What is Functional Medicine?
Functional medicine seeks to identify and address the root causes of disease and looks at how the body is functioning as a whole rather than a series of separate parts. It looks at the body in a holistic way, addressing the ‘why’ rather than just looking at the symptoms. Functional medicine empowers patients to take an active role in their own health, with a personalised plan suited to their own set of circumstances, needs and goals.
What is the difference between a Dietician and a Nutritional Therapist?
I am a qualified Nutritional Therapist and am a member of CNHC, BANT and the ANP.
Registered Nutritional Therapists usually work in private practice, using a Functional Medicine Model which is science-based and takes into account genetics, diet and lifestyle. They recognise the uniqueness of each client and don’t believe in a ‘one size fits all’ diet, knowing that everyone has an individual set of dietary and lifestyle requirements. They aim to find the root cause of any symptoms. The title is not protected by law but BANT registered Nutritional Therapists are required to carry out 30 hours of CPD per year and have to be registered with the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (the UK voluntary regulator for complementary healthcare practitioners – set up with Government support) and abide by their Code of Conduct, Ethics and Performance.
By comparison, a Dietician is someone who has a degree in Dietetics – only those registered with the statutory regulator, the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) can use the title of Dietitian/Registered Dietitian (RD). The title is protected by law. They are recognised by NICE and the NHS and work principally within the NHS. As the moment, dietitians are the only professionals in the field of nutrition who are ‘statutorily regulated’. They tend to work within hospital settings, advising on nutritional management of various medical conditions.
How can I pay for my consultations?
Cash, cheque or Paypal.
What do I need to bring to the consultation?
Bring your food diary, any recent test results and any medication or supplements that you are currently taking.
How long will we need to work together?
I would say usually a minimum of 3 months is required to make sustainable changes. For deep seated issues, it can take longer to get to the root of the problem but I will support you all the way.