Lisanne Davidson Dip.ION, MBANT NTC CNHC

About Nutritional Therapy

Nutritional Therapy is a form of complementary medicine that uses physiology, biochemistry, pathology, nutrition, naturopathic techniques and diagnostic procedures to determine an individual's nutritional needs.

We are all bio-chemically individual. Our needs are completely unique depending on a variety of factors... from the strengths and weaknesses we are born with, to the effect our current environment, diet and lifestyle have upon us.

Food is a powerful medicine that has a huge impact on the biochemical processes of your body. There is now an enormous amount of scientific knowledge showing the effects of food and nutrients on treating illness and preventing diseases. Research has shown that good nutrition can have an impact on a wide variety of problems, including female hormonal imbalances, bowel disorders, infertility, weight problems, children's illnesses, skin conditions, and prevention of degenerative diseases such as cancer, heart disease, osteoarthritis, arthritis etc.

Nutritional Therapy is not just about eating well. It is also about correcting any vitamin and mineral deficiencies, improving digestive function (because your physical body is a reflection of what you are eating and absorbing), balancing hormones naturally, and eliminating toxins and waste products.

Using nutrition as a form of treatment works quite differently from conventional medicine. The first aim is to work on the symptoms by addressing the underlying cause of the problem. The next stage is to work on prevention so that the problem does not recur. By ensuring that you are eatng to suit your body type, you are supplying your body with the tools to heal itself, correct any imbalances and restore good health.

This where Nutritional Therapy is so different from allopathic medicine. For example, if you were suffering from an infection, you would probably be prescribed antibiotics to kill off the bacteria. In Nutritional Therapy, the aim would be to stimulate and strengthen the immune system so the body can help kill off the infection on its own.

The conventional approach leaves the body weaker, as antibiotics tend to disrupt your system, killing off healthy bacteria which are an integral part of the defence mechanism. By using the Nutritional approach you will encourage your body to do the work, leaving it stronger and more able to address similar illness in the future.

Surveys carried out in the UK over the last 20 years have shown large percentages of the population to be deficient in many vitamins and minerals, and are receiving well below the Recommended Daily Amounts (RDA) for these nutrients. RDA's are set by the government at a level to prevent nutritional deficiency diseases, like scurvy and beri-beri, not to promote good health. Unfortunately, the well-balanced diet is a modern myth.

We, as a society, are happy to eat far too many processed, convenience and refined foods, that have been stripped of essential nutrients. Furthermore if you, like a large proportion of the population, have been dieting for a number of years, either restricting your food intake, or trying different diets, diet-drinks or diet-pills, you are more likely to be deficient in vital, and essential, nutrients.

Supplements are like tools; once a 'job' has been identified (the underlying cause of a health problem) then the right tools for the job will ensure healing and repair.

Who can benefit? Virtually everyone!

Most health conditions (including many minor complaints) can be significantly improved, therefore improving quality of life. These include:

• People who feel they should have more 'get up and go': tiredness and fatigue are not always due to lack of sleep or overwork...it could be your diet!
• Couples starting a family: the right balance of nutrients and correct diet can help increase fertility, banish morning sickness, and result in healthier baby.
• Hyperactivity and learning difficulties in children and adults may be effectivly addressed using diet and supplements.