Click here for Health Fund Eligibility Requirements - Nutrition - Oct 2016
Definition of Treatment
Nutrition is the science of food, the nutrients in foods and how the body uses those nutrients. It includes the process of ingestion, digestion, absorption, metabolism, transport, storage and excretion of those nutrients. It also includes the environmental, psychological and behavioural aspects of food and eating. The six classes of nutrients include: carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals and water.
Nutrition principles are applied throughout the life cycle from the time of conception to our later years for older adults. Areas of nutrition emphasis include pregnancy, infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood and the ‘older’ adult. The relationship between diet and health is strong. Diet is an important factor in heart disease, stroke, hypertension, cancer, diabetes mellitus and obesity.
Nutrition is also a concern for everyone as food and water safety, environmental contaminants, pesticides, food additives and biotechnology, the genetically modified foods in the marketplace. Hunger, malnutrition and food shortages are global environmental problems that are being investigated. Nutrition is a far reaching area of study that affects each and every one of us daily.
Naturopaths and Nutritionists are able to give advice on nutrition, diet modification and lifestyle. The assessment must include the development of a specific treatment plan as to the best course of treatment for the patient’s condition/injury. This treatment plan forms the basis of the clinical notes. These notes must be consistent with the ATMS Code of Conduct, the Unregistered Health Practitioner Act and the additional requirements set by the health funds.
