Charlotte Watts Dip. ION BANT Nutrition

A nutrition consultation is an in-depth investigation of all your health concerns. I will look for links and connections and find the root cause of problems. An initial consultation is usually followed by a monthly follow-up and these will continue for as long as you feel you need and can be discussed.

• Initially you fill in an in-depth questionnaire to bring to the consultation, so that we know where to begin in discussion of your diet, health history, family history, lifestyle and any other relevant areas.
• I will then explain exactly what I feel is happening in your body and why – how this links all of the health concerns that you want to address and why you have not previously seen the health or results you want.
• The important part is then negotiation to find the dietary and lifestyle changes that will improve your health and quality of life. These are discussed to find a realistic pace and practical level that you feel is achievable and therefore motivational. We can build this up as you feel able, but no guilt or pressure will be enforced upon you to change – this your decision. I produce a comfortable working plan with clear goals and I make you aware of the positive changes that you can experience.

• I also recommend any supplements and tests that will be appropriate and help you to achieve positive change within your budget.

NB: I always check for any drug-nutrient reactions for safety and to also help to minimise side effects. In some cases, nutrition can even relieve the prescription of medication (if discussed with your doctor); changing dietary habits can have far reaching effects.

According to BANT (British Association for Applied Nutrition and Nutritional Therapy) Professional Guidelines 2010:

The role of the nutritional therapist
Nutritional therapists recognise that each person is an individual with unique dietary and nutritional requirements. These requirements depend on a number of factors, ranging from inherited strengths and weaknesses to lifestyle and environment. Nutritional Therapy is a process driven modality. Nutritional therapists work with the client to assess nutritional status and functional capacity in order to manage chronic health problems and advise on disease prevention. The nutritional therapist will take a comprehensive client history, and may use biochemical and other types of clinical assessment to formulate an individualised nutritional therapy programme.