Elizabeth Hernandez, RD

Elizabeth Hernandez, RD is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at her clinic in Lakeland, FL. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, she is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) are your primary partners in preventive care, collaboratively creating personalized long-term health plans, coordinating essential screenings, and providing expert medical nutrition therapy and wellness counseling to empower you to achieve and maintain optimal well-being. She serves individuals of all ages seeking proactive health management and nutritional guidance. To confirm if Dr. Elizabeth RD is currently accepting new patients, please call (863) 687-1100.

Dr. Elizabeth RD, a dietitian in Lakeland, FL, is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine. Her approach prioritizes creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She understands that proactive health management is key to well-being and works with you to develop personalized plans that address your unique needs and goals. Dr. Elizabeth RD provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Elizabeth RD is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on proactive strategies to protect and enhance your long-term health.

By working together, you and Dr. Elizabeth RD can create a clear, actionable plan to address your unique risk factors and health goals.

A proactive approach to health involves understanding and managing potential risks. Dr. Elizabeth RD provides expert care for a range of conditions, focusing on early detection and effective management to support your long-term wellness. Common areas of focus include:

• Crohn's Disease: Managing Crohn's disease effectively involves a proactive approach to nutrition, helping to reduce inflammation, improve nutrient absorption, and prevent future health issues.
• Restless Leg Syndrome: Restless legs syndrome (RLS), if left untreated, can disrupt sleep and negatively impact your overall health, so early detection and management are crucial for preventing long-term complications.
• Kidney Disease: Maintaining a healthy weight and blood pressure, often aided by a registered dietitian, helps lower the risk of developing chronic kidney disease.
• Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that can be managed through lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise, to prevent long-term health problems like type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
• Insomnia: Addressing insomnia proactively can prevent long-term health complications like weight gain, weakened immunity, and mood disorders, ultimately improving your overall well-being.
• Gluten Sensitivity: Early identification of gluten sensitivity helps avoid long-term health problems and allows for proactive dietary changes to prevent complications.
• Hypertension: Hypertension often has no symptoms, making regular blood pressure checks vital to protecting your overall health and well-being.

This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes only. The best way to understand your personal health and create a prevention plan is to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Taking proactive steps is central to long-term health. Dr. Elizabeth RD offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Health Screening: A health screening is a simple check-up that can detect hidden health issues, helping prevent serious illnesses down the line.
• Osteoporosis Screening: Don't wait for a fracture to address bone health; an osteoporosis screening is a crucial preventive measure for detecting and managing bone loss.
• Psychological Evaluations Prior to Bariatric Surgery: Taking a proactive step, psychological evaluations before bariatric surgery identify any mental health concerns that could affect your recovery and the procedure's overall effectiveness.
• Disease Prevention: Proactively prevent future health problems by working with a registered dietitian to create a personalized nutrition plan that addresses your individual risk factors.
• Weight Maintenance: Proactive weight maintenance helps you keep your weight within a healthy range, reducing your risk of developing chronic diseases like heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
• Bariatric Surgery (Weight Loss Surgery): For individuals struggling with obesity, bariatric surgery offers a surgical intervention to help achieve and maintain significant weight loss, preventing future health complications.
• Diabetes Education: Empower yourself with the knowledge and skills to manage your diabetes effectively and maintain a healthy lifestyle through personalized nutrition education.

Service availability can change, and not all services listed may be appropriate for every patient. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services and to create your personalized screening plan, please schedule a consultation.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) in Florida.

Dr. Elizabeth RD is dedicated to partnering with Caregivers/Support Systems to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how a proactive approach can make a tangible difference in a Client's life:

• Following a personalized dietary plan, a patient successfully managed their Crohn's disease symptoms, experiencing reduced inflammation and improved overall well-being. This proactive approach enabled them to confidently navigate daily life and prevent future flare-ups.
• By addressing potential triggers through dietary modifications and lifestyle changes, a patient experienced a significant reduction in restless leg syndrome symptoms, promoting improved sleep and overall well-being. This proactive approach allowed the patient to maintain a positive quality of life.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. She will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.

Here are answers to some common questions about proactive Registered Dietitian Nutritionist care with Dr. Elizabeth RD:

What is the difference between a Registered Dietitian (RD) and a nutritionist?

A Registered Dietitian (RD or RDN) is a credentialed healthcare professional with extensive training and supervised practice experience. The term "nutritionist" is not regulated, and an RD provides evidence-based, reliable nutrition advice.

What can I expect during my first visit with Dr. Elizabeth RD?

Your first visit with Dr. Elizabeth RD will be a comprehensive assessment, involving a detailed review of your health history, eating habits, lifestyle, and personal health goals. This will be the first step in creating a realistic and sustainable personalized nutrition plan tailored to your unique needs.

My child is a picky eater. Can you help?

Dr. Elizabeth RD works with families to address picky eating. She can help expand your child's food choices, ensure they are getting the nutrients they need for healthy growth, and reduce mealtime stress for everyone.

I want to lose weight. Can you just give me a meal plan?

While sample meal plans can be helpful, focusing on sustainable habit changes, understanding portion sizes, and developing a healthier relationship with food is key to long-term success. We work together to create a personalized plan that addresses your individual needs and goals. This includes education and support to help you make lasting lifestyle changes.

Can you help with nutrition during pregnancy?

Yes, proper nutrition is crucial during pregnancy for both the mother and baby's health. Dr. Elizabeth RD can provide personalized guidance on key nutrients, healthy weight gain, and managing pregnancy-related issues like gestational diabetes or nausea.

How can nutrition help lower my high cholesterol and blood pressure?

Nutrition plays a vital role in managing high cholesterol and blood pressure. Dr. Elizabeth RD can create a personalized plan emphasizing fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, while also teaching you how to reduce sodium and unhealthy fats. This natural approach is an effective way to prevent heart attack and stroke.

I have IBS and other digestive issues. How can you help?

Dr. Elizabeth RD can act as a food detective, identifying trigger foods that may be contributing to your IBS and other digestive issues. She can help you develop a personalized plan, often using a low FODMAP diet, to significantly reduce symptoms like bloating, gas, and discomfort, and improve your overall quality of life.

I have chronic kidney disease. How important is my diet?

Diet is crucial for managing chronic kidney disease. A specialized renal diet, guided by Dr. Elizabeth RD, is a primary treatment, helping preserve kidney function and potentially delaying dialysis by controlling protein, sodium, and potassium levels.

1324 Lakeland Hills Blvd
Lakeland FL 33805
Phone: (863) 687-1100

Elizabeth Hernandez, RD is regulated by the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) in Florida and is licensed by The Florida Board of Medicine.

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1568680932

Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.

The information on this profile, provided by weprevent.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with preventive health partners. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) like Dr. Elizabeth RD are skilled in helping patients create proactive health plans. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. It is always recommended to maintain open communication with your registered dietitian nutritionist (rdn) about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.