What is nutritional therapy?

Nutritional Therapy is the application of nutrition science in the promotion of health, peak performance and individual care. Nutritional therapist look at the mediators and triggers of illnesses rather than focusing on symptoms. Please see my About Nutrition for more info.

 

What conditions can nutritional therapy help?

Nutritional Therapy can support a wide range of health problems that are listed here. Some of the most common are digestive (IBS, dysbiosis and constipation), cardiovascular (high blood pressure and cholesterol), to improving energy, losing weight loss, supporting pregnancy and fitness.

 

What happens during a consultation?

A consultation is focused solely on the individual. I will look at your personal health history, lifestyle habits and goals. Before the first consultation you will be required to complete and return a detailed questionnaire and 3-day food diary. During the consultation I may ask further questions. I will then explain how your current diet and lifestyle may be affecting your symptoms. We will finally agree on a nutritional programme that will address your symptoms. Find out more about the consultation here.

 

Where do you practice from?

I practice from my home and I also offer remote consultations via Skype, Zoom or by telephone.

 

Do you offer telephone, Zoom or Skype consultations?

Yes, I do.

 

Do you offer home visits?

Yes, home visits can be arranged, although there may be an additional fee to cover travel expenses.

 

What payment methods do you accept?

I accept cash, cheque, pay pal or a bank transfer, payable in advance if the consultation is held online.

 

Are you covered by private health insurance?

Yes, I have private, professional indemnity insurance.

 

How many consultations will I need?

This depends on the severity of your symptoms, how many goals you’d like to work through and how well necessary changes are made. However, on average clients require three to four consultations over a three-month period.

 

Do you recommend supplements?

Food is the obvious choice, but nutritional therapists will often recommend supplements to achieve faster results and for support if obtaining the right nutrients from food intake is challenging.

 

Do you recommend diagnostic tests?

Yes, functional tests, such as stool and blood, are an essential tool to help pinpoint a more targeted, individual response, but in most cases a detailed questionnaire and food diary is all that is needed.

 

How easy to follow is a dietary programme?

All of my dietary protocols are practical and achievable as they are tailored to a clients dietary and lifestyle preferences. Support is always offered.

 

Can I see a registered nutritional therapist if I am on prescription medication?

I will fully research a client’s medication regime to ensure there are no drug and food interactions.

 

How do you keep my personal information?

It is kept under strict confidentiality and held under the data protection act 2018 - in line with the Information Commissioner’s Office. I may need to keep your GP informed, but would only do this with your permission.

 

Do you have a cancellation policy?

Yes, I do, if you cancel over 24hrs: there is no charge, but less than 24hrs notice it is 50% of the fee.

 

What is the difference between a registered nutritional therapist and a dietician?

Registered Nutritional Therapists

Nutritional Therapy is the application of nutrition science in the promotion of health, peak performance and individual care. Registered Nutritional Therapists use a wide range of tools to assess and identify potential nutritional imbalances and understand how these may contribute to an individual’s symptoms and health concerns. This approach allows them to work with individuals to address nutritional balance and help support the body towards maintaining health. Nutritional therapy is recognised as a complementary medicine and is relevant for individuals with chronic conditions, as well as those looking for support to enhance their health and wellbeing.

 

Registered Nutritional Therapists consider each individual to be unique and recommend personalised nutrition and lifestyle programmes rather than a ‘one size fits all’ approach. Registered Nutritional Therapists never recommend nutritional therapy as a replacement for medical advice and always refer any client with ‘red flag’ signs or symptoms to their medical professional. They will also frequently work alongside a medical professional and will communicate with other healthcare professionals involved in the client’s care to explain any nutritional therapy programme that has been provided.

 

Dietitians

Dietitians work principally in the National Health Service and are regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council. Their professional body is the British Dietetic Association. A dietitian uses the science of nutrition to devise eating plans for patients to treat medical conditions. They also work to promote good health by helping to facilitate a positive change in food choices amongst individuals, groups and communities.

 

NB. Only dietitians and Registered Nutritional Therapists are trained in clinical practice to give one-on-one personal health advice. Both groups must practise with full professional indemnity insurance.