What is a Diplomate?
The Chiropractic Doctor
who is Board Certified in Nutrition has the highest academic degree
in the profession in the field of nutrition therapeutics.
Dr. Laura is has been
certified as a Diplomate by the American Board of Nutrition and is also certified as a Clinical Nutritionist (CCN). These Doctors
are experts in the clinical understanding of nutrition. The degree is
identified by the initials DACBN, Diplomate American Chiropractic Board of
Nutrition. It must be emphasized that this is an academic degree and
not simply a certification or registration for courses taken in nutrition!
Becoming a Diplomate?
A Doctor who wishes
to become a Diplomate in Nutrition must undergo 300-hours of postgraduate
course study in the areas of biochemistry and physiology of nutrition,
diagnostic evaluation in clinical nutrition, nutrition in infancy,
adolescence, pregnancy and lactation, and geriatrics. Other required
portions of the syllabus include, but are not limited to, nutritional
aspects of the body such as the oral cavity, GI tract, and musculoskeletal
system. Still other course modules include stress management, diet,
nutrient-to-nutrient and drug-to-nutrient interactions, herbs, botanicals,
homeopathy, and longevity..
Candidates who pass these rigorous
written examinations must also pass the oral and practical exams. They then
must write five nutritional case histories based on actual patient files,
and be prepared to defend their clinical reasoning for diagnosis and
treatment plan. After meeting these requirements the Doctor has achieved the
Diplomate in Nutrition status (DACBN).
What Can I Expect?
As with any
doctor, you need to fill out personal history information forms. However
your Doctor may provide the form or packet of forms in advance of your
consultation if your case requires extensive information. You will be asked
to bring in all supplements, all current medications, copies of all current
blood work, and any other diagnostic tests so your Doctor may review your
entire medical history.
On your first visit the Diplomate Doctor
will spend time reviewing all of the forms, supplements, etc. Standard tests
such as height, weight and blood pressure are performed along with a
nutritionally-oriented physical examination. At the discretion of the Doctor
certain other exam procedures may be done. These may include skin, hair,
nail analysis, etc. With a full review of your history, your Doctor will
discuss your options with you prior to formulating a nutritional/lifestyle
schedule that is specific for you.
Continuing Education
To ensure that Diplomates in
Nutrition remain current in nutritional research they must attend continuing
education seminars or teach, write and/or publish scientific papers on
nutrition. Many Diplomates are authors of textbooks and educational
materials. They are frequently called upon for interviews by TV and radio
talk shows, magazines, and newspapers. Diplomates are also relied upon for
their expertise in resolving insurance company disputes and legislative
issues.
What Should I Eat?
Most people never consider their "nutritional shape" because it is not as
visible as their physical shape. However, being in poor "nutritional shape" will definitely affect your physical shape.
The basic building blocks for healthy
eating provide good general guidelines, but don't provide for individual
differences in biochemistry. Following these building blocks is essential
for good nutrition but advise from a nutrition healthcare provider is also
recommended since we are all biochemically individual. But who can we turn
to for sound nutritional advice? The Nutritional Diplomate Doctor is
educated to help you.
What's In It For Me?
American's are becoming the "fattest" people on earth despite the
proliferation of diet books, fat-free foods, and diet pills. Our children
are sedentary, and consume large amounts of saturated fats through "fast
food" diets resulting in approximately 25% of our children being classified
as overweight to obese. This is creating a generation of people whose total
body fat percentages are approaching 40 to 50% (normal is 21-28% for women
and 10-15% for men). Cardiovascular disease and diabetes are still
significant health concerns. We truly are what we eat! The answers lie in
getting back to the basics of sound nutrition. However, these basics are a
mystery to most Americans. Seeking nutritional counseling is a good start to
getting back to the basics, and the Doctor with a Diplomate in Nutrition is
an excellent source for helping you maintain or regain your health.
How Long Will It
Take?
Nutritional discussions and follow-up care require communication. The Doctor
may ask to see you in person to go over test results and discuss your
progress, or ask you for periodic feedback.
Your success is dependent upon your
compliance with your Doctor's recommendations and your overall desire for
nutritional health. The length of time it takes will vary according to your
compliance, health history and genetics. However, changing your eating
habits is a lifetime commitment and an investment in your future.
Additional Information
Effect of a low glycemic index diet with soy protein and phytosterols on CVD risk factors in postmenopausal women. (PDF)
The Clinical Relevance of Bioimpedance Analysis (BIA) (PDF)
Dramatically Reduce Your Risk of Chronic Diseases (PDF)
The Biomarkers 2000 Body Scan Analyzer (PDF)
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