Nutrition and Nutritional Therapy
Optimum nutrition is an essential part of the biochemical basis of positive and
resourceful states of mind, and a key aspect of an integrated mind-body approach
to health.
What Is Nutritional Therapy?
Nutritional Therapy applies the sciences of nutrition and health to optimise the
health of the individual. It encompasses both diet and the use of nutritional
supplements as medicines.
Based on a systems view of health called functional medicine, Nutritional Therapy
seeks to identify and correct underlying physiological imbalances rather than
immediate symptoms. Many chronic health problems such as depression, fatigue and
IBS have a wide range of causal factors, such as:
- hormonal imbalances
- neurotransmitter imbalances
- immune system imbalances
- poor digestion and absorption of nutrients
- detoxification problems.
"For some time I had problems with mental focus and energy,
especially at work. We did some testing to identify possible causes, and decided
to try using biofeedback and nutrition. Amino acid supplements helped me, but I
also learned how to improve my health on my own through diet.
"Every day now, I feel much healthier and enjoy life at a
higher level. I’ve lost weight, and gained control over my energy levels. More
importantly, I believe I can keep doing it in a sustainable way."
- Jean Claude
Nutritional Therapy advice is based on not just your pattern of symptoms but also
on objective assessment of body functions. This includes
- Laboratory testing - e.g. hair mineral analysis can identify imbalances in
essential minerals and presence of toxic heavy metals such as mercury.
- Electro Interstitial Scanning (EIS) - powerful and innovative technology that can rapidly and non-invasively
estimate physiological parameters such as tissue energy production and hormone
levels.
Nutritional Therapy Links
A companion site to this one, with focus on nutritional therapy for mental, emotional and neurological health.
The Nutritional Therapy Council is the British national regulating body for Nutrition Therapists
and has a practitioner register.
BANT is a professional organisation for nutrition therapists and also holds a
practitioner register.