Nutritional Therapy to manage and prevent illness and support good health

"Nutritional therapy is the application of nutrition science in the promotion of optimum health and peak performance, disease prevention and patient care"1

We specialise in investigating the underlying causes of illness using the Functional Medicine Model 2.This approach is suitable for preventing and managing a wide range of health conditions as these all tend to arise when underlying body function is compromised in some way.

The Functional Medicine Model is a holistic healthcare framework, developed by medical doctors, naturopathic doctors and clinical nutritionists in the U.S. It considers the importance of lifestyle, exercise and mental equilibrium  as well as direct nutritional and medical support for health.

Our body operates using many complex systems that interlink and help to maintain health. Rather than becoming too focused on your individual symptoms, we look for underlying imbalances and work to restore optimum function in the body. As the body moves towards a state of balance, symptoms and health problems are more likely to resolve. Put simply, if we keep the roots and trunk of the tree healthy, the branches and leaves stay healthy too. 

Case Study - How this works in practice 

Jessica came to see me to get some help with her acne and general feelings of being 'run down'. She was suffering from frequent infections and worried about the amount of time she had taken off work. Rather than looking at some cream or 'skin vitamins'  for her skin and perhaps some probiotics or herbs for her immune system, we looked more deeply at her personal and family health history and ran some lab tests.  From there we discovered that she had many more symptoms that she was' just putting up with' and it became very clear that both her digestive system (which is tightly linked with the immune system) and wider hormonal systems were in need of support. Jessica was also over-exercising in an attempt to get healthy at a time when her body was not actually able to manage this, contributing to her immune problems. By using nutrition, lower impact exercise and relaxation to support these wider body systems, Jessica's acne improved, PMS symptoms resolved and she stopped picking up constant infections.  By looking underneath her initial symptoms, we were able to help Jessica make sustainable changes to improve her overall health and wellbeing- a great outcome!

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Practice Principles

  1. Working in partnership with you. Together we agree realistic nutritional programmes that fit with you and your lifestyle. You are an expert in your health.
  2. A ‘food first’ approach. Working together to devise realistic, enjoyable and tasty Food Plans is at the core of every nutritional programme. Supplements can be very useful to help correct system problems but they are just as they say....supplementary. Getting your diet right always comes first. 
  3. A safe and evidence informed approach. Checking for safety and drug-nutrient interactions is a priority part of every consultation. Laboratory tests are used where appropriate to inform the programme. Using lab tests can prevent you spending money later on potentially unnecessary nutritional supplements and provide quicker and measurable results. 
  4. Working within the BANT ethical guidelines. As a BANT approved practitioner, Susan works to stringent ethical guidelines. In addition, Change Nutrition is an ethical practice and does not take ‘commission’ on nutritional supplements. We are not tied to any particular company or supplier. Recommendations are made based on the individual’s unique needs following assessment.
  5. Working alongside your health providers. Nutritional Therapy is just one aspect of your healthcare. At Change Nutrition we believe in working collaboratively with your GP and other health professionals to provide the best support for you.
  6. Collaborative working. Many people can benefit from tailored specialist support while addressing health issues. At Change Nutrition we have developed strong relationship with local Cognitive Behavioural Therapists, Counsellors, well qualified Personal Trainers & a range of CAM Practitioners. Referrals can be made as part of your programme if you would benefit from this type of support.

Read the Step by Step Guide for more information on how Nutritional Therapy works at Change Nutrition.

References

1. British Association for Applied Nutrition and Nutritional Therapy. About BANT. 2009; http://www.bant.org.uk/bant/jsp/aboutBant.faces. Accessed 7-3-09, 2009.

2. Institute for Functional Medicine. What is Functional Medicine: Patients and Friends. 2009; http://www.functionalmedicine.org/support/patientsfriends.asp. Accessed 7-3-09, 2009.