So, what is
Nutritional Therapy?
Nutritional therapy is the application of nutrition science in the promotion of health, peak performance and individual care. Nutritional Therapy Practitioner uses a wide range of tools to assess and identify potential nutritional imbalances and understand how these may contribute to an individual’s symptoms and health concerns. This approach allows them to work with individuals to address nutritional imbalance and help support the body towards maintaining health.
Nutritional therapy is recognised as complementary medicine. It is relevant both for individuals looking to enhance their health and well-being and for those with chronic conditions wishing to work with or 'consult' a nutritional therapy practitioner in collaboration with other suitably qualified healthcare professionals. The therapy can positively help people who are interested in taking responsibility of their own health by making food and lifestyle changes. It is based on the results of scientific clinical trials, published and respected peer reviewed journals, for instance, the role of turmeric in reducing inflammation, role of chromium in blood sugar stabilisation etc.
Practitioners consider each individual to be unique and recommend personalised nutrition and lifestyle programmes rather than a ‘one size fits all’ approach. They never recommend nutritional therapy as a replacement for medical advice and always refer any client with ‘red flag’ signs or symptoms to their medical professional. They will also frequently work alongside a medical professional and will communicate with other healthcare professionals involved in
What does a session look like?
Before the first consultation, the practitioner usually provides a health and nutrition questionnaire for the client to complete, this includes a five-day diet & exercise diary. An initial consultation typically lasts 60 to 90 minutes, and in this time the practitioner asks detailed questions about current health concerns, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment, medical history, family history, lifestyle, levels of physical activity, use of medication, supplements, and diet. The practitioner then evaluates individual needs and uses the extensive evidence base for nutritional science to develop a personalised, safe, and effective nutrition and lifestyle programme which could include nutritional supplements like specific vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, phytonutrients, digestive support and probiotics. Guidance on recipes, menu planning, cooking techniques, hints and tips on food shopping are aimed at making lifestyle choices easier. Functional testing may be advised which could include hair mineral analysis, blood, and stool test, food intolerance and allergy test, stress index and female hormone testing.