Nutritional medicine

 

 

 

Nutritional medicine

 

Individual Support for Better Health, Well-Being and Sustainable Weight Loss

Nutritional medicine focuses on the influence of nutrition on health, disease and overall well-being. Individual nutritional counseling may help reduce symptoms, positively influence chronic illnesses and support long-term weight reduction.

Many people want to lose weight but feel overwhelmed by conflicting information, diets and short-term results. Strict diets often lead only to temporary weight loss followed by the so-called yo-yo effect.

The goal of nutritional medicine is not a short-term diet, but a long-term, healthy and individualized change in eating habits.


Why Is Nutritional Counseling Important?

Nutrition affects many areas of health. An unhealthy diet may increase the risk of:

  • overweight and obesity

  • high blood pressure

  • diabetes

  • high cholesterol and lipid disorders

  • cardiovascular disease

  • joint pain

  • digestive complaints

  • fatigue and exhaustion

  • sleep problems

  • chronic inflammation

Individual nutritional counseling may help to:

  • reduce body weight

  • increase energy levels

  • improve digestion

  • stabilize blood sugar and blood pressure

  • reduce symptoms

  • improve quality of life


Individual Nutritional Counseling

Every person is different. For this reason, nutrition should always be adapted individually.

During nutritional counseling, the following factors may be considered:

  • age

  • body weight

  • existing medical conditions

  • current medication

  • level of physical activity

  • daily work routine

  • sleep and stress

  • personal preferences and eating habits

Together, an individualized nutrition plan is developed that is realistic and suitable for daily life.


Weight Reduction: Healthy and Sustainable Weight Loss

Healthy weight reduction means slowly and permanently reducing excess body fat. Fast crash diets are usually not helpful because they often lead to muscle loss, fatigue and rapid weight regain.

A healthy rate of weight loss is usually about 0.5 to 1 kilogram per week.

Long-term success is mainly achieved through:

  • healthy eating habits

  • regular physical activity

  • adequate sleep

  • less stress

  • long-term lifestyle changes


Common Causes of Excess Weight

Overweight and obesity are usually caused by several factors at the same time.

These may include:

  • eating too many calories

  • lack of exercise

  • stress

  • emotional eating

  • lack of sleep

  • hormonal changes

  • medication

  • metabolic disorders

For this reason, the underlying cause should always be considered during weight reduction.


Which Diet Helps With Weight Loss?

There is no single perfect diet for everyone. The most important thing is a balanced, varied and sustainable way of eating.

The following are generally recommended:

  • plenty of vegetables

  • protein-rich foods

  • healthy fats

  • whole grain products

  • less sugar

  • less fast food

  • fewer soft drinks

  • enough water

Adequate protein intake is especially important in order to preserve muscle mass during weight loss.

Examples of protein-rich foods include:

  • fish

  • lean meat

  • eggs

  • yogurt

  • cottage cheese

  • legumes

  • tofu


Nutritional Medicine for Specific Conditions

Individual nutritional counseling may be especially useful in the following situations:

Overweight and Obesity

A targeted change in eating habits may help reduce body weight and lower the risk of secondary illnesses.

Diabetes

The right diet may help stabilize blood sugar levels and reduce fluctuations.

High Blood Pressure

Less salt, weight reduction and a balanced diet may have a positive effect on blood pressure.

High Cholesterol and Lipid Disorders

Reducing sugar, alcohol and unhealthy fats may help improve cholesterol and blood lipid levels.

Digestive Problems

Nutrition plays an important role in irritable bowel syndrome, gastritis, bloating and other digestive complaints.


Nutritional Counseling and Stress

Many people eat more or make unhealthy food choices during stress, fatigue or emotional strain.

Nutritional medicine may help to:

  • recognize emotional eating

  • distinguish between hunger and appetite

  • change unhealthy eating habits

  • develop healthier routines


Exercise and Weight Reduction

Physical activity is important for successful weight reduction.

Even regular walking or gentle exercise may help to:

  • burn more calories

  • maintain muscle mass

  • improve metabolism

  • increase overall well-being


When May Medical Support Be Helpful?

If weight loss does not occur despite healthy eating habits, or if significant symptoms are present, a medical examination may be useful.

Possible causes include:

  • thyroid disorders

  • hormonal problems

  • side effects of medication

  • metabolic disorders


Nutritional Medicine as Part of a Private Medical Home Visit

Our private medical home visit service offers individualized nutritional counseling and support for weight reduction directly in your home, hotel or workplace.

This may be especially suitable for:

  • people with overweight or obesity

  • patients with high blood pressure or diabetes

  • people with chronic illnesses

  • elderly patients

  • busy professionals with little time

Possible services include:

  • medical examination

  • individual nutritional counseling

  • analysis of eating habits

  • creation of a nutrition plan

  • support with weight reduction

  • guidance for chronic illnesses

Our private medical home visit service is available in Frankfurt am Main, Mainz, Wiesbaden and throughout the Rhine-Main region.

Available 24 hours a day at: 015206056969

*Please note: This information is intended for general educational purposes only and does not replace a personal medical examination.  

 


Copyright © 2018 Dr. med. Afshin Seresti, Frankfurt am Main