APPROACH

It is far more important to know what person the disease has than what disease the person has.

Hippocrates (460-370 BC)

This page explains how I work with you to understand your health, the factors that may be influencing it, and how I use this information to develop personalised nutrition and lifestyle recommendations.

How I think about your health

My practice is centred on understanding you as an individual — your health history, health concerns, symptoms, the food you eat, your lifestyle and your goals.

Rather than looking at individual symptoms or health concerns in isolation, I consider the many factors that can influence health and how they may interact in your individual case.

The focus is on you, not on the health issues you have.

How I understand the bigger picture

Using Functional Medicine principles as a framework for exploring what may be influencing your health, I consider a range of areas, including digestive health, liver function, blood sugar, hormonal balance, immune function, musculoskeletal health, nutritional status and lifestyle factors.

This approach recognises that different aspects of health are interconnected, and changes in one area can influence others, such as improvements in digestive health being reflected in skin, mood or joint health.

How I build a picture of your health

To build a picture of your health, I gather information in a number of ways, which may include assessment methods such as:

Health questionnaire & food diary

Information about your health history, health concerns, symptoms, the food you eat, your lifestyle, your goals

Consultation and case history

More information is gathered during consultations to understand your health concerns in more detail.

Clinical measurements

For example, blood pressure, weight, height, waist and hip circumference where appropriate

Review of existing medical tests

For example, tests your GP has carried out.

Specialised laboratory testing (optional)

I may recommend specialised laboratory testing where appropriate to provide further insight into areas such as nutritional status, digestive health, metabolic health, and other factors relevant to your health concerns. Test results may help guide a more personalised approach to supporting your health.
Examples of tests I regularly use may include comprehensive stool analysis, SIBO breath testing, nutrient status testing, cardiovascular markers (such as lipids and glucose-related markers), and food sensitivity testing. Many tests are non-invasive, with samples such as stool, urine, or saliva collected at home.

Kinesiology (optional)

Kinesiology is a gentle complementary therapy that uses muscle testing as a form of biofeedback. I may use it alongside nutritional assessment to provide additional information or help guide food and supplement choices. It does not replace appropriate medical investigations where these are needed. Kinesiology usually takes place in a separate session.

Your personalised recommendations

Based on the information gathered, recommendations are tailored to your individual needs and may include:

Adjusting the balance of foods

For example, carbohydrates, protein and healthy fats

Choosing more whole foods

For example, replacing highly processed foods with minimally processed alternatives such as oats instead of sugary cereals

Including more foods that support health

For example, foods rich in nutrients, phytonutrients or phytoestrogens, and foods that support gut health or healthy inflammatory responses

Using targeted supplements where appropriate (optional)

Supplements are not a replacement for a healthy diet, but may be considered to help support nutritional status or specific physiological functions, or individual needs related to symptoms or health concerns. Examples include vitamins, minerals, amino acids, probiotics, and permitted herbal products.

Considering lifestyle factors

For example, stress management techniques, sleep hygiene, exercise

Considering everyday environmental factors

For example, food, household and personal care products that may affect health.

Supporting long-term health

This approach is not only about addressing current health concerns, but also about supporting the foundations of long-term health. Many chronic health concerns develop gradually, alongside changes in how the body is functioning. Identifying factors that may be influencing health early on may provide an opportunity to address them before they contribute to more significant health concerns.

For more information on working with me, see my Services.

Contact me to arrange your 15-minute assessment