Medical Nutrition Therapy, often abbreviated as MNT, is an evidence-based medical approach to treating certain chronic conditions through the use of an individually-tailored nutrition plan. This nutrition plan is ordered and approved by a primary care physician and implemented by a Registered Dietitian.
Diet is an important part of everything we do. Food gives our bodies and our minds the fuel to think clearly and execute daily tasks. At Dietitians at Home, we believe that everyone should see a dietitian every year, in the same way that you see the dentist or general practitioner every year. Diet affects every facet of our lives, from how we look, to how we feel, to how we sleep, to how we move, and even to how we think. With diet affecting our lives in so many ways, it’s important to have regular check-ups and interventions with a dietitian to assure that your diet is in good condition in the same way that you have check-ups and interventions with a doctor to make sure your body is in good condition.
MNT can play a life-changing role in reducing complications associated with certain chronic conditions, such and Type 2 Diabetes and Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). Our dietitians use the Academy of Nutrition
and Dietetics’ Evidence-Based Nutrition
Practice Guidelines to counsel patients
on lifestyle changes and self-
management skills.
The core tenets of Medical Nutrition Therapy are based on years of medical research into how health and diet affects the body, leading to a practice that reliably demonstrates results across many different kinds of patients.
MNT lowers blood pressure in adults with hypertension. Studies show that MNT provided for six months or less leads to significant reductions in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
Studies evaluating the effectiveness of MNT in patients with diabetes reported reductions in A1C levels ranging from 0.25% to 2.9%. MNT has also been shown to delay and prevent dialysis in patients with CKD.
During MNT interventions, dietitians counsel patients
on behavioral and lifestyle changes
required to positively affect long-term
eating habits and health.
Every dietitian visit includes both an assessment and an education portion. During the assessment, dietitians perform a kitchen inspection, evaluate the patient’s physical state, and assess overall nutritional needs. During the educational portion, dietitians will take the information they've gathered in the assessment and provide patient-centered goals and individualized nutrition recommendations. Together with the patient, dietitians plan and implement nutrition interventions that meet patient needs and establishes a plan for positive change.
Medicare covers 100% of the cost of Medical Nutrition Therapy for patients with diabetes and Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). Patients with CKD do not qualify if they are already on dialysis.
Check out some of our work from all over Chicago!
