Nutrition and Dietetics

Nutrition and dietetics is a healthcare discipline that plays a key role in maintaining health, preventing diseases, and supporting treatment processes. Proper nutritional habits not only ensure ideal weight control but are also a decisive factor in strengthening the immune system, managing chronic diseases, and improving overall quality of life. The Koru Hospital Nutrition and Dietetics department provides science-based guidance to help patients lead a healthy life by preparing individualized nutrition programs under the supervision of expert dietitians.

What Does the Nutrition and Dietetics Department Do?

Nutrition science is the field that examines the effects of nutrients on metabolic processes in the body, while dietetics is the field concerned with translating this knowledge into nutrition plans tailored to the health status of individuals. The services offered by the department include:

• Nutritional status assessment: Anthropometric measurements, biochemical parameters, food consumption analysis, and clinical evaluation
• Personalized nutrition program: Diet plans prepared according to age, gender, health status, activity level, and individual goals
• Obesity treatment: Science-based weight loss programs, behavioral change support, and long-term follow-up
• Medical nutrition therapy for diseases: Nutritional management of chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart diseases, kidney diseases, liver diseases, and cancer
• Nutrition during pregnancy and breastfeeding: Nutrition programs that support maternal and infant health
• Child and adolescent nutrition: Programs that support growth and development and instill healthy eating habits
• Sports nutrition: Nutritional strategies that enhance performance, accelerate recovery, and reduce the risk of injury
• Eating disorder support: Nutritional rehabilitation in cases of anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder
• Enteral and parenteral nutrition: Planning and monitoring of tube or intravenous feeding for patients who cannot be fed orally

Common Health Issues Related to Nutrition

Obesity and Overweight

Obesity is a chronic disease that has reached epidemic proportions worldwide. A body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher is defined as obesity. Obesity is a risk factor for many serious health problems such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, sleep apnea, joint diseases, and certain types of cancer. Obesity treatment is not limited to calorie restriction; it requires a multifaceted approach that includes components such as food quality, meal patterns, portion control, physical activity, and behavioral change. Individualized programs prepared with the support of a dietitian are the most effective way to achieve sustainable weight control.

Diabetes and Nutrition

Diabetes (diabetes mellitus) is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by impaired blood sugar regulation. In this disease, which has different types including type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes, medical nutrition therapy is an indispensable component of treatment. For individuals with diabetes, choosing foods with a low glycemic index, carbohydrate counting, regular meal planning, and portion control are of great importance in balancing blood sugar. Individualized nutrition plans created with expert dietitian support increase the effectiveness of drug therapy and help prevent complications of diabetes.

Cardiovascular Diseases and Nutrition

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide. Nutrition plays a critical role in the management of risk factors such as high cholesterol, hypertension, and atherosclerosis. A diet consistent with the Mediterranean diet model, rich in olive oil, fish, whole grains, vegetables, and fruits, supports cardiovascular health. Reducing salt intake, limiting saturated and trans fats, increasing fiber intake, and consuming antioxidant-rich foods are the fundamental principles of heart-healthy nutrition.

Kidney Diseases and Nutrition

Nutritional management in individuals with chronic kidney disease is extremely important for slowing the progression of the disease and preventing complications. Regulating protein, sodium, potassium, and phosphorus intake according to the stage of the disease, maintaining fluid balance, and ensuring adequate energy intake are the basic elements of nutritional therapy for kidney patients. For dialysis patients, nutritional requirements differ, and specialized diet plans are prepared.

Gastrointestinal Diseases and Nutrition

In digestive system diseases such as gastritis, reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), celiac disease, inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis), and food intolerances (lactose intolerance, fructose malabsorption), nutritional therapy is of central importance in controlling symptoms and improving quality of life. Specialized nutritional approaches such as elimination diets, the low FODMAP diet, and gluten-free diets are frequently applied in this patient group.

