SERVICES
Dietary and Lifestyle Advice
It is well known that that the current dietary and lifestyle habits for a large proportion of the British population are detrimental to health, and are likely to have contributed to an increase in the incidence of obesity, cardiovascular disease and Type II diabetes in recent years.
Although this knowledge is widespread, many people find that they do not know how to change their own diet and lifestyle in order to bring about improvement in their health. Sometimes, the information given in the media about how we should eat healthily is confusing or conflicting, which adds to the uncertainty about how to change . Other people feel that they don't have the time or skill to prepare foods differently and so continue in the same habitual patterns.
Seeking help from a specialist in nutrition, who can analyse your current diet and lifestyle patterns in conjunction with your requirements, abilities and constraints, can enable you to make changes that are specific to your needs. Step-by-step changes can be made at a pace that suits you and that enables you to make longer-lasting differences to your lifestyle, and ultimately to your health.
Testing
For some health conditions, additional testing may be helpful in order to determine or eliminate the likely causes of symptoms, or to establish risk factors. Some of these tests can be arranged by your GP or can be carried out privately. If it is felt that there is a need for further information, the relevant tests will be discussed with you.
For those, who would prefer not to undertake any further tests, it is often possible to reveal some underlying causes of ill health by progressive dietary changes and through a 'process of elimination', although this can be a longer process.
Tests that cannot be accessed via your G.P are carried out by reputable specialist laboratories which carry Clinical Pathology Accreditation.
Supplements
The best way to achieve optimum health is through a healthy and balanced diet, and unnecessary reliance on nutritional supplements in order to maintain adequate nutrient intake is undesirable. Therefore, all patients will be offered a 'Food First' approach, whereby they are encouraged to alter their diet accordingly in order to ensure the best provision of nutrients.
There are occasions, however, where it may be beneficial to provide nutritional supplements if research supports their use, and especially where testing has revealed a nutrient deficiency. In these cases, the short-term use of supplements may bring about change more quickly than the use of dietary changes alone, in the same way that a course of medication from your doctor may expedite recovery. Supplements may also be advised for patients who have reduced capacity to absorb nutrients, such as those with gastrointestinal disease.
Supplements will only be advised at your consultation if there is good reason to support their use, and if you are happy to include them as part of your programme.
Referral
Nutritional Therapy and Lifestyle Medicine can be effective at bringing about change for many people with a variety of different health conditions, but there will always be some people for whom it does not bring about the improvement that they hoped for. There may be many reasons for this, and it may be necessary to refer you back to your doctor for further investigation of symptoms that may require medical attention.
Alternatively, you may benefit from the expertise of an alternative health professional, such as a physiotherapist, chiropractor or psychologist for example.
If this becomes necessary, the options available to you will be discussed at your consultation and you will be asked to give your consent if an onward referral is seen to be necessary.
Fees*
Fees vary according to whether you choose to book appointments individually, or whether you wish to commit to a series of consultations which are designed to help you through a process of gradual diet and lifestyle changes aimed at improving health or achieving weight loss.
A guideline to current fees is given below, but you can obtain a copy of the full price list which explains everything that is included in more detail. Click here to request a full price list with terms & conditions, or to request further information.
Advisory Appointment (30 mins)
The advisory appointment is a low commitment, value option for those who have questions about their health, lifestyle and nutrition but don't feel the need for a personalised package of care. You can use this appointment for general queries about your health & diet, or to find out more about what a package of care would involve, and whether it would be suitable for you.
Packages
Packages of care offer you a full health and dietary analysis with a personalised programme to follow. They all include a 30min 'Explore' appointment and a 60min 'Programme' appointment, with a customised pack of diet & lifestyle recommendations, information leaflets and menu/recipe ideas. Longer packages include 'Review' appointments (at a reduced rate) which can be used to monitor progress and adjust recommendations, plus reasonable email access for the duration of the package.
Gift Certificates
If you think someone you know would benefit from a consultation, you can buy them a gift certificate (min £15) to put towards a package of their choice. To request one, please email here.
*Fees reflect the clinical expertise/experience of the practitioner, preparation & analysis of assessment/treatment materials, resources, report-writing, practice costs, and consultation time.