Expert Advice on
Health and Nutrition
Health and Nutrition
Diabetes
In simple terms diabetes is a life-long disease where sugar (glucose) builds up in the blood due to either no insulin (type 1) or inefficient insulin (type 2). A range of symptoms like thirst, frequent urination, mood changes, eye disturbances, low energy, weak or itchy skin may be experienced in someone with diabetes. Diabetes can be successfully managed with food, lifestyle changes and in some people, medication as well. Our experienced Dietitians will take you though some of the keys to managing your diabetes in very easy-to-understand terms. Let a professional show you how diabetes can be best managed. Our Dietitians also provides seminars on Type 2 diabetes which include how to read food labels. See seminars for more details.
Pre-Diabetes
If you have pre-diabetes (also known as insulin resistance or glucose intolerance), you have basically been given a “heads up” or an alert to do something about your diet and lifestyle before you develop a full-blown and permanent disease (Type 2 Diabetes). Depending on how long you have had pre-diabetes and what measures you take to change your lifestyle, you can either reverse the development of diabetes altogether or delay the onset of diabetes. Please see our Dietitians as soon as you receive your test results and get started on a plan. There are also seminars available on Pre-Diabetes called RESET. These seminars are subsidized by GP Partners, when you have received a referral from your GP to attend. You can find out more from the GP Partners Website.
Gestational Diabetes
One in 20 pregnant women will develop gestational diabetes. Although it is a temporary condition and is resolved after birth, there are serious considerations to pay attention to. The main concern during pregnancy is if too much glucose passes to the baby, then the baby can grow quite large. Ask your doctor to test you for gestational diabetes around the 24th-28th week of pregnancy, particularly if you have risk factors like being over 30, overweight, indigenous Australian or Torres Strait islander, Vietnamese, Chinese, Middle Eastern, Polynesian or Melanesian background or have a family history of diabetes. Even though gestational diabetes does go away after birth, 50% of women will go on to develop Type 2 Diabetes later in life. Gestational diabetes can be managed quite well with the right food.
Cholesterol
If you have high cholesterol, then you have a higher risk of experiencing a heart attack than the general public. Cholesterol is found in the blood, but too much of it begins to build up and makes it difficult for blood to travel through the blood vessels. There are both good and bad cholesterol and by getting these levels balanced, the risk for heart disease is reduced. The best way to manage cholesterol is through food. Our Dietitians can show you how to modify the food you eat to help manage your cholesterol. Your GP is an important team member in managing your cholesterol and may suggest medication in some circumstances.
Weight management
Excess weight is more than just uncomfortable - it relates to many other devastating diseases and health problems. One in 3 adults are seriously overweight and one in 5 children are overweight. While logically it seems easy to lose weight, there are many factors to consider when wanting to achieve weight loss. Our Dietitians have many years experience in helping people lose weight successfully. The program does require commitment, but the results speak for themselves. You can determine how often you meet with the Dietitian and if you have a GP “EPC Medicare” referral, then you can receive rebates from Medicare for part of the fees. This is a program with a difference and you may find it quite refreshing and enjoyable. Come and try it for yourself.
A similar program is also available for children.
For those who have chosen to have lap band surgery, our Dietitians can help you through your journey giving menu plans and healthy nutrition education.
Gut Disorders
Any kind of gut problem is uncomfortable whether it be irritable bowel syndrome, diverticular disease, reflux, coeliac disease, crohns disease, constipation, diarrhea, gas or bloating. Your doctor will be your main point of call for these problems, however we can help you manage some of your symptoms with the right types of food.
Fertility
One in 6 couples will have difficulty falling pregnant. Many of the causes of infertility can be improved with lifestyle and diet changes. In fact, studies have shown that in overweight infertile women who have had a weight loss of 5-10% resulted in improved hormone profiles, including ovulation. Even simple changes in diet that improve vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, protein, fat and carbohydrates are showing benefits in fertility. Come and see our Dietitians for advice in nutrition and fertility.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
Around 7% of women have PCOS and can cause a number of conditions like acne, excessive hair growth, irregular periods, infertility, insulin resistance, overweight, high cholesterol, gestational diabetes and type 2 diabetes. The role of nutrition is important in the management of PCOS. Carbohydrates and fats are priorities in PCOS management. Our Dietitians will guide you through the biochemistry and nutrition therapy involved in managing your PCOS.
Pregnancy
Nutrition is an important aspect to a healthy pregnancy. A developing baby can benefit greatly with good nutrition supplied through the mother’s food intake. There are studies showing a connection between dietary fats and baby’s brain development. Other issues during pregnancy that may require nutritional intervention include gestational diabetes, vegetarian diet and weight control. Our Dietitians can give you a healthy eating guide, listeria information and any other guidance you may need for a healthy pregnancy.
Infant Nutrition
There is so much advice given about infant nutrition and it can be confusing to know what is accurate or what is right for your baby, so see a professional for nutritional advice like Accredited Practising Dietitians. Our qualified Dietitians have the latest evidence-based information about infant feeding. This includes reflux, eosinophilic oesophagitis, cow’s milk protein allergy, other allergies and intolerances, poor growth and weaning.
Children's Health
Feeding children can be tricky at times and we are here to help. In addition to allergies and intolerances you may need assistance in fussy eating, sensory-sensitivity affecting eating, poor growth, overweight, constipation, insulin resistance or diabetes. If you need ideas for the lunchbox, we are here to help.
If you require assistance with eating disorders please see a specialised Dietitian in this field. You can find a Dietitian in this specialty on the Dietitians Association of Australia website.
Food Allergies & Intolerances
In recent years, food allergies and intolerances have been on the increase. We can help you unravel the mystery of food allergies and intolerances. If you need to undertake an elimination diet, our qualified Dietitians can help you through it. There are many substances that people suffer with allergies or intolerances to like nuts, soy, seafood, egg, lactose, milk protein, gluten, fructose, salicylates, amines, glutamates, preservatives, colours or flavours. Reactions to these substances may be IgE mediated (eg rash or difficulty breathing) or Non-IgE mediated (eg sleep problems, gut problems or mood/behaviour changes). Please see your doctor if you suspect a food allergy or intolerance and then see us for dietary management of your condition.