When you go to your doctor, you will hear that you need to “eat healthier”.
In many cases, the advice of the doctor ends there. The doctor may tell you to “eat better”, but he or she doesn’t elaborate on what this means.
Doctors are often too busy to spend time explaining everything to patients. Most patients do not follow their doctor’s advice .
It is important to be your advocate. You must ask questions, make notes and educate yourself about your medical condition and how to maintain your health.
Healthy eating is an important part of staying healthy. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.
Ten questions to ask your doctor during your next visit:
Which specific dietary changes should I make to improve my health?
Ask your doctor what “eating better” means for you.
A healthy eating plan can be started by asking your doctor to make specific dietary suggestions tailored to your needs.
Do I Need to Follow a Specific Plan of Diet, Like the Mediterranean Diet or DASH?
There are many diets out there that can be confusing and may not be healthy or effective. Your doctor can suggest a diet that is tailored to meet your needs and is based on evidence.
Can I safely try this particular diet?
Consult your doctor before making any major changes to your diet, like going vegan or cutting out carbs. You can ask your doctor about any possible risks or side-effects associated with a change in diet. They can also help you determine if it is the right choice for you, based on medical history and health status.
What foods could potentially interact with my medications or medical conditions?
Certain foods can cause medication interactions or worsen certain medical conditions. Grapefruit juice, for example, can affect the metabolism of certain medications. People with acid reflux might need to avoid spicy and acidic foods. You can ask your doctor about any food-related concerns you should be aware of.
What are the effects of my medications or medical conditions on my appetite and diet?
Your medications can also interact with your food, just as your medication can interact with you diet. Some medications or medical conditions may affect your digestion, appetite, or ability to absorb nutrients, making it difficult to maintain a health diet. Your doctor can explain how certain medications or medical conditions can affect your ability to eat healthy and offer advice on how to deal with these issues.
How can I tell if I am getting enough nutrients in my diet?
You may not be able to tell if your diet contains enough essential nutrients. You can usually learn to recognize some early warning signs and indicators. Your doctor can teach you what symptoms to watch for and how you can assess if you are meeting your needs.
Do I Need To Take Supplements to Support My Diet Plan?
Supplements can be taken to fill in nutritional gaps or address certain health concerns. For many people, supplements are not very effective or may even cause negative side effects. You can ask your doctor if you should take supplements, and which ones are most beneficial to you.
Do I need to track my macronutrient ratios or monitor my calorie intake?
Tracking your macronutrient intake (e.g. protein, carbs, and fat) can be useful depending on your medical goals. You can ask your doctor if you should track these metrics, and how you can do so effectively.
Can you recommend any resources or experts?
Your physician may be able recommend experts or resources (e.g. registered dietitians) that can offer additional support and guidance for your dietary goals and needs.
What is the frequency of checking in with you or a dietitian?
You may need to consult your doctor or dietitian on a regular basis, depending on your goals and health needs. This will ensure that you are getting the nutrition your body needs. Your doctor can advise you on how frequently you should check in, and recommend a plan to monitor your progress.