Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I see a Nutritional Therapist?
You have seen your GP who has run all of the appropriate tests and informed you that the results are normal and that there is nothing to worry about, but your symptoms have not improved and you still feel below par.
If you are low in specific vitamins or minerals, have an imbalanced fat intake, are short of protein or are eating unhelpful carbohydrates, making changes to your diet could help. Also, lifestyle changes could help in aleviating your symptoms.
Identifying and changing these on your own is difficult, but this is where a nutritional therapist is trained to help.
What exactly is nutritional therapy?
Nutritional therapy is the application of nutrition and lifestyle medicine sciences in the promotion of health, peak performance and individual care.
Registered Nutritional Therapists (NTs) assess and identify potential nutritional imbalances and understand how these may contribute to your symptoms and health concerns.
NTs consider each individual to be unique and recommend personalised nutrition and lifestyle programmes rather than a ‘one size fits all’ approach.
Personalised nutrition is tailored specifically for you, taking into account your health journey, your health goals and dietary preferences. The NT may use functional tests to inform the recommendations that are based on your unique biological individuality.
Personalised nutrition consultations are relevant for individuals with chronic conditions, such as diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, and osteoporosis; anyone with persistent digestive issues or those wishing to support an autoimmune condition, as well as those looking to enhance their health and wellbeing.
BANT registered NTs do not diagnose or treat disease. Recommendations are not a replacement for medical advice; NTs frequently work alongside medical professionals to support your wellbeing.
How do I choose a Nutritional Therapist?
Always ensure you work with a Registered Nutritional Therapist - they are full members of British Association for Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine (BANT) and are registered with the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC). Members of BANT abide by the CNHC Code of Conduct, Performance and Ethics. CNHC's database of practitioners has been approved as an Accredited Voluntary Register by the Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care (PSA).
What can I expect from a Nutritional Therapist?
A Registered Nutritional Therapist will:
- Review your complete health history and that of your family
- Ask you about your current and past symptoms and how they have changed
- Look at your diet and lifestyle
- Assess your nutritional status
- Offer functional testing where appropriate – these tests look at how well your body is working.
- Work with you to devise a unique plan of manageable changes to your diet and lifestyle to support better health.
Registered Nutritional Therapists rely on your GP for diagnoses. If you are suffering from any health condition you should always consult your GP first. Your Nutritional Therapist will work in collaboration with your GP for best and safe practice, reporting nutritional assessments and recommendations as and when necessary.
If you have any further questions, please email us using the form below.