permanent benefits owing to nutritional assessment treatment.

Many a time people suffering from severe malnutrition are prescribed protein and calories supplements to combat their condition. However, natural products rich in protein, calories, omega-3 acids, High Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol and fibers are the best options for somebody who wishes to recuperate from an ailment, be it cardiovascular, gastro-intestinal or illness of any kind.