Nutritional Therapy Services in Birmingham
Nutritional Therapy
Nutritional Therapy is the application of nutritional science and evidence based research to promote optimal health and well-being. It looks at how certain properties of food interact with our bodies on a cellular level. For example, there are specific nutrients that support the nervous system, immune system, aid in liver detoxification and protect our bodies from disease. Applying these principles to your diet can be a powerful tool in both the prevention of illness as well as recovery from disease.
Our bodies work hard to keep us healthy however over time factors such as poor nutrition, stress, and toxins can begin to overwhelm the body and create imbalances. Sadly, the many diets lack many vital nutrients, that may contribute to poor health. When these obstacles to health are removed and the right raw materials are provided, the good news is that the body has the inherent ability to rebalance and heal.
Functional Medicine Approach
I use the Functional Medicine Model to assess health. Functional Medicine is a person-centred approach to healthcare which looks at the whole person rather than just an isolated set of symptoms. A key component of Functional Medicine is nutrition, with an emphasis on high quality foods and nutrient diversity to address clinical imbalances and to move individuals toward the highest expression of health.
Utilising a ‘Functional Medicine’ approach and evidence-based scientific research, I will seek to identify the underlying cause of imbalances in the body. Then you will receive a personalised nutrition and lifestyle plan aligned with your health goals that will set you on the path towards feeling your best.
Common reasons for seeking help include:
- Weight management
- Skin conditions
- Stress
- Digestive complaints & gut health
- Low energy
- Allergies
- Thyroid dysfunction
- Women’s nutrition
- Healthy ageing
- Immune support
- Sleep issues
- Aches and pains
If you have been diagnosed with – or suspect you may have – a medical condition, please consult with your doctor before starting nutritional therapy or making any major changes to your diet or lifestyle.
Want to know how I can help?
Functional testing
Functional Testing is particularly useful for assessing people’s health from a nutritional perspective. Testing (including tests carried out by your GP) provides us with a snapshot of how the body is currently functioning. We will not diagnose a condition, however, testing can help uncover why you have certain symptoms. This is useful to understand the body as a whole and may help identify the cause of your health issues.
Some of the most frequently used functional tests include:
Digestive and gut function analysis including:
- Stool testing
- Breath testing for lactose / fructose intolerance and small bowel overgrowth
- Stool and breath testing for Helicobacter pylori
- Food allergy and intolerance testing, including Cyrex panels
- Parasitology testing
- Candida Antibody testing
Hormone testing:
- Adrenal Stress Profile
- Female and Male Hormone Profiles
- Thyroid function
Other functional tests:
- Diabetes panels / Insulin Resistance
- Chronic Fatigue Profile
- Homocysteine
- Vitamin and Mineral profiles
- Anaemia panel
- Fatty Acid Balance
Nutrition programmes are effective without testing. However, testing enables more highly targeted nutrition programmes to be developed and helps monitor the effects of specific protocols.
All suggested tests are performed at industry-recognised laboratories in the UK using saliva, blood, urine, or stool samples. These include: Genova Diagnostics, Invivo, Regenerus and The Doctors Laboratory.
If you are interested in specific types of tests, even if not listed, please get in touch.
Book a free wellness check in if you would like more information or how I can help you