Experience

It includes a period of 0-40 weeks. Pregnancy periods following conception are every 3 months.

The physiologic and hormonal characteristics of each gestational period are different from each other and include changes in terms of nutritional requirements and problems that may be seen. The nutrition programs of each trimester are also different from each other.

In the 1st trimester (1st trimester), the most common problem in pregnant women is Hyperemesis Gravidarum, a condition that can lead to fluid and electrolyte balance disorders as a result of excessive nausea. It is very important to eat small solid meals at frequent intervals in the diet plan.

The biggest problems of 2 Trimester (2nd trimester) and 3 Trimester (3rd trimester) are Gestational Diabetes, which can be seen due to the high weight gain of the pregnant woman, and the presence of stomach and intestinal problems in the mother, especially due to the increase in the weight of the baby.

Another important problem is preeclampsia, which can occur especially in the 3rd trimester and may pose a danger to the baby and the mother.

In general, in nutrition planning during pregnancy, it is important to reduce the problems of the mother and the baby as well as to complete the development of the baby, and in this regard, the mother's nutrition should be planned to meet the needs of the mother and the baby.

Breastfeeding is the most appropriate feeding method for newborn babies during this period and it has many benefits for both infants and mothers.

Breast milk is a unique food that can provide adequate and balanced distribution of nutrients in accordance with the needs of infants.

Breastfeeding reduces the frequency and complications of infectious diseases that may occur in children such as asthma, otitis, diarrhea, meningitis, respiratory tract infections, gastrointestinal tract infections.

During the lactation period, the mother's health and milk quality are significantly affected by her diet. In this process, carbohydrate, fat, protein, vitamins and minerals should be taken in a balanced way.

In this period, in addition to macro and micronutrients, an average of 3 liters of fluid intake per day is recommended.

Infancy (0-2 years)

Nutrition during this period has a very important place in preventing chronic diseases that may occur in the future and increasing the quality of life. The essence of nutrition should be breast milk. However, the way, time and amount of breast milk should be considered in terms of milk productivity.

The quality and quantity of milk given by the mother in each lactation period varies, and at the same time, the milk of each mother may not be fully useful for her baby and may form the basis of developmental problems of the baby. For all these reasons, even if the baby is breastfed, their growth and development should be monitored frequently.

In the 0-1 year period of babies, some formulas can be used in addition to breast milk for the first 6 months, depending on the months they are in and the effect of breast milk on their development.  In addition, whether the baby receives breast milk or breast milk + formula or formula alone for 6 months, babies should be switched to supplementary or complementary foods after 6 months.

It is important that the transition to complementary foods is carried out gradually, with attention to quantity and type, and by making additions within the rules.

Early Childhood or Preschool Period (3-6 years)

Following infancy is a time when the child begins to socialize, which can affect the child's quality of life.

Due to socialization and increase in physical activity, the energy that these children need to spend for growth and development is used for physical activity, so both growth and development and increase in daily activity reflect the change in energy and nutrient requirements.

Since children in this age group have a free spirit, they may want to consume the foods of their choice in their diets and may conflict with their mothers or other caregivers in this regard. In this period, it would be the best approach to make a plan within their daily needs, taking into account their wishes. 

Numerous studies have shown that feeding interventions that are made without pressuring the child too much are more effective. In addition, it should not be forgotten that nutritional errors in this period may invite the development of other comorbidities, especially childhood obesity.

School Age (7-11 years)

It is a period when the child moves away from the family and gains independence and has great privileges in terms of nutrition. It is an age group in which the child is in close relationship with the school and its environment after the family and is psychologically affected by the concept of friends.

While the child's ties with the family are stronger at the beginning of school age, they begin to move away from the family socially and physically from the middle of the period and when their nutritional status is examined; it is noteworthy that they tend to consume food outside with their peer group rather than home-cooked meals.

The nutritional status of children outside the home should be examined by conducting nutritional follow-up, and necessary supplements should be made by eliminating the deficiencies in their daily needs in their nutrition in the home environment accordingly.

Adolescent Age (12-18 years)

It is the time when the physiological, social and psychological development of childhood is completed and peaks. Growth and development in adolescents is very rapid and at the end of this period, the anthropometric measurement values in adult life are reached.

This rapid growth and development is very important in terms of daily energy and nutrients. In addition, adolescent nutrition is directly related to future chronic diseases and quality of life.

Due to the physiological growth and development of the body, the need for vitamin A, vitamin B12 and folic acid increases, and vitamin D is required for skeletal development. In addition, with the increase in blood volume, there is a need for iron and vitamin C for its easy absorption, and zinc, which is essential for sexual development and height growth.

The nutrition of children in this age group should be monitored frequently and their growth and development should be monitored, and the frequency of eating at home with the family should be increased.

Medical Nutrition Therapy; It is a nutrition-based treatment that evaluates the nutritional status of the individual and aims to provide a personalized nutrition plan according to the health status. It is also very effective in preventing diseases that may occur.

The application of medical nutrition therapy goes through successive steps. First of all, the nutritional status of the client is evaluated.

In this step, information is collected about the individual's nutritional status and related health conditions. In obtaining this information;

Anthropometric measurements (Body measurements): Height, weight, measurements of body parts (waist, abdomen, hip, upper leg and upper arm circumferences) are recorded using appropriate equipment.

Biochemistry (blood and urine tests): Parameters that can be affected by nutrition such as glucose, HbA1c, Cholesterol, vitamins, minerals, complete blood count are evaluated.

Nutrition Evaluation: Average daily calorie intake, daily eating habits, family eating habits, cooking methods and food quality are taken into consideration.

Other Factors: Criteria such as changes in smell or taste, swallowing difficulties, food intolerances and taste preferences are determined.

In addition, it is very important to identify the person's existing diseases and include the nutritional treatment of these diseases in the nutrition program.

Diseases that can be seen in adulthood:

Obesity: Medical nutrition treatment for this type of people; It is important to lose weight, reach the ideal weight and avoid diseases that may accompany it.

Diabetes Mellitus: Medical nutrition therapy should be applied to regulate and control the glucose level and prevent future complications.

Cardiovascular Disease: Medical nutrition therapy plays a major role in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases such as high cholesterol or hypertension.

Digestive System Diseases: Correct planning of medical nutrition treatment in cases such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome and short bowel syndrome or advanced constipation is important for the health and comfort of the patient.

Liver and Kidney Diseases: Medical nutrition therapy is necessary for all diseases related to the liver and kidney, which are among our important organs in the body.

Medical Nutrition Therapy in Diseases; As a therapeutic approach that considers individual needs and health conditions, it is a valuable tool in managing chronic health problems.

In menopause, which is one of the most important age periods in women with hormonal, psychological and physiological changes, menstrual irregularities occur due to the decrease in estrogen levels in the body and loss of fertility occurs.

The most important nutritional symptom of menopause is weight gain. The reason for weight gain is muscle loss in menopause.

In order to prevent signs of aging, nutrition and quality of life play a major role in lengthening telomeres. For this reason, following the cessation of menstruation, people should determine their daily calorie intake and plan their activities at a sustainable frequency and degree.

Another important symptom is osteoporosis, and calcium and vitamin D sources should be included in the diet to help improve bone health.

Calcium-rich foods should be consumed 2-3 portions every day, alcohol and caffeine intake should be reduced, muscle strengthening activities should be done, and foods containing fat and excess salt should be avoided.