Nutrition and Dietetics : Introduction
Dietetics is the science of managing food and nutrition to promote health.
A relatively new profession, this field has gained importance with the
realisation that inappropriate eating habits can lead to many major diseases
and that quality of life depends on the quality of food we eat.
Dieticians or nutritionists help to promote good health
through corrective eating habits, thus improving the quality of life. They
assist people in planning meals depending upon their age, sickness or
work routine, counsel and educate them about healthy eating- selection
and preparation of food items according to the principles of nutrition
and evaluate and make changes in their clients diet periodically.
Dietitians promote nutritious eating habits through education and research, as
well as through overseeing the selection and preparation of food services
for many different institutions and groups. They fix nutritional regimens
for patients in a hospital, athletes in physical training camps, mountaineers
on an expedition and so on. They do research on nutritive value of food
which help to understand the various components of food we eat and the
right type of food which provides a balanced mix of the essentials like
vitamins, minerals etc needed for the human body. They study the
digestive process, the various reactions of food stuffs in the body
and find out what is harmful and thus help to prevent diseases through
a proper diet program. Some of them specialize in areas such as obesity,
pediatrics or diabetes. They form a vital part of the health team.
Organisations involved in food product manufacture use
the services of the nutritionist or dietician to plan and research new
products. The nutritionists also has excellent prospects in the mass media
where top of priority is given to disseminating vital information on healthy
living .
They could find employment in hospitals, research labs of food manufacturers,
catering departments of star hotels, health departments and recreation
clubs, teach the science of nutrition and dietetics in colleges and universities.
They can also work as consultants or do private practice.
The trends today show a increasing interest in health
and fitness. So future prospects in this women dominated field are bright.
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