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What is Nutritional Therapy?
Nutritional therapy is a complementary therapy. A non challenging
diet is prescribed, using gentle support and cleansing methods.
The aim is to restore homeostasis to the body by improving
digestion, elimination and hydration and reducing physical
and mental stress. Optimum health cannot be restored without
addressing all of these areas.
What is the difference between a dietician or nutritionist
and a nutritional therapist?
Dieticians and nutritionists generally work within the NHS
or the private health sector, such as BUPA. They will advise
on body mass index, nutritional planning and links between
different foods using the "Balance of good health model"
(www.eatwell.gov.uk).
Nutritional therapists and practitioners in general practice
complementary and alternative medicines. They will usually
advise on detoxification methods, colon and digestive health
and how to achieve and maintain it. Unique nutritional programmes
are prescribed aimed at regaining homeostasis to suit each
individual's hormone balance and metabolism. Supplements in
the form of vitamins, minerals and herbs may often be prescribed
once imbalances are identified. One of the main benefits with
nutritional therapy is its ability to reverse many chronic
conditions when mainstream medicine has been unable to help.
It works on the principle that a body can heal itself given
the right conditions.
How successful is nutritional therapy?
It is as successful as you want it to be! During the consultation
I will explain in detail your health picture and how you arrived
there, and prescribe what needs to change. However, if recommendations
given are not followed then one cannot expect to see the full
benefits. The body is treated as a whole, and if it took half
a lifetime to reach a state of poor health, one must expect
to put some time and effort into the treatment to see a result.
I generally recommend a follow up visit at 3 months, and would
expect to see a significant improvement by then.
What type of diet is prescribed?
This depends on several factors: present condition of digestion
and elimination, food intolerances, acidity of the body, blood
type, so many things have to be taken into consideration during
the initial consultation. However, the diet will always be
natural and non challenging. It is not aimed at restricting
foods, but rather ensuring the body is given the right nutrients
and fluids to help it recover. My aim is to help an individual
reach a point where they could happily fast for several days
if they wanted to. The main symptom of a stressed toxic system
is the constant need to eat, caused by low blood sugar. When
homeostasis is that far out of balance, food is generally
used to mask the symptoms. However, if the body is constantly
busy trying to digest difficult foods it is unable to generate
any spare energy to remove toxins from the system.
What about supplements?
Naturopathic medicine does not recommend supplements at the
beginning of treatment. This is because initially digestive
health and absorption is poor, and taking herbs, vitamins
or mineral tablets will just create more stress to the body.
Only fresh unprocessed (preferably organic) nutrients and
pure water is used. The need for supplements is reassessed
at a later date, and it is often the case that once healthy
digestion and absorption is restored they are not necessary
in high doses, if at all.
For how long would I need to follow the guidelines?
This depends on how far away your present diet is from healthy
and your current condition and what symptoms are presenting.
Many people find that once they make the recommended changes
they become permanent, as your body will give a clear message
that it prefers good nutrition, you just need to listen to
it. Also, many people find their tastes change, processed
foods become unpalatable and bland. In any event, permanent
change is necessary to regain good health and keep it.
Do you offer consultations by telephone or post?
I always prefer to hold face to face consultations wherever
possible. However, if circumstances dictate this cannot be
done, then you may contact me by email and I will send the
appropriate forms to you by email or post. Once I receive
the completed form back I will contact you by phone in due
course. The cost for this service is the same as the normal
consultation, and the same support is given.
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