Nutritional Therapy is the application of nutrition and lifestyle medicine sciences in the promotion and maintenance of optimal health and wellbeing.
Nutritional Therapists believe that every individual is unique, so rather than taking a one size fits all approach, we offer personalised nutrition and lifestyle programmes, which take into account a client’s own health history, goals and dietary preferences. We assess and identify potential nutritional imbalances or insufficiencies and understand how these may contribute to an individual’s symptoms and health concerns. Nutritionists emphasise using whole, organic, pesticide-free foods as medicine and the importance of detoxification and cleansing.
Functional tests are occasionally recommended to help inform the recommended protocols; supplements may also be recommended. Nutritionists do not diagnose or treat disease and any recommendations are not a replacement for medical advice. We often work alongside other healthcare providers, such as GPs and sometimes, with your consent, we refer you to other medical professionals, to support your wellbeing.
Why Nutritional Therapy & how can it help you?
Increasingly, people are paying closer attention to their diet and well-being. Most of us know somebody who is avoiding meat and/or dairy products, cutting out alcohol and/or reducing sugar intake for various health reasons. There is now greater acceptance of those who choose to be vegetarian, vegan or who require special diets (such as gluten-free or nut-free), due to allergies. Organic foods arguably exist because of a market demand generated by those who preferred naturally grown, pesticide-free fruits and vegetable. My involvement with an R&D project, growing ‘clean’ foods hydroponically in Vietnam demonstrated the impact that toxins in the soil and on crops have.
Personalised nutrition consultations are relevant for individuals with chronic conditions, such as diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis; for anyone with persistent digestive issues or patients struggling to support an autoimmune condition, as well as those looking to enhance their health and wellbeing.
There is growing evidence to support the view that healthy eating may best be achieved by following an organic, living food, plant-based diet, plus exercise. The Hippocrates Lifestyle TM Medicine Protocol for example, promotes consumption of sprouts (living foods) and green juices, including wheatgrass. Based on 60+ years of scientific research, this particular strategy discourages eating eggs, dairy products, meat and all refined/processed foods, as heat destroys valuable nutrients. The Protocol aims to prevent, delay and reverse chronic conditions with optimal nutrition. Some anticipate this type of Lifestyle Medicine may become the future in healthcare, offering an integrated approach towards the prevention and management of chronic degenerative dis-ease. Not for everyone, I have found some elements of this Protocol effective.