who can benefit from nutritional therapy?

Anyone! Whether you are suffering from symptoms that are making you feel unwell, or simply want to ensure your continued good health, a nutritional therapist can help you. People of all ages and from every walk of life can benefit from a consultation.

why would I see a nutritional therapist?

Nutritional therapy is a safe, gentle and above all empowering approach to better health. It can be used both to support disease conditions i.e. after symptoms have appeared, and for disease prevention i.e. before problems occur.

Based on scientific knowledge and research, nutritional therapy may be used to support or solve problems such as:

• Allergies and asthma
• Arthritis and joint pain
• Childhood behavioural disorders
• Chronic fatigue
• Headaches and migraines
• High cholesterol and/or blood pressure
• Hormone imbalances
• IBS & other digestive symptoms
• Infertility, and preconceptual care
• Skin problems
• Stress, anxiety and depression
• Weight management

and help prevent illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, arthritis and osteoporosis.

NB This is not an exhaustive list!

what happens during a consultation?

First of all you will be sent a questionnaire and 4-day food diary to complete. During your initial consultation I will use these to help gather more in-depth information. I will then explain the underlying factors that are likely to be contributing to your symptoms or health condition.

I will then formulate a personalised programme, giving you specific dietary, lifestyle and supplement recommendations with achievable goals that are realistic for you to put into practice. Your information pack will contain all the information you need to be able to make positive changes to your diet, including food groups to include/avoid, and detailed handouts that are specific to your individual condition.

I may also recommend tests with an independent medical laboratory. These are not always necessary but do enable me to work in a very targeted way to address any underlying health problems.

supplements

Your nutritional programme will focus mainly on diet and eating habits, but I will sometimes recommend nutritional supplements to address nutrient deficiencies and target stubborn symptoms. I prefer to recommend the brands that I know to work the most effectively – but can work within your budget to offer less expensive alternatives where necessary. Where appropriate I also use homeopathic remedies which can reduce the need for supplements.

health tests and screening

The health screens I offer are in conjunction with Genova Diagnostics, an independent medical laboratory, and are often covered by private medical insurance policies such as BUPA and PPP. Some tests require a blood sample which may be taken by a nurse or GP at your surgery.

Commonly requested tests and screens include the following:

• Food allergy & intolerance (via blood sample)
• Female and male hormone screens (via blood sample)
• IBS, candida and “traveller’s tummy” screens (via stool sample)
• Thyroid and adrenal function (via blood or urine sample)
• Heavy metal toxicity (via hair analysis)
• Osteoporosis risk assessment (via urine sample)

Test kits are ordered from the laboratory and sent directly to you for completion.