What is nutritional therapy (NT)?
- NT explores the link between what you eat/drink and your present state of health.
- NT takes into account lifestyle factors such as working hours, exposure to environmental pollution, and stress.
- NT is evidence-based, meaning that only those foods and supplements are recommended that have been scientifically shown to have a specific effect.
- NT uses staple foods as well as recently discovered super-foods for their health-giving properties.
- NT limits the use of supplements to cases where a clear deficiency has built up or where a specific scientifically proven therapeutic action is desired.
What may nutritional therapy (NT) do for you?
- NT aims to make changes to what you eat/drink to improve your present state of health.
- NT can give specific dietary advice for any chronic disease ranging from acne to diabetes.
- NT is essential in diet-related conditions such as diabetes, obesity, heart disease, food sensitivities, and digestive complaints.
- NT may be used to prevent nutritional/lifestyle factors contributing to diseases such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, metabolic syndrome X, and infertility.
- NT aims to remove diet and lifestyle related obstacles to getting well.
- NT may employ laboratory testing to diagnose physiological imbalances of the thyroid gland, the female hormones, male fertility, adrenal function, and the gut environment.
What happens during a NT consultation?
- During the first part of the consultation, the practitioner guides the client through a set of questions to establish a possible link of the client’s diet and lifestyle to his/her complaint.
- Other factors such as genetic inheritance, environmental pollution, personal stress and possible causes (past or present) are explored to arrive at a comprehensive case history.
- In the second part of the consultation, the client will be given an explanation as to how his/her diet and lifestyle may be related to the complaint.
- A dietary programme is then designed in line with the client’s individual preferences and daily routine.
- The recommendations will be provided in writing and may include handouts on alternative foods, recipe books, healthy cooking methods, healthy snacks, lunch at work, and information will be given on where to obtain supplements.
- If necessary, laboratory tests will be recommended so that a more specific programme can be designed at the second meeting.
What does a NT programme look like?
- A nutritional therapy program is an individually designed dietary programme.
- It includes detailed instructions as to which foods and drinks are beneficial and which ones are detrimental to your individual state of health.
- The programme may include vitamin, mineral or other food supplements with proven benefits for the complaint you came for.
- Amounts of foods and supplements are clearly stated and other information such as lunch at work, healthy snacks, recipe books, healthy cooking methods, and alternative food handouts may also be included.
How long will the treatment take?
- This depends on the nature of the complaint and your individual make-up.
- At the end of the first consultation I aim to give a prognosis as to the likely length of therapy.
How often do I need to come and see you?
- This depends on the individual case, but most often I need to see you once a month.