Rita Pittenger, RD

Rita Pittenger, RD is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Registered Dietitian Nutritionist care at her clinic in Naples, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, she practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), and is a valuable partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org. She understands that 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. Dr. Rita RD serves individuals of all ages seeking proactive health management and nutritional guidance. Please call (239) 624-8250 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

As a dietitian in Naples, FL, Dr. Rita RD is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine. Her practice prioritizes creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She recognizes the importance of individualized care plans and works closely with patients to develop strategies for achieving and maintaining optimal wellness. Dr. Rita RD is committed to helping her patients understand their bodies and make informed choices about their health, ultimately promoting a life of vitality and well-being. Dr. Rita RD provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Rita 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. Rita 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. Rita 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:

• Allergies: Understanding and managing your food allergies is key to preventing long-term health issues associated with allergic reactions, such as digestive problems or skin conditions.
• Cholelithiasis: A balanced diet rich in fiber and low in saturated and trans fats helps prevent gallstones by improving digestion and reducing cholesterol levels in bile.
• Food Intolerances: Identifying your food intolerances is crucial for preventing digestive issues and improving your overall well-being.
• Cirrhosis: Early detection of cirrhosis is crucial, as lifestyle changes and medical nutrition therapy can help prevent further liver damage and complications like liver failure.
• Gluten Sensitivity: Early identification of gluten sensitivity helps avoid long-term health problems and allows for proactive dietary changes to prevent complications.
• Osteoarthritis: By focusing on a nutrition plan tailored to reduce inflammation and support healthy bone and joint tissues, you can proactively manage osteoarthritis symptoms and improve your quality of life.
• Hyperlipidemia: Understanding your family history and personal risk factors for hyperlipidemia helps you proactively adopt preventative measures to safeguard your heart health.

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. Rita RD offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Metabolic Rate Testing: Take control of your health by undergoing metabolic rate testing to understand your body's unique energy needs and optimize your weight management plan.
• Weight Loss Management: Take proactive steps towards a healthier weight with personalized guidance from a registered dietitian, improving your overall well-being and reducing your risk of chronic diseases.
• Diabetes Prevention: Prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes with a registered dietitian's expertise in creating a personalized nutrition plan suited to your individual needs and lifestyle.
• Disease Prevention: Invest in your long-term well-being with a registered dietitian's guidance on creating a diet that minimizes your chances of developing chronic conditions.
• Allergy and-or Sensitivity Elimination Reprogramming Technique: Prevent future health complications by undergoing testing to detect food allergies or sensitivities and receive personalized dietary guidance to manage them effectively.
• Counseling Services: Invest in your well-being by exploring your current eating habits and receiving expert guidance on improving your nutritional intake.
• Wellness and Integrative Medicine: Empower yourself with knowledge and tools to improve your health by consulting a registered dietitian nutritionist who will create a tailored plan based on your individual health status and wellness objectives.

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. Rita 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:

• By working with a registered dietitian nutritionist to identify potential allergens and develop a personalized meal plan, a family significantly reduced their risk of allergic reactions and enjoyed more confident and relaxed mealtimes.
• Following a personalized dietary plan developed by a registered dietitian, a patient significantly reduced their risk of gallstones, gaining peace of mind and confidence in their long-term health.

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. Rita 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. The term "nutritionist" is not regulated, so it's important to verify credentials. An RD provides evidence-based, reliable nutrition advice.

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

Your first visit with Dr. Rita RD will be a comprehensive and collaborative assessment. We will review your health history, eating habits, lifestyle, and personal health goals. This is the first step in creating a realistic and sustainable personalized nutrition plan.

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

While sample meal plans can be helpful, a personalized approach focusing on sustainable lifestyle changes, understanding portion sizes, and developing a healthy relationship with food is key to long-term weight management success. We work with you to create a plan tailored to your specific needs and preferences.

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

Nutrition plays a vital role in heart health. Dr. Rita RD can create a personalized plan emphasizing fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, while reducing sodium and unhealthy fats. This natural approach is an effective way to lower cholesterol and blood pressure, preventing heart attack and stroke.

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

A specialized renal diet, guided by Dr. Rita RD, is crucial for managing chronic kidney disease. It's a primary treatment, not just supportive care, as it helps control protein, sodium, and potassium levels to preserve kidney function and delay dialysis.

Do you work with patients who have eating disorders?

Yes, registered dietitian nutritionists are a critical part of the eating disorder treatment team. Dr. Rita RD works collaboratively with therapists and physicians to help patients heal their relationship with food, establish regular eating patterns, and achieve nutritional rehabilitation in a supportive, non-judgmental way.

I have a food allergy or sensitivity. How can a dietitian assist?

Dr. Rita RD can help identify hidden sources of allergens in foods, plan a balanced and varied diet that avoids the trigger food, and ensure you are still getting all the necessary nutrients.

Can you help with nutrition during pregnancy?

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

1726 Medical Blvd Ste 101
Naples FL 34110
Phone: (239) 624-8250

Rita Pittenger, 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): 1720102957

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. Rita 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.