What do I do?
Naturopathic practitioners consider each individual to be unique and recommend personalized nutrition and lifestyle programs rather than a ‘one size fits all’ approach. Naturopathic practitioners never recommend naturopathic treatments or nutritional therapy as a replacement for medical advice and always refer any client with ‘red flag’ signs or symptoms to their medical professional/GP. They will also frequently work alongside a medical professional/GP and will also communicate with or refer to other healthcare professionals involved in the client’s care to explain any nutritional therapy program or naturopathic treatment that has been provided.
Will there be additional costs?
In certain circumstances, I may recommend diagnostic tests to help to identify biochemical imbalances or pathogens and to build a clearer picture of your health status. They are not compulsory but they can provide essential information. Any costs for recommended tests or supplements are additional to the cost of the consultation. Normally, payment is made directly to the testing company.
Will I require tests?
I may suggest using functional and laboratory testing to support your individualized plan.
Testing is not compulsory but I will inform you when I think it is a useful investigative tool to further identify the root causes of any presenting symptoms.
It is worth noting that additional information derived from testing can uncover many useful markers and can speed up the journey towards you feeling better and managing symptoms.
Types of testing include stool analysis, hormonal profiles and intolerance and blood chemistry. All testing will incur a separate charge which is normally directly payable to the testing company.
We will always discuss the relevance and cost as part of the consultation process.
Will I need supplements?
'Popping a pill' can never replace the incredible benefits we get when we support our bodies with healthy food choices and certainly should not be a substitute for ensuring you eat a wide variety of food groups. However, there are many reasons for supplementing our diet: depletion of the soil, artificially ripened fruit and vegetables, environmental toxins, pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, long distance travel to our tables, less nutrient dense foods and medications. Alongside this, our fast paced modern life and associated stresses can leave us depleted of vital minerals and essential nutrients that can be hard to address with diet alone, even with the best intentions. Simply, many of us just don't eat enough nutrient dense foods. The western diet is full of salt, oxidized fat, refined sugar, lack of beneficial fibre and empty calories.
Your body is a biochemical marvel and many nutrients are absolutely essential to the production of enzymes, proteins, hormones, digestion, detoxification, mood and cognitive function and also govern vital biochemical pathways, including the health of our cells and our DNA. This is not something we can afford to ignore when confronted with the implications of illness or making a decision about our health.
However, not all supplements are equal and some can even add to our toxic or allergen load, so it is important to choose pure, well researched brands. I only work with supplement companies that deliver high quality products. You do not necessarily need to purchase them from me and if necessary I will suggest suppliers you can buy from directly.
In a clinical setting, nutraceuticals are very useful when used therapeutically to alleviate symptoms, support biochemical pathways, for example liver detoxification and to address nutritional deficiencies. During the consultation process I may also suggest general herbs and spices and recommend ready made formulas and tinctures. I will always factor in costs and lifestyle when making recommendations.
What happens if I need to cancel?
Payments for consultations will be paid by you when the appointments are made or in person. I understand that sometimes other things pop up we need to attend and that you may need to re-schedule owing to a change in circumstances or an unforeseen event.
However, all appointments are subject to a 40% cancellation charge if notice is given less than 24 hours prior to the appointment time and a 100% cancellation charge if notified on the day of the appointment. This is to cover the lack of time available to re-fill the slot and the time taken by myself to prepare for the session.
What if I have been prescribed medication. Will you be working with my GP?
Any alterations to your medications can only be carried out by your GP. As a healthcare practitioner I will always check contraindications with any foods or supplements I am thinking of recommending before implementing them in your plan.
In certain circumstances, for example if you are being managed for a health condition, and I have your permission, I will consult with your GP in regards to medications, scans and test results. I adopt an integrative approach and will work alongside any allopathic treatment plan you are on. This includes other healthcare providers as well as general practitioners.
In the event something crops up as part of the case history taking or through the consultation process I will always recommend reporting any 'red flags' that have arisen to your primary healthcare provider.