Nutritional Therapy FAQs
- Who could benefit from Nutritional Therapy?
- What is involved in a consultation?
- How long will it take to start feeling better?
- Will I have to undergo tests?
- Will I have to take supplements?
Who could benefit from Nutritional Therapy?
Nutritional Therapy can be of benefit to anyone with:
- Specific health issues
- A diagnosed medical condition
- A desire to boost their energy or performance (mental or physical)
- A determination to prevent future health problems.
Whatever people come for, they often report these extra benefits:
- Increased energy
- Better mood
- Better concentration and focus
- More restful sleep
- Fewer colds and infections
- Improved memory
- Healthy, glowing skin
- Weight stabilisation
The job of a Nutritional Therapist is to help you cut through all the conflicting advice about healthy eating and find out what’s right for you. This enables you to take positive charge of your own health.
What is involved in a consultation?
- Before your consultation
Once your consultation has been booked, you will be sent a questionnaire and a food diary - covering all aspects of your medical history, dietary habits and lifestyle factors. You are asked to return this before you arrive for your consultation. - During your consultation
Your Nutritional Therapist will discuss your medical history, current diet and lifestyle with you and explore how nutrition could help improve your health.
The course of action will be determined by your specific needs and an individual programme will be devised for you to take away with you. Specific, achievable goals will be discussed with you – you are involved in every step, so you are able to work at your own speed. - Follow up
During your appointment your Nutritional Therapist will discuss with you how many times they anticipate they will need to see you. A follow up appointment is usually booked 3-4 weeks after the initial consultation to check your progress. After the first follow up, it varies for each individual: some people prefer regular checks, encouragement and help; others are happy to go away for a couple of months and work on their goals.
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How long will it take to start feeling better?
Nutritional Therapists aim to help you feel better and take control of your diet and health in as few consultations as possible. Some people with straightforward issues could be seen 2 or 3 times; other more complex cases could take longer, up to 5 or 6 visits. Some people who have been helped by Nutritional Therapy decide to come back for a yearly ‘MOT’ and to keep on track.
Will I have to undergo tests?
Tests are a useful tool but will only be suggested if appropriate to your needs. You may be recommended bio-chemical tests to help identify the best strategy, but the reasons for doing the test, the cost and expected results will always be discussed with you and you only proceed with the test if you are happy. If tests are needed these will be carried out following a consultation and the results will be analysed and discussed with you in a subsequent consultation.
An exception is the Food Intolerance test which can be undertaken during a consultation, with the results available within 40 minutes. Spare test kits are kept at the Practice, and are therefore available at short notice.
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Will I have to take supplements?
Not necessarily and not if you don’t want to. Diet is always the most important aspect of Nutritional Therapy. However, many people have low levels of certain nutrients and using supplements may help speed up your recovery. Once your symptoms have diminished, you will be able to reduce your supplement intake.