Nutritional Therapy
Good nutrition is a fundamental requirement for health as every process in the body depends on nutrients which are obtained from our diets. As a result, our dietary and lifestyle choices can have a dramatic impact upon our health, for better or for worse.
What can I expect from a consultation?
How many consultations will I need?
How much will I need to change my diet?
What is Nutritional Therapy?
Nutritional Therapy is the application of nutrition science in the promotion of health
and peak performance. Nutritional Therapy can identify potential nutritional imbalances and how these contribute to symptoms. This approach allows the nutritional therapist to work with people on many levels by addressing
nutritional imbalances and supporting the body towards maintaining health.
The types of body processes that are taken into account by Nutritional Therapists include:
- The digestion and absorption of food and nutrients
- The ability of the liver to process toxins
- The control of blood sugar levels
- The regulation of hormones, such as sex hormones, adrenals and thyroid
- Immune and inflammatory processes
- Energy production and oxidative stress
- The regulation of neurotransmitters (brain chemicals).
Why use Nutritional Therapy?
Nutritional Therapy may be beneficial if:
- You suffer from symptoms of ill health
- You are looking to achieve a healthy body weight
- You want to optimise your health and energy levels
- You want to find out if you are on the right track with regard to healthy eating
What can I expect from a consultation?
Before your first consultation, you will be asked to complete a three day food diary and a health questionnaire.
During the first part of the consultation you will be asked in more detail about the relevant areas of your health, current symptoms and diet. You may also be asked about your past health history, family medical history, current and previous medications, psychological and emotional factors.
In the second part of your consultation factors that may be contributing to your symptoms will be explained to help you understand how your diet and lifestyle may be affecting your health. Together you will discuss and agree on a personalised nutrition plan based on your needs and the extent of change that you want to make.
To help you to achieve successful results you will be provided with practical information such as meal suggestions, recipes, ideas for using and cooking with different foods and shopping tips. This will usually be forwarded to you after your consultation.
You will be involved in your treatment from the start so that the recommendations are compatible with your lifestyle.
Dietary supplements may be recommended if appropriate to suit your specific needs and if you are on medication, any potential drug-nutrient interactions will be checked.
Laboratory testing may be recommended in certain circumstances to help to identify nutritional and physiological imbalances and to facilitate a more specifically targeted nutrition programme. The process, costs and reasons for recommending any tests will be fully discussed with you so that you can decide if you would like to go ahead with them. You may also be referred to your GP for the investigation of any potential underlying medical conditions.
How many consultations will I need?
This depends on your individual state of health. Some people may only need a couple of consultations whereas other people, with more deep seated issues, may benefit from consultations over a longer period of time.
Follow up consultations are usually recommended after three to four weeks to monitor your progress and make any adjustments to your programme.
How much will I need to change my diet?
Sometimes people are reluctant to see a nutritional therapist as they worry that they will be put on restrictive diet which is difficult to carry out. However, Tanya’s approach is to help you to make realistic changes to your diet so that it is varied, enjoyable and sustainable.
An important part of Tanya’s role as a nutritional therapist is to help you to understand the factors that are having an impact on your health so you can make informed choices for the future.
The extent of change required depends upon your individual state of health, however, sometimes even a few small changes can have a really positive effect.