What is the difference between nutritional therapists, dieticians, nutritionists and nutrition/dietary advisors?
Nutritional therapists use evidence based science to achieve optimum health and wellbeing of the client through personalised dietary, lifestyle and environmental interventions. Nutritional therapists work in a complimentary manner with other medical practitioners, typically assisting with patients that have chronic health problems.
Dieticians work principally in the NHS and use nutritional science to help treat patients with medical conditions as well as advising individuals, groups and communities on healthy food choices.
Nutritionists (nutritional scientists) often work outside of clinical practice focussing on research, industry or education.
Nutrition/dietary advisors offer general nutritional advice, typically as part of other complimentary therapies.
Only nutritional therapists and dieticians are trained in clinical practice to give one-to-one personal health advice. Both must practise with full professional indemnity insurance.
Why does my GP need to be contacted?
Your GP is responsible for looking after your health. It is therefore essential that any nutritional and lifestyle interventions that are implemented are communicated back to your GP. As a profession we also have a duty of care commitment to communicate any serious symptoms that we might uncover directly with your GP. Depending on your health and medical history, certain diagnostic tests may also be requested directly from your GP rather than having to finance them privately. I am unable to see any client that does not agree to their GP being contacted.
When might I expect to see results from a nutritional and lifestyle intervention?
There is not a precise answer to this question. We are all biochemically individual and rebalancing the body after sometimes many decades of sub optimal nutrition and lifestyle choices is certainly not going to happen overnight. That said, improvements in certain symptoms and overall wellbeing can be noticed within days and certainly by the next consultation which is normally 4-6 weeks later significant changes hopefully will have been noticed.
Can I pay using my private health care policy?
It depends on your provider and policy. It is definitely worth checking as health care policies are being constantly reviewed. Below is a summary of the cover that is provided by the main providers of private health care.
1) Westfield Health – Certain plans cover the use of CNHC registered nutritional therapists
2) Health Shield – Nutritional therapy is covered under the ‘health & wellbeing’ option
3) Axa PPP Healthcare – No cover at the moment
4) BUPA – No cover at the moment
5) Simplyhealth – No cover at the moment
How might DNA/genetic testing benefit me?
DNA/genetic testing can be very useful, if used in the right context and the results are interpreted for the client by a specifically trained practitioner that understands how to combine the results with the client’s history in order to provide a meaningful and powerful intervention. It is important to use a laboratory that can validate the evidence behind the genes being tested. I am an accredited Nutrigenetic Councillor and use a specific laboratory for DNA/genetic testing that uses real science to support any interpretations.
What is evidence based science?
Science that is conducted using well designed and conducted research methodologies.
What is chronic disease?
Sometimes also called ‘non communicable diseases’ these are of long duration and generally slow progression. Examples include arthritis, heart disease, dementia and type 2 diabetes.
Can I have a consultation in my home?
Certainly. There may be additional costs involved depending on the distances involved.
What are the benefits of eating organic food?
The benefits associated with eating organic food include:
- A higher intake of nutrients and antioxidants
- Supporting sustainable farming practices
- Supporting biodiversity
- Reducing your antibiotic, pesticide, fungicide and herbicide intake from your food
- Limiting the ingestion of genetically modified foods
Will you do family/group consultations?
Certainly. I am more than happy to tailor my advice to the family. I will also be running regular group events to communicate specific health topics associated with achieving and maintaining optimal health. These events will be advertised on this website.
Will I be given a long list of expensive supplements to take?
My focus is not on supplementation, but on rebalancing the body using sensible and informed food and lifestyle choices. High quality supplementation will, however, be recommended if it is believed that you require support in specific areas in order to achieve your desired goals. Any recommended supplementation will be provided to you at cost.
Are you ready to get started?
If you would like to ask any further questions or book a initial session to please use the online form and we will be in touch about next steps.