Nutrition and Dietetics

 What Is the Nutrition and Diet Department?

The Nutrition and Diet Department is a specialized field that supports individuals in developing healthy lifestyle habits, preventing diseases, and managing existing health conditions through nutrition-based therapies. Personalized nutrition programs are created according to age, gender, lifestyle, health status, and individual goals. It plays a significant role in the management of many nutrition-related conditions such as diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and digestive disorders.

Scientific, evidence-based solutions are also provided for special life stages such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, childhood, and older age. By using methods such as Body Mass Index (BMI) calculation, metabolic rate measurement, and blood tests, individualized nutrition plans are developed to improve overall quality of life.

What Does the Nutrition and Diet Department Treat?

The Nutrition and Diet Unit offers a wide range of services, from promoting healthy eating habits to managing chronic diseases. Each individual’s health status, metabolism, and lifestyle are carefully analyzed to create a nutrition model based on scientific principles.

Main Areas Covered by the Nutrition and Diet Department

• Development of healthy eating habits
• Obesity and weight management
• Nutrition therapy for diabetes
• Nutrition in cardiovascular diseases
• Nutrition in hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Diet therapy for digestive system diseases (gastritis, reflux, IBS, celiac disease, etc.)
• Nutrition in kidney diseases
• Nutritional support during cancer treatment
• Child and adolescent nutrition
• Nutrition during pregnancy and breastfeeding
• Sports nutrition
• Dietary treatment for eating disorders
• Nutrition in food allergies and intolerances
• Treatment of malnutrition
• Nutrition in older adults
• Pre- and post-surgical nutritional support
• Immune-boosting nutrition programs

Diagnostic Methods and Tests in the Nutrition and Diet Department

Comprehensive evaluations are performed to understand an individual’s nutritional needs. These assessments form the foundation of a healthy and effective nutrition plan.

Tests and Assessments Performed

• Body Composition Analysis: Determination of body fat, muscle, and water ratios
• Biochemical Blood Tests: Blood glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, vitamin, and mineral levels
• Vitamin and Mineral Analyses: Vitamin D, B12, iron, zinc, magnesium, etc.
• Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) Measurement: Determination of daily energy requirements
• Food Intolerance and Allergy Tests
• Microbiota Analysis: Evaluation of gut flora
• Insulin Resistance Test (HOMA-IR)
• Lactate and ketogenic metabolism tests
• Urinalysis
• Oxidative stress and antioxidant capacity tests

Treatment Methods and Applications in the Nutrition and Diet Department

Nutrition therapy is planned individually based on a person’s health status, lifestyle, and goals. The primary aim is to establish sustainable and healthy eating habits.

1. Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT)

Individualized nutrition models are applied in chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and kidney disorders.

2. Weight Management Programs

• Weight loss
• Weight gain
• Weight maintenance

Programs are designed using scientific methods and personalized macro- and micronutrient balance.

3. Diets for Metabolic Diseases

Nutrition plans with controlled carbohydrate, protein, and fat balance are created for conditions such as insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome.

4. Nutrition for Food Intolerance and Allergies

Elimination diets are planned for lactose intolerance, gluten sensitivity, and other food allergies.

5. Nutrition for Digestive System Disorders

Digestive-friendly nutrition programs are implemented for conditions such as reflux, gastritis, ulcers, and IBS.

6. Ketogenic Diet

A scientifically based low-carbohydrate, high-fat nutrition model used for epilepsy, certain neurological conditions, and weight management.

7. Sports Nutrition

Specialized plans are created to support energy levels, performance, recovery, and muscle development.

8. Enteral and Parenteral Nutrition

Nutrition methods provided via feeding tubes or intravenous routes for patients who cannot eat orally or have severe digestive issues.

9. Antioxidant-Supported Nutrition

Nutrition programs rich in antioxidants are applied to reduce free radical damage and strengthen the immune system.

10. Detox and Intermittent Fasting Programs

Scientifically based detox and intermittent fasting methods are applied to support metabolic balance.

11. Nutrition After Bariatric Surgery

Nutrition plans are prepared to support recovery after bariatric (weight loss) surgeries.

How Is a Personalized Nutrition Plan Created?

A personalized plan is developed based on health status, metabolic rate, lifestyle, physical activity level, and individual goals. Daily calorie needs are calculated, macro- and micronutrient balance is ensured, and a sustainable nutrition model is established.

Meal Planning and Portion Control

Main and snack meals are arranged according to the individual’s metabolism. Balanced, regular, and healthy eating habits are encouraged.

Nutrition Education

Individuals receive education on:

• Choosing the right foods
• Reading food labels
• Healthy cooking methods
• Portion control

Nutrition Programs for Special Conditions

Customized nutrition plans are prepared according to specific needs, including:

• Nutrition during pregnancy and breastfeeding
• Sports nutrition
• Nutrition for children and older adults

Behavior Change Therapy

Support is provided to help modify unhealthy eating habits and manage emotional or uncontrolled eating behaviors.

Dietary Supplement Recommendations

Vitamin and mineral deficiencies are identified through analysis, and appropriate supplements are planned in collaboration between physicians and dietitians.

Diet Follow-Up and Counseling

Progress is monitored regularly, nutrition plans are updated when necessary, and long-term sustainability is supported.