Rukhsana Shanbhag, RD

Rukhsana Shanbhag, RD is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at her clinic in Winter Park, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is a trusted partner in preventive health, committed to fostering long-term well-being. Dr. Rukhsana RD 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.

She serves individuals of all ages seeking proactive health management and nutritional guidance. Dr. Rukhsana RD, a dietitian in Winter Park, FL, believes in a collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Her practice focuses on preventative strategies, and she is committed to working alongside you to achieve your health goals. Please call (407) 671-7123 to confirm if Dr. Rukhsana RD is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Rukhsana RD provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Liver Diseases and Disorders: Early detection of liver problems, often aided by a registered dietitian, is crucial for preventing irreversible damage and improving long-term health outcomes.
• Cirrhosis: Managing cirrhosis effectively through dietary modifications and medical supervision, such as following a low-sodium and protein-restricted diet, can significantly reduce the risk of serious complications.
• IBS Associated With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Managing IBS, which can sometimes be associated with IBD, through a registered dietitian's guidance can significantly reduce the severity of symptoms and lower your risk of developing further complications.
• Morbid Obesity: Carrying excess weight to the point of morbid obesity puts you at a much greater risk for heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses; proactive steps, including nutrition therapy, can help mitigate these risks.
• Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a condition where fat builds up in your liver, and making healthy lifestyle choices can help prevent its development or slow its progression.
• Peripheral Vascular Disease (PAD, PVD): PAD, a circulatory problem affecting blood flow to the extremities, can be mitigated with a proactive approach to heart health, including dietary changes guided by a Registered Dietitian.
• Weight Loss: Sustainable weight loss, guided by a registered dietitian, helps manage risk factors for many chronic conditions, promoting long-term 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. Rukhsana RD offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• HCG Diet: The HCG diet may seem appealing for quick weight loss, however, it's important to consider the potential health consequences and prioritize a holistic approach to wellness with a registered dietitian that focuses on balanced nutrition and lifestyle modifications.
• Blood Sugar Monitoring: Taking control of your health starts with understanding your blood sugar levels; regular monitoring provides the data you need to make informed decisions.
• Geriatric Assessment: A geriatric assessment is a valuable tool for optimizing your health in later life. It helps detect potential issues early on, enabling timely interventions to improve your quality of life.
• Polypharmacy: Proactively manage potential medication side effects by meeting with an RD to assess how your many medications might affect your appetite, nutrient absorption, and overall health.
• Insulin Pump Therapy: To prevent the debilitating effects of uncontrolled blood sugar, consider insulin pump therapy as a way to precisely manage your insulin levels.
• Eating Disorder Treatment: Eating disorder treatment offers a supportive environment to identify and address underlying issues contributing to disordered eating, promoting sustainable healthy habits.
• Continuous Glucose Monitoring: Proactively manage your risk of developing type 2 diabetes through continuous glucose monitoring, which can identify patterns and help you take preventive action.

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. Rukhsana 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 following a personalized diet plan developed by a registered dietitian nutritionist, a patient significantly reduced their risk factors for liver disease, gaining valuable peace of mind about their long-term health.
• By following a personalized dietary plan, a patient significantly reduced their risk of cirrhosis complications, gaining peace of mind and a healthier future.

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. Rukhsana 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. In contrast, "nutritionist" is not a regulated title. An RD provides evidence-based, reliable nutrition advice.

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

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

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

Dr. Rukhsana RD can act as a "food detective," helping identify foods that trigger your IBS and other digestive issues. She can guide you through strategies like a low FODMAP diet, often significantly reducing symptoms like bloating, gas, and discomfort, and improving your overall quality of life.

I'm an athlete. How can you help me with sports performance?

Dr. Rukhsana RD can help optimize your sports performance by developing a personalized nutrition plan. This plan will fuel your workouts, aid in recovery, build muscle, and ensure proper hydration for peak athletic achievement.

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

While sample meal plans are helpful, a personalized approach focusing on sustainable habit changes, portion control, and a healthy relationship with food is key for long-term weight management success. We work together to create a plan that fits your lifestyle and needs.

How can a dietitian help me manage my diabetes?

Dr. Rukhsana RD can help you manage your diabetes by teaching you about carbohydrate counting, balancing meals for stable blood sugar, and making healthy food choices without sacrificing flavor. This empowers you to take control of your condition.

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

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

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

A heart-healthy diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, and low in sodium and unhealthy fats, is a powerful way to lower cholesterol and blood pressure naturally. Dr. Rukhsana RD can create a personalized plan to help you achieve these goals, reducing your risk of heart attack and stroke.

2431 Aloma Ave
Winter Park FL 32792
Phone: (407) 671-7123

Rukhsana Shanbhag, 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): 1033326897

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. Rukhsana 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.