What is Nutritional Therapy?
Nutritional Therapy is an alternative health therapy that aids in the treatment and prevention of certain conditions. Through diet and nutritional supplementation optimal health can be achieved. Optimal heath can be defined as the absence of disease and ill health and the presence of energy and vitality. Nutritional therapy involves looking at diet and lifestyle alongside other factors such as pollution, environment and stress as these may all play a role in signs of ill health
In general it is a way of encouraging the body to heal itself by providing it with the necessary nutrients.
What is optimum nutrition?
Optimum nutrition is aimed at providing the body with the right level of nutrients to promote optimum functioning.
That is, to allow us to continue through our increasingly fast track, demanding and stressful lives with no signs or symptoms of ill health.
This is often not achievable through diet alone. Over the past few decades the quality of food has decreased. Many foods on supermarket shelves have been shipped from afar, kept in storage too long or processed and their nutrient levels are low. Factors such as environmental pollution, pesticides, fertilisers, stress and disease have increased our bodies’ requirements for certain nutrients. This is why supplementation is sometimes recommended.
How can Nutritional Therapy be beneficial?
Nutritional therapy has been known to benefit many conditions and symptoms including:
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Allergies and intolerances |
Cystitis |
Low energy |
In addition nutritional therapy can boost general health and be important for people who take part in sports activities.
What is the difference between a dietician and a nutritional therapist?
Dieticians and nutritional therapists are both trained in food and nutrition with a focus on how they can help the body to function. In practice there are a few differences between the two professions.
Dieticians tend to focus on one condition or disease that the patient may be suffering from; they then prepare dietary recommendations related to that condition. A nutritional therapist will look at the patient holistically and take all conditions into account and tailor the dietary recommendations to the individual person seeking their help. A nutritional therapist looks at environmental and lifestyle factors that may be playing a role also. A nutritional therapist works with optimum amounts of nutrients which are the amounts required to minimise health problems and promote optimum health. A dietician works with RDA levels which are set by the government and are the lowest amounts needed to prevent deficiency disease.
A nutritional therapist also works with prevention of health problems and encourages the body to heal itself.
Where can I find out more about Nutritional therapy?
British Association for Nutritional Therapy (BANT)
27 old Gloucester Street
London
WC1N 3XX
T: 0870 606 1284
www.bant.org.uk
The Institute for Optimum Nutrition
Avalon House
72 Lower Mortlake road
Richmond
TW9 2JY
T: 020 8614 7800
www.ion.ac.uk
What does a consultation involve?
Prior to a consultation a questionnaire will have been sent to you to be filled out. There will be questions relating to previous medical history, family history, medications, current symptoms and also on diet. This helps to build a more complete picture.
A first consultation usually lasts about an hour and within that hour a personalised programme will be designed to address your needs. You may be recommended to see your GP, another complementary therapist, undertake a diagnostic test or take supplements depending on the condition addressed.
A follow up appointment lasts around half an hour and several may be needed. These are usually 4-6 weeks after the previous consultation.
How much does a consultation cost?
The initial consultation lasts for approximately one hour and costs £60
Follow up consultations last approximately half an hour and cost £35
How do I arrange a consultation?
Telephone: 07707 073 261
E-mail: kelly@kwnutrition.net
Are tests included in the price of my consultation?
Tests are additional to the consultation fee as they may not always be required. Some tests can be performed at home and involve no extra cost.
Are supplements included in the cost of my consultation?
Supplements are not included within the consultation fee as each supplement plan is tailored to the individuals needs.
Does it matter what supplements I buy?
In one word - yes!
A supplements effectiveness depends on its breakdown, absorption and use within the body. Your health state governs what is taken in and used. The type of supplement also plays a role in whether it is absorbed and used effectively. Some types are not recognised by the body, others are difficult to break down and some can cause irritation and side effects. It is always advisable to seek professional advice to ensure you are purchasing the correct type of supplement and not buying ineffective supplements.
Why are some supplements more expensive than others?
The cost of supplements varies greatly. An expensive supplement does not always guarantee a good supplement but in general the cheaper supplements tend to be less well absorbed and used within the body. Some supplements have high levels of nutrients in them and so may cost a little bit more. Good supplement manufacturers will source quality ingredients and screen them for pollutants. This may be another reason for the higher retail price.
What other therapies may be recommended in conjunction with Nutritional Therapy?
Some conditions may benefit from several different therapies and you may be referred to another complementary health practitioner. This may involve: