Nutritional science is a relatively new discipline in Bulgaria. The fast-paced and physically inactive lifestyle, the advancements in technology, the globalization, and the growing rate of diseases of civilization associated with obesity is what called for specialists able to monitor, screen and provide trustworthy and up-to-date information on healthy eating.
“Nutritional Science” means a “science that studies nutrition” (the Latin word “nutricium” which means eating + the Greek word “logos” which means study, science). The larger areas in the nutritional science are dietetics (therapeutic diet) and dietology (a science that studies the nutrition of healthy people), but may also delve into areas such as nutritional psychology, nutritional sociology, nutritional economics, food chemistry, nutrition technology, nutritional hygiene, etc.
Nutritionists are qualified and certified specialists in balanced and healthy eating. Their practice is different from dietitians’ who deal mainly with therapeutic diets.
Nutritionists have an extensive understanding of human physiology and how food affects health, as well as of all sciences that are associated with health prevention from a holistic point of view. As opposed to medical specialists, nutritionists seek to neither diagnose nor provide treatment, nor cancel diagnoses or modify treatments prescribed by physicians. Nutritionists counsel on healthy lifestyle habits. If there is a disease or any health issue nutritionists work closely with physicians.
Everyone who is willing to broaden his/her knowledge about healthy eating habits and the effects food has on health, to get the most out of a menu so that it is tailored to the individual needs or lifestyle, to learn how to combine foods properly and seeks practical advice on how to cook a healthy meal, may consult a nutritionist.
You may consult a nutritionist in the following situations: if you are living a stressful life, you are actively into sports, you are willing to build healthy eating habits, willing to lose weight, when recovering after a treatment, pregnancy, breastfeeding, menopause, food intolerances or allergies, and to strengthen your immune system.
