Who I work with

I work with people who experience a wide range of health issues, and my particular interests lie in mental health, gastrointestinal imbalances and chronic fatigue.
In addition to providing nutritional and lifestyle support, I provide health coaching to empower my clients to take charge of their health and wellbeing and feel in control again.

Mental health
Whilst it is completely natural to feel anxious or sad and experience low mood due to life experiences that might have triggered these feelings, experiencing them for longer than few weeks is a sign that something is not quite balanced. Current mainstream approach is to treat person’s symptoms with psychiatric medications, and/or talking therapies.  Whilst this might be helpful for some people, it is limited and is missing an opportunity to explore other approaches, such as nutritional therapy.
  I believe that body and mind are intricately connected and any imbalances in the body will affect the mind.
Research has consistently shown that nutritional deficiencies have been implicated in the pathophysiology of various mental disorders. The most common nutritional deficiencies in people with chronic mental illness are of omega–3 fatty acids, B vitamins, and amino acids. In addition, exposure to toxins from the food or environment have been implicated in triggering some of the symptoms of mental illness.
Anyone experiencing depression, anxiety, stress, memory issues and cognitive decline, psychosis, bipolar disorder, autism and ADHD should also consider seeking support from nutritional therapist, as the nutritional information and advice we provide can contribute to positive health outcomes.

Gastrointestinal imbalances
Digestive issues can show up as a wide range of symptoms, from bloating, excessive wind, feeling of fullness for hours after eating, constipation or diarrhoea, indigestion, acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), painful gut to more complex ones such as inflammatory bowel disease (Crohns and ulcerative colitis).
50% of adults in the UK experience some or all of these symptoms which are persistent and for which no apparent cause can be identified by the conventional medical tests.
Many factors are implicated in triggering and maintaining digestive problems such as gut microflora imbalances called dysbiosis, food allergies/intolerances, environmental toxins, parasitic, viral and yeast infections (such as Candida) as well as chronic stress.

Chronic Fatigue
We all sometimes experience tiredness and fatigue, however the unrelenting fatigue that does not shift, no matter what person does is referred to as a chronic fatigue. Chronic fatigue acts as a ‘circuit breaker’, with the part of the brain called hypothalamus decreasing its function to protect the person in the face of what is perceived to be an overwhelming stress. This centre controls sleep, hormones, temperature and blood flow/blood pressure and gut function. It affects the sleep and this can also trigger issues with the immune system.
The causes of chronic fatigue are believed to be either viral (if the onset is sudden) or hormonal and stress related (if the onset is gradual).
I am a qualified S.H.I.N.E. protocol practitioner and I use this protocol to identify the causes of my clients’ fatigue and support them in restoring their energy production. 

I recognise that some of you feel let down by the mainstream healthcare and worry that you will never feel better.
This is where I come in, I will help you identify triggers that may have led to current state of dysfunction and devise a programme that will return you back to your old self, only better! As a result, you will feel more balanced, better able to cope with life demands and feel in charge again of your physical and emotional self.

Fed up with your current ‘normal’? Contact me to get your quality of life back!

Qualifications:

• Nutritional Therapy DipION, mBANT, mCNHC
• MSc Health Psychology, University of Westminster
• BSc Psychology, Birkbeck College, University of London
• Health Coach, Zest4Life - Home of Nutrition
• S.H.I.N.E. Protocol Practitioner, Dr. Teitelbaum S.H.I.N.E. Protocol for CSF and Fibromyalgia Check here

My approach

Nutritional Therapy is recognised as a complementary medicine and is relevant for individuals with chronic conditions, as well as those looking for support to enhance their health and wellbeing.

Most people recognise that good nutrition is important for good health, but many don’t understand the real impact that the food we eat can have on how we feel and function.

My practice is based on functional medicine model, which is an individualised, client centred, science based approach that empowers clients and practitioners to work together to address the underlying causes of disease and promote optimal wellness.
I consider each individual to be unique and recommend personalised nutrition and lifestyle programmes rather than a ‘one size fits all’ approach. I will never recommend nutritional therapy as a replacement for medical advice and will refer any clients to their healthcare provider when support required goes beyond nutritional therapy. I also frequently work alongside a medical professional and will communicate with other healthcare professionals involved in the client’s care to explain any nutritional therapy programme that has been provided.

I have the experience in supporting people and identifying the root causes of imbalances and dysfunctions by taking time to take a thorough health history and using functional tests when needed to develop a more comprehensive picture of my clients genetic, biochemical and lifestyle factors.

This provides valuable data to direct personalised treatment plans that lead to improved client outcomes and are designed to suit my clients’ preferences, goals, lifestyle and budgets.  I also use various health coaching interventions and strategies to actively engage and support my clients through health behaviour changes required to achieve their goals.