March 13 is Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day. This special event is celebrated annually on the second Wednesday in March during National Nutrition Month. Innovative Renal Care invites you to join us in honoring these indispensable members of our team.
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day was introduced by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics in 2008 to recognize and celebrate dietitians’ vital work in promoting health through nutrition. Dietitians work in many settings, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, acute rehabilitation units, and dialysis clinics.
Dietitians have advanced education in the nutritional needs of people with many diseases and conditions. They use their knowledge of health and nutrition to ensure the dietary needs of patients are met and to create personalized diet plans.
Our dietitians at IRC are essential team members who help our patients follow a diet that will optimize their overall health.
How a Dietitian Helps You Optimize Your Health
In end-stage renal disease (ESRD), your kidneys no longer function as they once did when they were healthy. Your dialysis treatments are crucial, and their goal includes maintaining the balance of fluid and certain nutrients in your body. As a result, what you eat and drink must be adjusted around your treatments. Your dietitian can help you maintain a diet that is individualized for you and your treatment plan.
We understand that navigating a renal diet can be challenging. Your dietitian can help. Dietitians are highly educated in how ESRD and dialysis impact your nutritional needs. They can discuss meal plans and help you eat the proper foods to optimize your overall health.
Connect With Your Dietitian Beyond the Menu
Each of our dialysis centers has a registered dietitian on staff. We encourage you to engage their help—they are here for you. Our dietitians are dedicated to helping you navigate following a renal diet.
Your dietitian can answer your questions, help you create a healthy meal plan, and track your nutrition and fluid intake. Their goal is to partner with you in creating a nutrition plan that is personalized and feasible.
Eating foods that are tailored to your ESRD is essential. Your dietitian can provide information about following a renal diet and tracking your nutrition. Maintaining proper fluid intake is critical as well. A dietitian can teach you to measure liquids accurately, including some foods that may count as fluids.
It is essential that a dietitian is involved with your care early and often. Understanding and following a kidney-friendly diet early in your ESRD treatment is important to optimize your quality of life. Your need for certain nutrients changes throughout the course of ESRD and can be affected by several factors, including other health conditions you may have, your lab results, your dialysis treatments, and the medications you take.
Your dietitian works with your doctor to manage your lab results and adjust medications. They can help you to adjust your diet and fluid intake in response to many variables. We understand that following a renal diet and navigating ESRD can be challenging. Our dietitians are here to help.
Your dietitian is a vital partner in your nutrition and overall health and a valuable member of your treatment team. Don’t be afraid to ask questions: Our registered dietitians are here for you.
Happy Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day!
Please join all of us at IRC in recognizing, celebrating, and thanking our dietitians for the amazing work they do for our patients.
We encourage you to connect with your dietitian today.
