A nutritionist can help you develop a balanced and practical approach to eating based on your health, lifestyle and individual goals.
At Republikas laukuma klīnika in central Riga, nutritionist Larisa Vudsa provides individual consultations, evaluates dietary habits and helps patients make sustainable changes without unnecessarily restrictive diets.
Nutrition counselling may be useful for weight management, digestive symptoms, metabolic conditions, food intolerances, recovery after illness or surgery, and general health improvement.
Nutritionist consultation: €70
Personalised nutrition plan: €120
To book a consultation, call 28002363 or use the online booking system.
What does a nutritionist do?
A nutritionist is a healthcare professional who evaluates the relationship between diet, lifestyle and health. Recommendations are based on the patient’s symptoms, medical history, eating habits, laboratory results and personal goals.
The purpose of nutrition counselling is not simply to provide a list of permitted and prohibited foods. A nutritionist helps the patient understand:
- which dietary habits may be affecting their health;
- how to create balanced and satisfying meals;
- how to adjust nutrition to a medical condition;
- how to manage weight safely and sustainably;
- how to recognise hunger, fullness and habitual eating patterns;
- how to make practical changes that can be maintained over time.
When necessary, the nutritionist may recommend consultation with a doctor or additional medical examinations.
When should you see a nutritionist?
You may benefit from a nutritionist consultation if you:
- want to lose or gain weight safely;
- find it difficult to maintain a healthy weight;
- experience bloating, constipation, diarrhoea or other digestive symptoms;
- have high cholesterol, high blood pressure or elevated blood glucose;
- have diabetes or insulin resistance;
- suspect a food intolerance;
- have been diagnosed with coeliac disease;
- need to adjust your diet after illness or surgery;
- follow a vegetarian or vegan diet and want to prevent nutrient deficiencies;
- want to improve your everyday eating habits;
- need guidance on interpreting nutrition-related laboratory results;
- have received conflicting dietary advice and need an individual plan.
Persistent digestive symptoms, unexplained weight loss, blood in the stool, difficulty swallowing or severe abdominal pain require medical assessment. Nutrition counselling should not replace appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
Nutrition support for weight management
Successful weight management is not based on a single “perfect” diet. Energy intake, eating habits, sleep, physical activity, medication, medical conditions and psychological factors can all influence body weight.
During the consultation, the nutritionist identifies the factors that may be making weight management difficult. Together, you can develop realistic changes that fit your schedule, food preferences and health needs.
Recommendations may address:
- meal frequency and portion size;
- protein, fibre and vegetable intake;
- snacking and emotional eating;
- food choices at work or while travelling;
- meal preparation and shopping habits;
- physical activity and daily routine;
- strategies for maintaining the achieved result.
The aim is to create a sustainable eating pattern rather than offer a short-term restrictive diet.
Nutrition for digestive symptoms
Dietary changes may help manage certain digestive symptoms, but similar symptoms can have different causes. Bloating, abdominal discomfort, diarrhoea or constipation should not automatically be attributed to a food intolerance.
A nutritionist can review your symptoms and eating habits, help identify possible dietary triggers and determine whether further assessment by a family doctor or gastroenterologist may be necessary.
If coeliac disease is suspected, do not begin a strict gluten-free diet before medical testing. Removing gluten beforehand can affect the accuracy of diagnostic results.
Nutrition for chronic medical conditions
Individual dietary guidance may support medical treatment and help manage risk factors associated with:
- type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance;
- high cholesterol and triglycerides;
- high blood pressure;
- cardiovascular disease;
- gastrointestinal disorders;
- coeliac disease and medically confirmed food intolerances;
- nutrient deficiencies;
- certain liver and kidney conditions.
Recommendations must be adapted to the diagnosis, medication and laboratory results. A nutritionist does not replace the doctor responsible for diagnosing or treating the underlying condition.
What happens during a nutritionist consultation?
During the first consultation, the nutritionist discusses your health, lifestyle and current eating habits. The consultation may include an assessment of:
- your main concerns and goals;
- typical meals, drinks and snacks;
- appetite and meal schedule;
- digestive symptoms;
- weight history;
- diagnosed medical conditions;
- medication and supplements;
- laboratory and medical examination results;
- physical activity, sleep and daily routine;
- food preferences, allergies and intolerances.
