FAQ
Can diet improve IBS symptoms?
Yes, diet can contribute significantly to IBS symptoms. At FoodSavvy, we can help
you to identify these foods, and establish the quantities you can tolerate, before
you experience symptoms. Other factors also play a role in IBS, your FoodSavvy dietitian
can help you to identify these.
Do you offer a student discount?
Yes, we offer a 10% student discount.
Can I bring my family along to the appointment?
Your family and whanau or any other support people are welcome to come to your appointment. We have some toys in our clinic if you need to bring your child along for the consultation.
What is the difference between a Dietitian and a Nutritionist?
A Dietitian is a registered health professional who meets standards of professionalism
required by the NZ Dietitians Board under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance
Act HPCA Act (2003), who has an accredited undergraduate science degree in human
nutrition, as well as a post-graduate diploma in Dietetics. Dietitians are trained
in the science of nutrition and diet therapy, qualified to work in areas that require
nutritional assessment & counseling. A dietitian may work in a variety of settings
ranging from hospital, community, public health, sports, research & education or
as medical representatives to the food industry. Dietitians use effective nutritional
management strategies, based upon current scientific evidence, to help individuals
or groups to improve their health. Dietitians work within a specified Scope of Practice,
adhere to a Code of Ethics, meet Registration Competency Requirements, participate
in a Continuing Competency Program and undergo regular auditing in order to maintain
their practising certificate and to be able to legally call themselves a New Zealand
Registered Dietitian. This consumer brochure shows how the public's safety is protected
through the registration of a Health Practitioner. There is a complaints and disciplinary
process available.
In New Zealand, to date, there is no legal regulation or control over the use of
the title of Nutritionist. However, the title of Registered Nutritionist can only
be used by those who meet the standards determined by The Nutrition Society of New
Zealand.
The selection process is overseen by the Nutrition Registration Panel which is an
expert group of Nutrition Society members drawn from academia, industry, government
and private practice. A registered nutritionist is a person responsible for the
promotion of nutritional health and well-being and the prevention of nutrition-related
disorders/ill health. Registered Nutritionists can work in a diverse range of settings
including public health, community, teaching, research, food industry, public relations,
media and consultation. Registered Nutritionists work within their specific fields
of expertise (as determined by the Nutrition Registration Panel), adhere to The
Royal Society of New Zealand Code of Professional Standards and Ethics and must
participate in a Continuing Education Competency Programme.
Sourced from Dietitians NZ website https://www.dietitians.org.nz/how-dietitians-help/
What do I need to bring?
It is useful for your dietitian to see a
5-7 day food diary.
If you are experiencing any symptoms (e.g. for IBS, Coeliac, allergies) please complete the
'5 day Food Symptom Diary'.
If handy, a recent supermarket docket.
Blood results from your GP if appropriate (e.g. cholesterol, blood glucose).
Do you conduct allergy testing?
We are a non-invasive service meaning we do not conduct any blood collection or
skin prick testing. If you or your dietitian suspects an allergy, either skin prick
testing or a RAST blood test can be arranged via your GP.
If these are negative, and you feel your symptoms are food related, you may instead
have a food intolerance. Unfortunately these can not be tested for. Therefore we
lead our clients through tailored elimination diets with subsequent challenges (if
successful) to pinpoint your key triggers.