Hello, my name is Mark Bennett and I am a functionally trained Nutritional Therapist (essentially a nutritional scientist working in clinical practice), having achieved a first class honours nutritional therapy science degree from the ‘Centre for Nutrition Education and Lifestyle Management’ (accredited by Middlesex University). Functional medicine looks at the body as a whole and is focussed on identifying the causes of chronic disease rather than symptomatic relief. By intelligently identifying the root cause of symptoms and disease, targeted and individually tailored dietary and lifestyle interventions can be recommended.  I am a member of the British Association for Applied Nutrition and Nutritional Therapy (BANT) which is our professional body, the Complementary and Natural Health Care Council (CNHC) which protects the public with an expected code of conduct, ethics and performance for registered complementary practitioners, as well as being a registered Certified Gluten Practitioner. I am also a registered Nutrigenetic Counsellor. This means that I have been trained to utilise specific DNA tests to identify potential strengths and weaknesses at a genetic level and to interpret the results in order to create individualised nutritional and lifestyle interventions that are based on the client’s goals. My areas of clinical focus are: gastro intestinal health (e.g. IBS, inflammatory bowel disease, reflux), autoimmunity, gluten related disorders (coeliac disease, non coeliac gluten sensitivity) and longevity.

One of my key objectives, other than working with individuals on a one to one basis to achieve their health goals, is to run regular local events/seminars on specific health topics, contribute regularly to radio programmes (BBC Berkshire Radio (2 times per month on the ‘wellbeing’ slot on Thursday afternoons with Bill Buckley and when required on TalkRADIO on the breakfast show with Paul Ross)) and write a monthly health column for Round & About magazine. This means that I can hopefully start to influence the wider population with the concept that they really are far more in control of their health than they would ever imagine.

In my previous work life, I was the founder and CEO of a creative digital agency that I ran for 17 years, before selling as a going concern to a quoted company. This was a major lifestyle decision which has enabled me to obtain the skills that I require to pursue my enthusiasm and passion for nutrition, helping those that are interested to take back control of their health and well being.