Taking a look at Nutritional Therapy

Food, the need although primal, the connection is multifaceted and ever‐ changing. Throughout the developed world cooking has become a pleasurable pastime. Although the primal need for fuelling our bodies remains ever the same, the nation’s diet has become distressing. Our innate craving for sweets and fats in abundance now seems to be leading us down a path of bodily destruction where cases of chronic disease are increasing.

However, the choice of food and health experts eager to instruct us seems endless. It can be confusing to know who to listen to as we have everything from self- proclaimed experts, to chefs or journalists making contributions to our dietary education. If you are genuinely seeking expert, personalised guidance, you need to know where to look and what to look for.

Nutritional therapy is based on the scientific principle that food, as nature intended it, provides the nutrients needed to heal the body and to help bring us back to a state of optimum health and vitality. As an individual‐centred approach to healthcare, nutritional therapy works by assessment and intervention. It uses nutritional, lifestyle‐based and related health sciences to assist the individual to optimise their biological, emotive, cognitive and physical function.

As a complementary therapy often used alongside conventional medicine, therapists cannot claim to be able to cure a condition or illness. Although some health complaints require particular medication, there are many that may be effectively relieved with nutritional therapy. Examples of these are, low energy, digestive concerns, weight management, joint & bone health, bowel problems, anxiety & stress, insomnia, infertility, detoxification, skin problems and hormonal health to name a few. Ongoing studies have shown nutritional therapy can benefit all age groups and can be used to maintain an optimum state of health.

The therapist will work to identify the cause and work out a programme to address the situation. For example, digestive problems such as irritable bowel syndrome, can be triggered by any number of causes, from food sensitivities to stress, or poor gut bacteria to parasites.

Our digestive tract for example, is recognised as a key component of our overall state of vibrant wellbeing. As a nutritional therapist my approach is hands-on and personal as I work with my clients to support their gastrointestinal optimal health and function. I understand that the microbes in the gut lumen of humans are required to ensure optimal gastrointestinal health. Intestinal flora aid food digestion and absorption, and inhibit the development of pathogenic bacteria. Alterations in these ratios may lead to a change in gastrointestinal function and health. Nutritional therapists look to support optimal ecological homeostasis in the gastric lumen through the tailored use of foods, food components and biological agents (probiotics).

Working with a client on a one-to-one basis a nutritional therapist assesses a person’s nutritional needs and focuses on the link between health and diet, with an emphasis on recognising the root cause of a health problem. This includes specific and personalised advice using investigations and careful history taking to support / improve your energy levels, concentration, weight and overall health

Sometimes, our lifestyle and food selections are less than ideal, which can make us feel low in terms of wellbeing and energy. At these times in our life, the use of a tailored nutritional programme and food concentrates can help us achieve optimal wellbeing.

Wishing you good health!

Angelique

Consult your doctor or health care practitioner for any health problems, before embarking on any new health regimes, using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications or food programmes.