Based on this information, you will receive individual recommendations and practical next steps. If required, a more detailed personalised nutrition plan can be prepared separately.
How to prepare for the consultation
Before your appointment, consider keeping a food diary for three to seven days. Record what you eat and drink, approximate amounts, meal times and any symptoms you experience.
Please bring or prepare:
- a list of your medications and supplements;
- recent laboratory results;
- relevant medical reports or diagnoses;
- information about allergies and confirmed food intolerances;
- your usual meal schedule;
- questions you would like to discuss.
There is no need to change your diet before the consultation. Information about your usual eating pattern is more useful than a temporarily “perfect” menu.
If laboratory testing is needed, samples can be collected at the clinic. Learn more about laboratory tests in Riga.
Personalised nutrition plan
A personalised nutrition plan is developed according to your health, goals, preferences and daily routine. It may include:
- an appropriate meal structure;
- examples of balanced meals;
- suitable food alternatives;
- recommendations on portion sizes;
- guidance on protein, fibre, fats and carbohydrates;
- practical shopping and meal-preparation suggestions;
- adjustments related to diagnosed medical conditions.
The plan is intended to provide a flexible framework. It should help you make informed everyday choices rather than require perfect adherence to a rigid menu.
Price of a personalised nutrition plan: €120.
Nutrigenetic testing
Nutrigenetic testing examines selected genetic variants associated with areas such as nutrient metabolism, lipid metabolism, caffeine response or other biological processes.
Republikas laukuma klīnika offers selected DNA Life tests in cooperation with Nordic Laboratories:
DNA Core
DNA Core analyses selected genetic variants associated with nutrient metabolism, weight regulation and response to physical activity.
DNA Health
DNA Health assesses selected variants related to metabolic pathways, including lipid metabolism, inflammation, methylation and oxidative stress.
DNA Gut
DNA Gut assesses genetic variants associated with intestinal barrier function, immune regulation and digestive physiology. It is not a microbiome or stool test and does not directly detect intestinal bacteria.
Important limitations of genetic testing
Nutrigenetic test results indicate genetic variants and possible predispositions. They do not diagnose a disease, confirm a food intolerance or determine with certainty which diet will produce the best result.
Genetics is only one part of the health picture. Symptoms, diagnosed conditions, laboratory results, dietary habits, physical activity, sleep and environment must also be considered.
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics notes that the evidence showing additional health benefits from incorporating genetic test results into nutrition counselling remains limited and that this field is still developing. Nutritional Genomics Evidence Analysis
For this reason, DNA test results should be interpreted by a qualified professional and used as supplementary information rather than as a replacement for medical assessment or established nutrition recommendations.
Frequently asked questions
Can a nutritionist help me lose weight?
Yes. A nutritionist can assess your current eating habits and develop realistic recommendations for gradual and sustainable weight loss. Results also depend on medical conditions, medication, physical activity, sleep and consistency.
Will I receive a meal plan?
A personalised nutrition plan can be prepared as a separate service. The plan considers your health, dietary preferences, daily routine and individual goals.
Can a nutritionist help with bloating?
A nutritionist can review dietary factors that may contribute to bloating and recommend suitable changes. Persistent or severe symptoms may require assessment by a doctor or gastroenterologist.
Can a nutritionist diagnose a food intolerance?
A nutritionist may recognise symptoms that require further investigation but does not diagnose an intolerance from symptoms alone. Appropriate medical or laboratory testing may be required.
Should I bring my laboratory results?
Yes. Recent results related to blood glucose, cholesterol, iron, ferritin, vitamin levels, thyroid function or other relevant indicators may help with the assessment. Bring any results you already have, but do not order extensive testing without a medical indication.
Are consultations available in English?
Please mention your preferred language when booking so that the clinic can confirm the appropriate consultation arrangements.
How much does a nutritionist consultation cost?
A nutritionist consultation at Republikas laukuma klīnika costs €70. Preparation of a personalised nutrition plan costs €120.
Book a nutritionist in Riga
Republikas laukuma klīnika is located in central Riga, close to the Old Town and Riga Passenger Port.
Nutritionist: Larisa Vudsa
Consultation: €70
Personalised nutrition plan: €120
Phone: 28002363
Address: Republikas laukums 3–18, Riga
Location: Centra nams, first floor; entrance from the side of the Ministry of Agriculture
