Introduction
Understand more about what nutritional therapy is and how it can help you improve your lifestyle without taking medicine. With more and more emphasis on eating natural, nutrient-rich food, and avoiding ultra processed foods. This blog aims to explain more about nutritional therapy, what it is, why it is important and how it can help.
Nutrient dense, anti-inflammatory foods – your body deserves nothing less!
What is nutritional therapy?
As the name suggests, nutritional therapy is the science of nutrition and lifestyle medicine to promote well-being, combat illness, and improve performance.
Nutritional Therapy is the application of nutrition science in the promotion of health. Nutritional therapy practitioners use 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.
Nutritional therapists combine their training and expertise with the latest nutritional and evidence-based health science and provide practical strategies for improvement.
Nutritional Therapy session can be online, via Zoom or at my clinic, in-person, Nutritionist Corsham.
The Benefits of Nutritional Therapy
Nutritional therapy offers a wide range of benefits that can significantly improve overall health and well-being.
- Digestion – It can enhance digestion, helping to alleviate common issues like bloating, indigestion, and irregular bowel movements.
- Boosts energy – With improved dietary choices and tailored plans, nutritional therapy can boost energy levels, reduce fatigue, and support better mental clarity, mood, and cognitive function.
- Regulates hormones – For those struggling with hormonal imbalances, such as PCOS or menopause symptoms, nutritional therapy can help regulate hormones and ease related symptoms.
- Sustainable weight management – Nutritional therapy also plays a key role in healthy weight management, promoting sustainable weight loss or maintenance without restrictive dieting.
- Reduces inflammation – By focusing on anti-inflammatory foods and personalised nutritional support, nutritional therapy can reduce inflammation, which is particularly beneficial for managing chronic pain and autoimmune conditions.
- Strengthens the immune system – It also strengthens the immune system, enhancing the body’s ability to fight infections and recover more efficiently.
- Supports gut health – Supporting gut health is another major benefit, with a focus on promoting a healthy microbiome and optimising nutrient absorption. Additionally, many find that their skin improves, with clearer, healthier skin often achieved through targeted dietary changes.
Ultimately, nutritional therapy empowers individuals with the knowledge and tools to make informed, healthier dietary choices, fostering long-term positive changes in their health and lifestyle.
The Effectiveness Of Nutritional Therapy
Nutritional therapy has been shown to have significant benefits for individuals with various health conditions. Here are some pieces of research to show the effectiveness of nutritional therapy in the scientific literature.
Effectiveness of strategies
This systematic review and meta-analysis published in 2022 has shown that Nutritional Therapy can help manage diabetes by improving blood sugar control and reducing the risk of complications, and enhance quality of life. They concluded, “Nutritional therapy strategies (i.e., educational/counselling programs and food replacement programs) in primary care, improved HbA1c [blood sugar] in patients with type two diabetes mellitus and blood pressure in people with hypertension”.
Effectiveness and efficacy
In 2017 this Cochrane review entitled, “Effectiveness and efficacy of nutritional therapy: A systematic review following Cochrane methodology”, states, “This result of this review supports the use of nutritional therapy to reduce healthcare costs”.
Evaluating the effectiveness
The McClelland teaching clinic at the University of Worcester evaluated the effectiveness of Nutritional Therapy. Their summary stated, “These results suggest NT is effective in reducing symptoms, improving health and activity and this may be facilitated by a strong therapeutic working alliance”.
Conditions Nutritional Therapy Is Used For
Nutritional therapy can help manage a variety of conditions and health concerns, including:
- Digestive Disorders: IBS, Crohn’s disease, acid reflux, and bloating.
- Autoimmune Conditions: Rheumatoid arthritis, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, and lupus.
- Hormonal Imbalances: PCOS, menopause symptoms, and thyroid disorders.
- Mental Health: Anxiety, depression, and stress management.
- Weight Management: Weight loss, obesity, and maintaining a healthy weight.
- Skin Conditions: Eczema, acne, and psoriasis.
- Cardiovascular Health: High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and heart disease.
- Chronic Fatigue: Low energy levels, burnout, and adrenal fatigue.
- Blood Sugar Management: Type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, and hypoglycaemia.
- Food Intolerances and Allergies: Identifying and managing sensitivities to foods like gluten and dairy.
