Chronic Conditions
Thrive Dietetics works with clients to assess their health and nutritional needs to assist them to prevent or manage their chronic condition(s) and symptoms via the use of Medical Nutrition Therapy.
We can assist with treating and managing a range of chronic conditions.
Blood Pressure
Blood pressure is the 'force' that keeps blood moving once it has been pumped from your heart through your arteries. Blood pressure readings can give an indication of how hard your heart is working and can act as an indicator of health and risk-factors of chronic disease conditions.
A healthy adult has a blood pressure around 120/80mmHg and blood pressure consistently around 140/90mmHg is considered high. High blood pressure occurs when the vessels in your body become too narrow or the amount of blood moving around is too high, both of these factors increase the workload on your heart and can damage the lining of your blood vessels.
Changing your diet to control blood pressure doesn't seem quite so straightforward. Food can have a direct and sometimes dramatic effect on blood pressure. Salt certainly plays a role. But… there is far more to a blood pressure–friendly diet than minimising salt intake. Fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, whole-grain carbohydrates, and unsaturated fats all have healthful effects on blood pressure.
Your blood pressure is important because if it is too high, it affects the blood flow to your organs. Over time, this increases your chances of developing cardiovascular disease, stroke, kidney failure, diabetes, eye disease, erectile dysfunction and other conditions.
If you are needing to get a grip on your blood pressure book an appointment or send an enquiry to discuss how we can help.
Cholesterol
There are two key types of cholesterol in our blood.
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol - carries most of the cholesterol that is delivered to cells. It is often referred to as your ‘bad’ cholesterol because when the levels are high it can clog up your arteries.
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol - is often referred to as your ‘good’ cholesterol because it helps to remove excess cholesterol out of the cells including the arteries.
Too much cholesterol (particularly LDL) circulating in your system leads to fatty deposits developing in the arteries. This causes the vessels to narrow and they can eventually become blocked, which can lead to cardiovascular disease and stroke.
Dietary strategies to maintain healthy levels of cholesterol include limiting saturated fat, increasing fresh fruit and vegetables, using moderate amounts of unsaturated fats and consuming foods high in soluble fibre. Avoiding foods high in cholesterol all together is often not required. A lack of exercise, excessive alcohol consumption and smoking can also contribute to unhealthy levels of cholesterol. Some people may require medication to lower their levels of cholesterol.
If you are needing to get a grip on your cholesterol book an appointment or send an enquiry to discuss how we can help.
Cardiovascular (Heart) Disease
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) affects 1 in 6 Australians. It is an umbrella term for diseases affecting the heart and its vessels and includes coronary heart disease (CHD) – the major cause of a heart attack, stroke and peripheral vascular disease (PVD). The cause of CVD is usually a build up of fatty deposits that can partially block the blood flow, or blood clots (see cholesterol). There are many risk factors for CVD including smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, a lack of physical activity, diabetes and a family history of CVD.
A good diet is a protective factor for CVD, this includes reducing the amount of saturated fat intake, eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, limiting alcohol and eating more whole-grain products.
Thrive Dietetics can help you as an individual to find the best strategies to help decrease your risk factors for Cardiovascular Disease. Book an appointment or send an enquiry to further discuss.
Stroke
A stroke is a sudden interruption in the blood supply, where oxygen is unable to get to the brain. Most strokes are caused by an abrupt blockage of arteries leading to the brain, which is known as an ischaemic stroke. Other strokes, known as hemorrhagic strokes are caused by bleeding into brain tissue when a blood vessel bursts. The effects of a stroke depend on which part of the brain is injured, and how severely it is injured.
Strokes may cause sudden weakness, loss of sensation, or difficulty with speaking, seeing, or walking. Since different parts of the brain control different areas and functions, it is usually the area immediately surrounding the stroke that is affected. Nutritional status following a stroke is significantly impacted.
All those affected by a stroke or transient ischaemic attack (mini stroke) should be assessed and informed of their risk factors for recurrent stroke and strategies to modify identified risk factors. This should occur as soon as possible, particularly if you are are overweight or obese. Secondary stroke prevention focuses on managing dietary requirements in accordance to the cardioprotective diet.
Thrive Dietetics can help you as an individual to find the best strategies to help decrease your risk factors for stroke, or help you recover from a stroke. Book an appointment or send an enquiry to further discuss.
Renal (Kidney) Disease
Renal failure and its complications place a large amount of stress on your health. Helping the kidneys to control body chemistry by changing various aspects of the diet is an important part of managing and preventing kidney disease. Being careful about what is eaten can reduce the amount of fluid and waste build-up in the blood, helping to minimise symptoms and side effects of kidney disease.
If the kidneys are not working properly, the waste builds up in the bloodstream and the individual may feel weak, tired, and sick. The other balancing act the kidneys perform is the regulation of the body’s fluid balance. Some people with kidney disease may retain fluid, which leads to puffiness, swollen ankles, hands and feet, and breathlessness.
Dietary needs change with the different stages of kidney failure. Other than reducing salt and fat intake, there is no standard kidney disease diet. The diet required depends on the stage of kidney disease, the level of various factors in the blood and whether the person needs dialysis or not.
Thrive Dietetics can help you as an individual to find the best strategies to help decrease your risk factors and manage renal disease. Book an appointment or send an enquiry to further discuss.
Other Conditions
We have the ability to treat and provide professional advice within the scope of an Accredited Practicing Dietitian or Accredited Nutritionist.
If you feel Thrive Dietetics can assist you in any way, please book in for a free consultation or send an enquiry.