How nutritional therapy works

Recent advances in research focusing on the influence of food on disease have shown how diet can be altered to impact symptoms and improve quality of life. Each one of us has different nutrient requirements depending on our current health, our diet, lifestyle and our genes. Nutritional therapy addresses individual dietary and nutrient imbalances which impair the body’s ability to function at optimal level, and may herald a medical problem.

Every cell in the body requires a precise balance of nutrients to function optimally, and that requirement changes when particular demands are made on the body, as in the case of a chronic condition or hormonal change. With our fast paced lives and the influx of food products to help us prepare meals faster, we may be getting enough nutrients to function, but not enough when we have to combat a bout of poor health or a difficult period in our lives.

The eating plan that NUTRITION FOR HEALTH will design for you will adjust your nutrient intake in order to aid the function of the particular organ or body system that is underperforming and producing your symptoms.   In other words, we try to get to the underlying cause of your problem which could be bloating, stomach discomfort, poor skin, severe PMS or menopause symptoms for example. We do this by listening to your case, understanding your history and what has led to the problem.   We then devise a programme for you that will emphasise specific foods or food groups that have been shown through research to support active biological processes.   We'll talk about when you eat, how often, how much you eat as well as food choices.   We often run tests to ensure the right treatment plan and also prescribe nutritional supplements where they will be beneficial.

Nutritional therapy has proved particularly successful in alleviating certain chronic conditions and in reducing the risk of degenerative disease. It is also a helpful option for patients with sub-clinical or low grade symptoms whose tests at the GP are clear, but who nevertheless feel unwell   Typical conditions which respond well to a nutritional programme include IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), weight loss, diabetes, high cholesterol, acne, eczema, fertility, chronic fatigue and a host of digestive disorders.   To find out other diseases and symptoms we are often asked to address, click on the tab WHAT WE DO. 

NUTRITION FOR HEALTH  complements and integrates with medical care – it cannot replace diagnosis or medical treatment.   Areas identified during your consultation that require medical attention will be referred back to your GP (with your consent).

 

What happens at your consultation

Your nutritional therapist will discuss with you in depth:

  • Your current health concerns or symptoms and how they came about
  • Your diet, medical and family history, and other factors such as exercise, stress levels
  • Your objectives for nutritional therapy and how they can realistically be achieved within the constraints of your lifestyle and schedule.

When you make your appointment you will be sent confirmation and a questionnaire to be returned prior to the consultation. Your practitioner analyses your nutritional status, and takes a whole systems approach to discover any underlying metabolic imbalance, toxicity or nutrient deficiency that may be contributing to your health problem.  An individual programme is then designed for you, based on practical solutions, to supply the right nutrients to stimulate optimal health.  Where beneficial for your treatment plan, we will suggest laboratory tests such as allergy testing, adrenal stress, intestinal permeability, comprehensive stool analysis amongst others. We also frequently recommend good quality nutritional supplements.  Advice is independent and NUTRITION FOR HEALTH is not tied to any company.

Your first appointment takes approximately an hour and a half, and is normally followed up four to six weeks later. Your plan will be modified according to your progress, and a further recall or maintenance plan put in place. Review appointments last about 45 minutes.

 

How you benefit

Sound, practical advice from a professional who is 'on your side' to coax you and your body back to full health and show you can keep it that way!

Following your consultation you will receive:

  • Full personalised nutritional plan that focuses specifically on your health issues
  • Comprehensive dietary recommendations that fit in with your schedule and lifestyle
  • Meal suggestions, recipes, practical guidelines
  • Additional information which may help you achieve positive results
  • Impartial supplement advice
  • Referral to other health professionals or for biochemical testing if needed
  • Feedback to your GP, with your permission, and where appropriate
  • Support from NUTRITION FOR HEALTH between appointments
  • Maintenance plan at the end of your programme that helps keep you in optimal health, and arms you with new knowledge to lower your risk of disease.

 

Is a nutritional consultation right for you?

Just give us a ring for a free initial chat -  if we can't help, we'll tell you!

 

For your protection 

Medical care

NUTRITION FOR HEALTH works alongside medical practitioners, but it should be noted that nutritional therapy cannot replace medical diagnosis or treatment.  

Dietary supplements

We are not tied in any way to any nutritional supplement company or health food store. Advice where offered is impartial, and take-up is optional.

Insurance

Our practitioners are individually covered by comprehensive professional indemnity insurance.

Professional conduct

Information discussed at consultation is covered by full patient confidentiality. Practitioners at NUTRITION FOR HEALTH respect patient privacy at all times, and are bound by the Code of Ethics and Practice demanded by the governing professional bodies, British Association for Applied Nutrition & Nutritional Therapy (BANT) and the Nutritional Therapy Council (NTC).