Nutritional Therapists analyse and prepare in advance, to personalise their recommendations
How Does Nutritional Therapy Work?
Nutritional therapy is a holistic approach that uses personalised nutrition plans to improve health and well-being. A nutritional therapist helps the individual make informed food choices by recommending whole, unprocessed foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, high-fibre foods and healthy fats. They may also suggest reducing or avoiding foods high in added sugars, saturated fats, and processed ingredients. They may also help the client with meal planning, meal timing, hydration, optimising digestion, breaking unwanted habits and creating new, better ones.
Personalised Diet Plans
One of the primary roles of a nutritional therapist is creating personalised diet plans based on an individual’s unique needs and goals. These plans take into account various factors such as age, gender, physical activity level, medical history, and personal preferences. By doing so, they ensure that the diet plan is not only effective but also realistic and sustainable. Diets need to provide the necessary macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, fats & fibre) and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) required for good health. They may also consider the individual’s need for specific nutrients like fibre, antioxidants, Vitamin D, B12, iron, certain minerals or omega-3 fatty acids. Read about “Healthy Eating Week” to find out what constitutes a healthy diet.
Improving Digestive Health
Nutritional therapy is helpful for common digestive problems such as constipation, diarrhoea, bloating, fatigue, indigestion, Irritable Bowel Syndrome and food intolerances. A longside medical care, therapists can support those with digestive conditions such as coeliac disease, diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn’s disease.
Supporting Disease Management
Nutritional therapists play an important role in helping to manage chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, dementia and metabolic syndrome, Coeliac disease, IBS, diverticulitis. Specific eating disorders, such as anorexia and bulimia can also be helped, by those therapists with additional specialist training, likewise for cancer support. They provide dietary advice tailored to manage these conditions effectively while ensuring adequate nutrient intake for overall health.
Health Promotion
Apart from disease management, nutritional therapists also focus on promoting overall health, preventing disease and optimising healthy ageing. They educate individuals about the importance of a balanced diet, physical activity, and maintaining a healthy weight. They also provide guidance on how to make healthier food choices and develop better eating habits.
Counselling and Support
Nutrition therapy is not just about prescribing diet plans; it’s also about providing emotional support and motivation. Changing dietary habits can be challenging for many individuals, and a nutritional therapist provides the necessary coaching to help them overcome these challenges. They also monitor their progress and make necessary adjustments to their diet plans to ensure they are moving towards their health goals.
Here’s how it works:
- Assessment and Consultation – The process starts with an in-depth consultation to understand the client’s health, symptoms, lifestyle, and diet. Private comprehensive gut testing informs highly personalised advice & guidance.
- Personalised Nutrition Plan – A tailored plan is developed, addressing nutrient deficiencies and health issues, with dietary, supplement, and lifestyle recommendations.
- Education and Guidance – Clients receive advice on meal planning, cooking, and making healthier choices that fit their lifestyle.
- Addressing Root Causes – The focus is on tackling the root causes of health issues, like inflammation or poor gut health, rather than just treating symptoms.
- Ongoing Support – Regular follow-ups help monitor progress, adjust the plan, and ensure sustainable changes. Nutritional therapy empowers individuals to make informed dietary choices, promoting long-term health and well-being.
Nutritional Therapists don’t just help with weight loss!
The Difference Between Dieticians and nutritional therapists
In the world of health and wellness, there are many professionals who can provide guidance on nutrition. Two such professionals are nutritional therapists and dieticians but what is the difference between these two specialists? Nutritional therapy is a complementary medicine. To clarify, nutritional therapists are not dieticians, who typically work within the NHS. While there is no legal protection for the titles “nutritional therapist” or “nutritionist”, several professional organisations and registers have established specific titles to denote registration and a high level of training.
Dietitian
Dietitians are regulated healthcare professionals who apply their knowledge of food and nutrition to promote health, prevent malnutrition, and treat medical conditions. Dietitians are qualified to diagnose eating disorders and design dietary treatments for medical conditions such as diabetes or heart disease. They work in various settings like hospitals, clinics, schools, and sports organisations. You may be able to access the services of a dietitian through your GP.
Dietitians use evidence-based research to develop meal plans for individuals based on their medical condition(s) and personal preferences. They may also provide education about healthy eating habits for different stages of life (e.g., pregnancy), manage food service operations in institutions like hospitals or schools or conduct research in the field of nutrition science.
