Dietitians and Nutritionists: Your Healthy Eating Experts
This is a guest post by Barb C. Walsh, RDN, community nutrition educator at Carroll Hospital.
March is National Nutrition Month, an education and information campaign created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. "Go Further with Food," as trademarked by the academy, is the theme for 2018. This annual campaign highlights the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits, as well as registered dietitians/nutritionists' role in helping people conform to a healthier lifestyle.
Whether it's starting the day off with a healthy breakfast or proper nutrition prior to an athletic event, the foods you choose can make a difference. But it can be frustrating and confusing when you are trying to understand what the best approach is to eating healthy and minimizing the risk of disease development.
Everyone seems to have an opinion as to what it means to eat healthy. We are bombarded daily by news reports, television ads and social media platforms conveying the latest "research" and potential health benefits and risks associated with certain foods and beverages. Some advertisements and infomercials for foods and nutritional supplements can further complicate the already complex field of health and nutrition. 
People often say, "Well if it's on the Internet it must be true." Yes, accurate information can be found on the Internet. But the Internet also contains a vast array of inaccurate nutrition information, so the fact that it is estimated that more than 50 percent of chronic diseases in the U.S. are attributed to poor eating and exercise habits, that misinformation is no laughing matter.
So, to whom can you turn for information on proper nutrition? Registered dietitians/nutritionists are great sources of reliable health information.
It's important to seek advice from someone who is trained to critically analyze research and personalize an approach for your specific needs and goals. Although anyone can call themselves a "nutritionist," a registered dietitian/nutritionist (RD/RDN) must complete a minimum of a bachelor's degree in nutrition or dietetics. While pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree, RDNs take courses in chemistry, biochemistry, anatomy and physiology, as well as in human nutrition and medical nutrition therapy, to understand the link between food, nutrients and disease. In addition, RDNs must complete an accredited practice program involving direct patient care and counseling and must pass a rigorous national registration exam in order to use the credential RD/RDN.
Physicians, clients, patients and government agencies all understand and value the contributions of registered dietitians/nutritionists and their goal to promote wellness and disease management through proper nutrition. Registered dietitians can provide personalized advice to help manage chronic disease, allergies and food intolerances. They can also support long-term behavioral changes to promote sustained weight loss.
A registered dietitian/nutritionist is a valuable and credible source of timely, scientifically based food and nutrition information and is committed to helping people enjoy healthier lives.
You can also look to these sources for credible nutrition information:
www.eatright.org
www.choosemyplate.gov
https://healthyforgood.heart.org/
LifeBridge Health is one of the largest, most comprehensive providers of health services in Maryland. It comprises Sinai Hospital, Northwest Hospital, Carroll Hospital, Levindale Hebrew Geriatric Center and Hospital, and related subsidiaries and affiliates. For more information, visit www.lifebridgehealth.org.