Madelize Venter Registered Dietitian

Madelize Venter Registered Dietitian Registered Dietitian located at Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre and Premier Health Centre

Bloating after milk? It might be lactose intolerance — but not everyone needs to cut dairy completely 🥛Lactose intoleran...
09/03/2026

Bloating after milk? It might be lactose intolerance — but not everyone needs to cut dairy completely 🥛

Lactose intolerance is common and manageable. Most people can tolerate small amounts, especially when eaten with other foods.

Before removing whole food groups, make sure you know what you’re actually reacting to.

If you’re unsure whether it’s lactose, IBS, or something else — that’s where proper assessment matters.

Save this for later 🤍

# allergiesandintolerances

Everyone bloats sometimes.That’s normal.After a big meal.During PMS.After fizzy drinks.But bloating that is daily, painf...
07/03/2026

Everyone bloats sometimes.

That’s normal.

After a big meal.
During PMS.
After fizzy drinks.

But bloating that is daily, painful, or persistent deserves investigation.

Red flags include:
• Weight loss
• Blood in stool
• Severe pain
• Waking up already bloated

Not all bloating is IBS.
And not all IBS needs lifelong restriction.

If you’re unsure whether your symptoms are normal or not, get assessed properly.

Bloating doesn’t automatically mean allergy.And it doesn’t mean you need to cut 10 foods.The most common intolerances I ...
04/03/2026

Bloating doesn’t automatically mean allergy.

And it doesn’t mean you need to cut 10 foods.

The most common intolerances I see in practice:

• Lactose 🥛
• FODMAP sensitivity 🧄
• Gluten sensitivity (non-coeliac) 🌾
• Caffeine ☕

The key difference from allergy?
They are usually digestive and dose-dependent.

The goal is not restriction.
The goal is symptom control and improved tolerance.

If you’re constantly guessing what to avoid, let’s assess it properly.

So many people say,
“I think I’m allergic to gluten/dairy/sugar.”But allergy and intolerance are very different.A food a...
02/03/2026

So many people say,
“I think I’m allergic to gluten/dairy/sugar.”

But allergy and intolerance are very different.

A food allergy:
→ involves the immune system
→ can be life-threatening
→ often needs strict avoidance

A food intolerance:
→ is usually digestive
→ is dose-dependent
→ can often be managed, not eliminated

Cutting out foods unnecessarily can:
• Reduce nutrient intake
• Increase food anxiety
• Make symptoms worse

If you’re unsure whether it’s an allergy, intolerance or something else entirely — get assessed properly.

Not every reaction means lifelong restriction.

Breakfast is one of the most common challenges in adolescence.Between changing sleep patterns, busy school mornings, and...
28/02/2026

Breakfast is one of the most common challenges in adolescence.

Between changing sleep patterns, busy school mornings, and low early appetite, many teens simply don’t feel hungry — but their bodies still need fuel for:

• Concentration and learning
• Mood and energy
• Growth and development
• Sport performance and recovery

The key is to focus on small, realistic options rather than perfect meals.

Even a drinkable breakfast or quick snack is far better than nothing and can make a meaningful difference across the day.

If mornings are a daily struggle in your home, dietitian guidance can help create practical routines that actually work for your family.

TeenAthletes

Many parents aren’t sure when nutrition concerns are serious enough to seek help.The truth is, dietitians don’t only wor...
25/02/2026

Many parents aren’t sure when nutrition concerns are serious enough to seek help.

The truth is, dietitians don’t only work with illness or eating disorders.
We also support:

• Healthy growth and puberty
• Sport performance and recovery
• Gut health and medical conditions
• Balanced, stress-free family eating
• Early concerns before they become bigger problems

Early support is always easier than late intervention.

If something about your teen’s eating, growth, energy, or health feels worrying, it’s okay to ask for guidance.

📍 Blairgowrie, Johannesburg

GrowthAndDevelopment

The way teens think about food doesn’t start with them.
It starts with the messages they hear — at home, at school, onli...
23/02/2026

The way teens think about food doesn’t start with them.
It starts with the messages they hear — at home, at school, online, everywhere.

Strict food rules and guilt may look like “healthy habits”…
but they can quietly harm a teen’s mental health and relationship with eating.

Balanced nutrition isn’t just about nutrients.
It’s about safety, flexibility, and trust around food. 🧡

If you’re concerned about your teen, early guidance from a dietitian can make a life-changing difference.

Many parents worry their teen isn’t getting enough nutrition — and reach for supplements first.But the truth?
Most teens...
20/02/2026

Many parents worry their teen isn’t getting enough nutrition — and reach for supplements first.

But the truth?
Most teens don’t need them.
What they do need is enough food, balanced meals, and the right guidance when problems arise.

In some cases, supplements are helpful and even necessary — but only after proper assessment.

Food first. Supplements when truly indicated. 🧡

Adolescence is a period of rapid growth — physically, mentally, and emotionally.When teens don’t fuel adequately, the si...
16/02/2026

Adolescence is a period of rapid growth — physically, mentally, and emotionally.

When teens don’t fuel adequately, the signs are often subtle at first. Noticing them early allows for gentle intervention before patterns become entrenched.

If you’re unsure whether your teen is eating enough, it’s okay to ask for help 🤍

📞 010 591 2233  
🌐 premierhealthcentre.co.za  

Valentine’s Day can quietly amplify food and body image struggles in teens — especially in a world of comparison and pre...
13/02/2026

Valentine’s Day can quietly amplify food and body image struggles in teens — especially in a world of comparison and pressure.

If eating feels stressful, emotional, or tied to self-worth, it’s worth paying attention. Early support can prevent these patterns from becoming long-term struggles.

Gentle, compassionate nutrition support matters — especially during adolescence ❤️

📞 010 591 2223  
🌐 premierhealthcentre.co.za
 

Address

18 Eton Road
Parktown
2193

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