Unlike nutritional therapists who focus more on individualised, holistic approaches, dietitians often work within established dietary guidelines and medical nutrition therapy protocols.
Nutritional Therapists
One of the key differences between a nutritional therapist and a dietitian lies in their education and professional regulation. Dietitians typically hold a bachelor’s degree in dietetics, nutrition, or a related field. They also pass a national examination to become registered. In many countries, dietitians are regulated by law and must adhere to professional standards of practice.
On the other hand, the educational requirements for nutritional therapists can vary widely. Some may have degrees and advanced degrees in nutrition while others may have completed much shorter training programs. Always look and check a therapist’s qualifications and experience. Nutritional therapists are not regulated by law in the same way as dietitians, although many choose to become certified through professional organisations such as The Complementary Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC) to verify their qualifications and training.
Which one is right for you?
When deciding whether to see a nutritional therapist or a dietitian, it’s important to consider your specific needs and goals. If you have a medical condition that requires dietary management through your GP (like type 1 diabetes, celiac disease, an eating disorder or ulcerative colitis), working with a registered dietitian would be beneficial due to their specialised training in medical nutrition therapy. This service would be funded by the NHS.
However, if you don’t have a medical condition; you are prepared to pay privately and you want a personalised, supported service then seeing a nutritional therapist could be the right choice for you.
The title Nutritional Therapist and Nutritionist are often used interchangeably. Similarly, the spellings of dietitian and dietician are acceptable.
How To Find The Right Nutritional Therapist?
Ensure they are registered
Ensure the practitioner is registered with an accredited organisation. One notable organisation in this regard is the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC), which was established with government backing to safeguard the interests of the public. Individuals who become part of the CNHC register identify themselves as ‘CNHC registered nutritional therapists.’ To qualify for registration, they are required to have completed training that adheres to the minimum national standards of practice as defined by the Nutritional Therapy National Occupational Standards and the Nutritional Therapy Core Curriculum.
The CNHC stands out because it offers a voluntary register for complementary therapists that has received accreditation as an Accredited Voluntary Register (AVR) from the Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care. Due to this recognition, several professional bodies in the UK, including the British Association for Applied Nutrition and Nutritional Therapy (BANT), exclusively admit members who have registered with the CNHC.
Start with the CNHC “Find a practitioner” database. Additionally, check if they belong to a professional body such as BANT. You can check the register here.
Search based on the conditions you are experiencing
Search the register for a therapist who specialises in the type of problems you have. Each practitioner will have a bio which explains their specialisms. Look to see if they offer a complimentary call to discuss your needs. Ensure you feel confident in what they say and feel you could work together well.
Nutritional Therapists analyse your health status in advance, then prepare dietary options for you
Conclusion – What Is Nutritional Therapy?
In conclusion, the role of Nutritional Therapy extends beyond merely prescribing diet plans. They play an integral part in promoting health, managing disease, and supporting individuals in their journey towards better health. By providing personalised dietary advice based on scientific evidence, they help individuals make informed decisions about their diet and lifestyle.
So whether you’re dealing with a chronic disease or simply looking to improve your overall health, consider seeking the expertise of an online nutritional therapist. Their guidance could be the key to unlocking your potential for optimal health.
Dawn’s Qualifications
Dawn studied at The Institute of Optimum Nutrition in London. Founded in 1984 by Patrick Holford with the support of twice Nobel Prize winner Professor Linus Pauling, ION has been successfully training nutritional therapists for more than 30 years and is recognised as one of the most respected training bodies of its kind in Europe.
Dawn has several qualifications in Functional Medicine from the Institute of Functional Medicine and Functional Medicine University, which she intends to continue adding to, as part of her passion for ongoing learning and complying with continuing professional development requirements.
What Do Clients Say?
“I worked with Dawn through several health issues including candida and menopausal difficulties. Dawn is extremely thorough and works holistically, ensuring that she understands life history as well as current events before recommending a bespoke program where she gave me a complete nutritional guide, recommended supplements tailored to me and based on her osteopathic skills, offered her deep knowledge around specific exercises to help deal with my arthritic pain. Dawn has an extremely caring personality and I’ve learned so much from her to integrate into my daily life. She is my ‘go-to’ whenever I get stuck”.
Dawn is a member of both the CNHC, BANT and The Institute of Functional Medicine.
