Healthology Hub  |  Rakhi Lad
Nutritional Therapist London

Nutritional therapy and Functional Medicine are highly complementary approaches that often work hand-in-hand to provide comprehensive, personalised healthcare. Functional Medicine serves as a framework for identifying the root causes of health issues by examining a patient’s entire life history, genetic predispositions, and environmental factors. Once these root causes are identified, nutritional therapy can be employed as one of the key tools for treatment. In this integrated approach, a personalised nutrition plan can be created based on the insights gathered through functional medicine assessments. This allows for targeted interventions that can address biochemical imbalances, improve physiological functions, and help manage or even reverse chronic conditions. By aligning the principles of functional medicine with the customised nutritional strategies offered by nutritional therapy, patients receive a holistic, evidence-based plan designed to promote long-term health and well-being.

While the terms "nutritionist," "nutritional therapist," and "dietitian" are often used interchangeably, there are distinct differences in their qualifications, training, and areas of practice. Here's a breakdown of each role: 1. Nutritionist: The term "nutritionist" is not legally protected in many countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom. This means that anyone can call themselves a nutritionist, regardless of their level of education or expertise. Nutritionists typically provide general advice on healthy eating, dietary guidelines, and nutrition education. For your peace of mind you should always check if your Nutritionist has appropriate training and belongs to a respectable professional body. 2. Nutritional Therapist: Nutritional Therapist (also called Nutritionist for short) should be registered with professional organisations like the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC) and the British Association for Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine (BANT) in the UK. CNHC Registered Nutritional Therapists undergo a high level of three year training to be eligible for registration. As a Registered Nutritional Therapist, my training in clinical practice incorporates the principles of Functional Medicine. I provide personalised, one-on-one health advice and have the ability to recommend supplements and interpret functional tests, enhancing the depth of my guidance. Nutritional therapists typically focus on using personalised nutrition and lifestyle interventions to address specific health concerns and support overall wellbeing. They often consider factors such as bio-individuality, functional medicine principles, and holistic approaches to health. 3. Dietitian: Dietitians primarily work within the NHS (National Health Service) and are regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council. The British Dietetic Association serves as their professional body.

We offer a comprehensive range of functional tests to give you a detailed understanding of your health and nutritional needs. These include: Blood Tests: To identify nutrient deficiencies, hormone imbalances, and markers of inflammation. Stool Testing: Useful for assessing the health of your gut microbiome and identifying any imbalances, parasites, or infections. Food Sensitivity Panels: These tests help pinpoint specific foods that may be causing allergic reactions or digestive issues. Nutrigenomic Testing: This advanced genetic test provides insights into how your DNA affects nutrient absorption, metabolism, and your risk for certain health conditions. Advanced Thyroid Hormones: This test covers not just TSH and T4, but also Free T3, Free T4, Reverse T3, and antibodies for a complete thyroid evaluation. Combined with dietary adjustments, it allows us to effectively support thyroid health. Autoimmune Testing: Specialised tests aimed at detecting autoimmune triggers and other chronic health conditions. Ultimate Wellbeing Test : Think of this as your yearly MOT - A comprehensive screening designed to pinpoint nutritional gaps and shortcomings, this test assesses the body's functional requirements for vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, amino acids, essential fatty acids, and digestive aids, among other vital nutrients. Tailored recommendations are provided based on your individual findings.. This test is particularly suited for individuals aiming to optimise their health by monitoring their nutrient levels. Also beneficial for those dealing with inflammation, diabetes, weight challenges, mood fluctuations, persistent fatigue, chronic stress, digestive issues, or athletic performance concerns. The type and number of tests we recommend will be personalised based on your specific health needs and goals.

The cost of functional testing can vary widely depending on the type and number of tests recommended for your specific health needs. Basic tests might start at around £100, while more comprehensive tests can go up to several hundreds of pounds. In some cases, a package of multiple tests may offer a cost-effective solution. While it's an investment, it's crucial to consider the value of these tests in diagnosing imbalances, identifying nutritional deficiencies, and formulating a personalised treatment plan. Testing can provide insights that could be pivotal for your health journey, helping to tailor your treatment with greater precision. For some, it could mean the difference between treating symptoms and addressing root causes.

Very difficult to say as it depends on what your symptoms are and how long you have had them. Just as disease develops gradually over years, healing requires a thoughtful and systematic approach. By acknowledging the importance of time in the healing process, we can foster realistic expectations and focus on sustainable changes that bring about long-lasting results. Nutritional therapy encourages patience and perseverance, providing a solid foundation for your healing journey.

The NHS is commendable, however, it faces significant challenges due to limited resources and mounting pressures. These constraints often result in high demand, long wait times, and strains on the healthcare system. While the NHS primarily focuses on treating disease, our mission revolves around prevention. We firmly believe in the power of proactive measures to avoid illness before it occurs. While the NHS does provide certain blood tests, we offer a unique advantage with access to cutting-edge testing through worldwide labs that are not available of the NHS. This enables us to go beyond the standard offerings and provide you with tailored health plans that are fine-tuned to meet your individual needs. Which may be able to provide deeper insights into your health and empower you to optimise your wellbeing in a more personalised and comprehensive way. By prioritising prevention through personalised nutrition plans, lifestyle modifications, and evidence-based strategies, we aim to empower individuals to take control of their health and minimise the risk of developing chronic conditions.