Happy celiac disease awareness month everyone! Sorry for the lack of posts for this year, wedding planning is in full swing and honestly I’ve been at a loss for topics. It seems like I’ve covered so many the past few years since starting the blog!
I did want to address a topic that is near and dear to my heart: why Registered Dietitians (RD’s) are important for someone with celiac disease. As I’m sure many of you know, I recently graduated from Purdue University with a degree in dietetics to purse my dream of becoming a Registered Dietitian (check out the way behind I wanted to become a RD HERE)
Registered Dietitians are important professionals in the health care setting. They are the experts in nutrition (different than a nutritionist, who don’t have to undergo any undergraduate education/obtain a degree). RD’s must go through a 4 year undergraduate degree program that is accredited by The Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics, undergo a 1 year unpaid internship that is also accredited, and then sit for the RD examination. They are also requiring new RD students to obtain a master’s degree in 2024! They also go through many undergraduate courses pharmacy and nursing students take such as organic chemistry, biochemistry, anatomy, along with micro and macro nutrient metabolism, medical nutrition therapy and so much more.
RD’s should be able to help educate those who are newly diagnosed with celiac disease be able to recognize gluten-containing ingredients, how to cook gluten free and provide helpful tips when eating out and keeping your home safe.
I will say, someone won’t truly understand what having celiac disease is like unless they have it themselves or know a loved one with it, Registered Dietitian or not. But that is true with any other disease/disorder as well.
I encourage you to seek out a Registered Dietitian for any nutrition-related questions you have!
Your future RD2B,
Ciara
SincerelyC 