Nutrition Specialist
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ML Gastroenterology
Maria Lufrano, DO
Gastroenterology located in Bronxville, NY
Your gastrointestinal tract is responsible for digesting and absorbing nutrients from the food you eat. Nutrition plays a vital role in the treatment of any condition that affects the structure or function of your gastrointestinal system. Maria Lufrano, DO, is a board-certified gastroenterologist who takes an integrative approach to care at her practice, ML Gastroenterology. Nutrition is one of the areas she emphasizes when treating gastrointestinal disorders. She also provides nutrition for weight loss. To schedule an appointment, call the office in Bronxville, New York, or book an appointment online today.
Nutrition Q & A
What is nutrition?
Nutrition is a science that focuses on how food and nutrients affect health and well-being. The foods you eat supply your body with energy (calories) and essential nutrients, including carbohydrates, protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals.
Your body needs the nutrients from the food you eat to function properly. Ideally, you should be eating a balanced diet that includes:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Whole grains
- Healthy proteins like poultry, seafood, and beans
- Calcium-rich foods like cow’s milk or fortified plant milk
- Vegetable oils and fats like olives, nuts, seeds, and avocados
What you eat also affects your weight and risk of disease.
How do gastrointestinal disorders affect nutrition?
Your gastrointestinal system turns the food you eat into the nutrients your body needs to function.
Digestion starts in the mouth and continues in your stomach, small intestine, and large intestine. Your pancreas, liver, and gallbladder are also part of your gastrointestinal system and assist in the digestive process.
A gastrointestinal disorder affects the structure or function of this system. For example, Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation and may affect nutrient absorption, increasing your risk of nutrient deficiencies or malnutrition.
Additionally, nutrition may worsen or improve your gastrointestinal symptoms. People with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), for example, may find an improvement in their symptoms when they avoid certain types of foods.
ML Gastroenterology understands the close connection between nutrition and gastrointestinal health. The practice provides nutrition consultations to help patients manage their gastrointestinal condition and improve overall health.
ML Gastroenterology also provides nutrition care for people who need help with weight loss.
What happens during a nutrition consultation?
ML Gastroenterology takes a personalized approach to care. The specifics of your nutrition consultation depend on your needs and goals.
Your provider reviews your medical history and health concerns and asks detailed questions about your usual diet. They may also run diagnostic tests such as bloodwork to look for nutritional deficiencies.
After your examination, your provider talks to you about nutrition and how it affects your health. They create a personalized nutrition program to match your needs, which may include nutritional supplements.
Whether you think your diet is causing your abdominal pain or you need help reaching a healthier weight, ML Gastroenterology can provide the personalized care you need. Call the office or book an appointment online today.
