Frequently asked questions
How does it work?Practiced as Wholistic Nutritional Medicine it acts on the way cells work. When diets are poor or there is prolonged stress, the normal protection systems in the cell under-perform and cells are damaged by toxins and reactive chemicals. The immune system cannot work well in these conditions and we are more likely to suffer health problems. These could be physical or mental since nutritional therapists recognise that the brain is especially dependent on good nutrition. One of the roles of the immune system is to clear away wastes. In chronic illness this does not happen fast enough. Cells work in a sluggish fashion and wastes and toxins accumulate. Nutritional medicine seeks to return cells to a healthy, energetic state by reversing this process.
Will the diet be difficult to follow?The diet and supplements are designed to relieve the burden on inadequate cell working and provide a plentiful supply of the nutrients needed. Some common foods are left out because they may slow cell function, worsen digestive conditions or interfere with the effectiveness of the immune system. Other basic foods are added to correct imbalances. Suggestions for tasty snacks and meals are essential to the success of the eating plan.
What happens during a consultation?
At the initial consultation which usually lasts 90 minutes we will go through your personal and family medical history, diet and lifestyle. I will be looking for clues in the detail of illnesses or ailments and periods of stress as to what has happened in your body over your lifetime. There is no physical examination but I would like to look at your finger nails and visible skin and hair. I will give you my initial thoughts on what you need and we will discuss together the kind of dietary and lifestyle changes achievable for you.
At the initial consultation which usually lasts 90 minutes we will go through your personal and family medical history, diet and lifestyle. I will be looking for clues in the detail of illnesses or ailments and periods of stress as to what has happened in your body over your lifetime. There is no physical examination but I would like to look at your finger nails and visible skin and hair. I will give you my initial thoughts on what you need and we will discuss together the kind of dietary and lifestyle changes achievable for you.
How do I work on your case?
After the consultation I make a detailed analysis of all the information you have given me. This usually involves an additional 2 to 3 hours work depending on the complexity of your history. I tease out the family or inherited factors in your case and map the changing ability of your body to handle toxins and fight infection. Other factors that I explore are most affected body systems such as digestion or liver, vitamin and mineral imbalances and the way your body handles fats, sugar, salt (sodium) and calcium. While the symptoms which you bring to the consultation are thoroughly considered the aim in putting together a prescription is to address the underlying causes of your health problems.
After the consultation I make a detailed analysis of all the information you have given me. This usually involves an additional 2 to 3 hours work depending on the complexity of your history. I tease out the family or inherited factors in your case and map the changing ability of your body to handle toxins and fight infection. Other factors that I explore are most affected body systems such as digestion or liver, vitamin and mineral imbalances and the way your body handles fats, sugar, salt (sodium) and calcium. While the symptoms which you bring to the consultation are thoroughly considered the aim in putting together a prescription is to address the underlying causes of your health problems.
What help will you get with the program?A few days after the consultation you will get a letter and information pack. It starts with a brief analysis of how you have arrived at your present state and outlines the way ahead. The detailed dietary plan goes through all the food groups explaining what you should eat and drink and why. There are usually also supplement recommendations. I provide a ‘Nine Point Plan’ to help you tackle the program one step at a time, hints and suggestions for getting started on the prescription, snack and meal ideas, recipes, stockist information and recipe book recommendations.
Every consultation includes support by telephone or email to help you follow the program. I also offer shopping trips to food stores close to clinic locations to help you locate foods and work out how to adapt what is available to you to your diet.
Why do you recommend particular supplements?
I only recommend supplements designed for use in individual nutritional therapy programs. Multi-vitamin and mineral combinations in particular are carefully formulated to support cell working and can be scaled up or down with all ingredients in the correct proportion to allow for tailoring of the dose to the age and responsiveness of the patient. A typical starter prescription may work out at about £2 per day - about the cost of a supermarket sandwich. I am always happy to prioritise supplements if necessary and in many cases progress can be made following dietary recommendations alone although achieving change will take longer.
I only recommend supplements designed for use in individual nutritional therapy programs. Multi-vitamin and mineral combinations in particular are carefully formulated to support cell working and can be scaled up or down with all ingredients in the correct proportion to allow for tailoring of the dose to the age and responsiveness of the patient. A typical starter prescription may work out at about £2 per day - about the cost of a supermarket sandwich. I am always happy to prioritise supplements if necessary and in many cases progress can be made following dietary recommendations alone although achieving change will take longer.
How long does a course of treatment take?
Many people would expect to see a difference in their condition by their first follow up consultation after 6 to 8 weeks. Some may see changes in 2 or 3 weeks. Straightforward conditions usually require an initial consultation and two follow up appointments over 4 to 6 months. The program is usually adjusted at each consultation according to the feedback which you give me at follow up appointments to meet your objectives. If you have had a chronic condition over many years then you may need a longer treatment program. Some conditions also require more frequent appointments.
Many people would expect to see a difference in their condition by their first follow up consultation after 6 to 8 weeks. Some may see changes in 2 or 3 weeks. Straightforward conditions usually require an initial consultation and two follow up appointments over 4 to 6 months. The program is usually adjusted at each consultation according to the feedback which you give me at follow up appointments to meet your objectives. If you have had a chronic condition over many years then you may need a longer treatment program. Some conditions also require more frequent appointments.