Cancer and Nutrition

Oncological nutrition is a specialized field aimed at ensuring adequate and balanced nutrition for patients diagnosed with cancer during their treatment process. Side effects such as loss of appetite, nausea, taste changes, mouth sores, and diarrhea that occur during chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgical treatment processes can negatively affect nutrition. Malnutrition reduces treatment tolerance and prolongs the recovery process. It is aimed to protect the nutritional status of patients through individual nutritional support and, when necessary, the use of supplemental nutritional products.

Nutritional Assessment Methods

A comprehensive assessment is required for effective nutritional therapy:

• Anthropometric measurements: Height, weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, hip circumference, skinfold thickness measurements
• Body composition analysis: Determination of fat mass, muscle mass, water ratio, and basal metabolic rate via bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA)
• Biochemical parameters: Blood sugar, HbA1c, lipid profile, iron, ferritin, vitamin B12, vitamin D, albumin, and prealbumin levels
• Food consumption record: Detailed recording and analysis of the patient's daily food intake
• Nutrition history: Eating habits, food preferences, allergies and intolerances, diet history
• Clinical evaluation: Physical symptoms, drug-nutrient interactions, and the effect of the disease state on nutrition

Treatment Approaches and Nutrition Programs

The main treatment approaches applied in the Koru Hospital Nutrition and Dietetics department are:

• Individualized diet plans: Sustainable nutrition programs tailored to the patient's health status, lifestyle, and goals
• Medical nutrition therapy (MNT): Evidence-based, disease-specific nutrition protocols
• Behavioral change therapy: Analysis of eating behaviors, identification of triggers, and acquisition of healthy habits
• Portion control education: Teaching appropriate portion sizes according to food groups
• Food literacy: Correct reading of food labels and making conscious food choices
• Regular follow-up and monitoring: Evaluation of diet compliance and updating the plan with weekly or monthly check-ups

When Should You Consult a Dietitian?

It is recommended that you consult an expert dietitian in the following situations:

• If you want to lose or gain weight but cannot succeed on your own
• If you have a diagnosis of diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, or kidney disease
• If you have persistent digestive system complaints (bloating, gas, constipation, diarrhea)
• If you think you have a food allergy or intolerance
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding
• If your child requires nutritional support during their growth and development process
• If you want to improve your sports performance
• If a nutrition plan is required before or after a surgical operation
• If you are undergoing cancer treatment
• If you are experiencing symptoms of an eating disorder
• If you have vitamin and mineral deficiencies
• If you want to acquire healthy eating habits and improve your overall quality of life

Nutrition and Dietetics Services at Koru Hospital

The Koru Hospital Nutrition and Dietetics department offers a scientific and holistic approach to achieving individual health goals. The advantages of our department include:

• Expert staff: Expert dietitians who are experienced in their field and follow current scientific literature
• Multidisciplinary collaboration: Coordinated work with branches such as endocrinology, cardiology, gastroenterology, nephrology, and oncology
• Individualized approach: Personalized nutrition plans tailored to each patient's health status, lifestyle, and cultural preferences
• Advanced assessment tools: Body composition analysis, biochemical screening, and detailed food consumption analysis
• Continuous monitoring and support: Regular follow-up appointments, motivational support, and plan updates
• Patient education: Comprehensive education on healthy eating principles, cooking techniques, and practical tips
• In-hospital nutrition service: Assessment of the nutritional needs of inpatients and preparation of appropriate diet plans

Fundamental Principles of Healthy Eating

Fundamental nutritional principles recommended for general health include ensuring food diversity, preferring seasonal and natural foods, limiting processed foods, adequate water consumption, regular meal times, and conscious portion control. However, since every individual's nutritional needs are different, seeking professional dietitian support for a personalized nutrition plan is the most accurate approach.

In the Koru Hospital Nutrition and Dietetics department, our specialist physicians and dietitians contribute to our patients leading a healthy life with evidence-based nutritional practices. You can apply to our department for nutritional counseling and medical nutrition therapy.