Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Nutrient?
A nutrient is a constituent of a diet, natural or designed, that plays a unique (biochemical or structural) role in a function, i.e. it can serve as:
- an energy yielding substrate; or
- a precursor for the synthesis of macromolecules or of other components needed for normal cell differentiation, growth, renewal, repair, defence and/or maintenance; or
- a required signaling molecule, cofactor or determinant of normal molecular structure/function and/or a promoter of cell and organ integrity.
What is Nutritional Therapy?
Nutritional Therapy is the application of nutrition science in the promotion of health, peak performance and individual care. As a nutritional therapy practitioner, I have access to a wide range of tools to assess and identify potential nutritional imbalances and understand how these may contribute to an individual’s symptoms and health concerns. This approach allows me to work with individuals to address nutritional balance and help support the body towards maintaining health. 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.
I consider each individual to be unique and recommend personalised nutrition and lifestyle programmes rather than a ‘one size fits all’ approach. I never recommend nutritional therapy as a replacement for medical advice and always refer any client with ‘red flag’ signs or symptoms to their medical professional. I will 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.
What does a Nutritional Therapy session typically involve?
Upon booking, I will provide a health and nutrition questionnaire for completion and return before the first consultation. An initial consultation typically lasts 60 to 90 minutes, and in this time I may ask detailed questions regarding:
- current health concerns
- symptoms
- diagnosis and treatment
- medical history
- family history
- lifestyle
- levels of physical activity
- use of medication and supplements
- diet
I then evaluate individual needs and goals and will use the extensive evidence base for nutritional science to develop a personalised, safe and effective nutrition and lifestyle program.
Follow up consultations are generally after four weeks in order to monitor progress and make any necessary adjustments. Further follow-ups may be required depending on each individual situation.
What is the difference between a nutritional therapist, a nutritionist and a dietician?
A nutritional therapist will usually work with private clients to support and promote health through nutrition and lifestyle. A Registered Nutritional Therapist has undertaken a specific course of study and clinical training that means they can be registered on the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council register (CNHC), which is recognised by the government, and be a member of the professional body, the British Association for Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine (BANT). Registered Nutritional Therapists who are registered with BANT and CNHC are insured to practice one-to-one consultations.
A nutritionist will usually hold a degree qualification in nutritional science but is not necessarily trained in clinical practice. They may work giving advice and guidance on nutrition to groups and/or the food industry or they may work in research.
A dietitian usually works in a medical setting seeing patients with medical conditions. The profession is regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council and the title ‘Dietitian’ is protected by law.
For more information, see:
http://bant.org.uk/about-nutritional-therapy/nutrition-titles/
