Česky
What led you to a career as a nutritional therapist?
I joined the hospital immediately after graduating from the Faculty of Social Medicine, majoring in Nutritional Therapy at the University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice. During my studies at the gymnasium, I was already clear that I wanted to work in the health care sector. I was always interested in the topic of nutrition, so I decided to study nutrition therapist.
Why is the nutritional counselling service being created and who is it for?
The counselling centre is probably most appreciated by those who want to reduce their weight. Obesity and overweight is a big problem in today's population, and other diseases (diabetes, cardiovascular disease, movement problems, etc.) are linked to it. Obesity-related diseases are one of the most common causes of preventable death. Therefore, I wouldn't just take losing weight as the main reason to become attractive, but primarily as a way to become a healthier person.
Counseling is also for those who have allergies, food intolerances, or other diseases that are closely related to nutrition.
Recently, there has been more and more talk about malnutrition in the elderly. What is the truth in this?
Malnutrition in seniors is a serious matter. These people often have no thirst, no appetite, often have dental problems, a diet that is not varied and lacks protein. This leads to the development of malnutrition (undernutrition), which results in prolonged hospitalisation time, poor wound healing and decubitus ulcers, and overall poor health.
How do you view the growing trend of gluten-free diets?
The gluten-free diet has become a hit. Cereals have always been part of our diet, they contain a variety of beneficial substances, especially whole grains. Personally, I am of the "everything in moderation" opinion. Replace white bread with whole grains, limit the intake of pastries for dinner. Medically, following a gluten-free diet for no good reason can be risky. Such a person can no longer be diagnosed with celiac disease from the intestinal lining (unless he or she suspected and self-ordered a gluten-free diet). I would really only recommend a gluten-free diet to those who have celiac disease and have been diagnosed with the disease by a doctor.
Many patients complain about the standard of food in hospitals. How is the hospital in Horovice?
In our hospital, patients on a regular diet (rational diet No. 3) can choose from two meals, while other patients have a certain diet according to their disease. I hear both positive and negative feedback from the wards. The complaints are mainly from patients who are on a diet regime. The taste of the food is often worse even after the administration of various drugs. This is not to defend our chefs, but of course it is very important who prepares the food. However, the rule is that everyone likes something different and there is always someone who is dissatisfied.
How would you assess the level of the Czech population's lifestyle?
I immediately think of pork dumplings and sirloin steak with six. The Czech people love fatty food and it shows. In the world rankings, the Czech Republic ranks first in the number of obese people. Alarmingly, this also applies to children.
I sincerely hope that people will start to take an interest in their health before any disease breaks out. Nutrition and a proper lifestyle are the first priority in prevention!
