WHAT IS a naturopathic approach?
Naturopathy is an approach to healthcare which encourages and promotes the body’s own self-healing mechanisms. The naturopathic principles are:
- Given the right conditions and treatment the body can heal itself.
- Treat the cause, not the symptom. The question isn’t what is the disease but why is it there, where did it come from, and what is the root cause? Instead of suppressing symptoms we want to investigate what might be the underlying cause.
- Treat the whole person. There is no “one size fits all approach”. We are all bio-individual and therefore what works for one, may not work for another.
- Prevention is preferable to cure. With most diseases being so clearly linked to diet, lifestyle and the environment, it is essential that these areas are addressed in order to prevent disease, rather than react once it has developed.
- Education is key. Naturopathic practitioners use up to date, evidence based information to educate their patients by bringing a better understanding of health, how to attain and maintain it and how to avoid creating an environment where disease can result. This allows you to regain control and take responsibility for your own health.
WHAT IS A NATUROPATHIC nutritionist?
I focus on discovering the root causes of your condition/symptoms. Together we create a timeline of your life from birth until present day, covering significant events, medical history & medication use. I then carry out further questioning on a variety of body systems including gastrointestinal, immune system, nervous system etc. to allow me to get a full picture of the areas which may be under stress & need supporting.
I follow the principles above knowing that every person is an individual and requires a personalised approach when it comes to their health. I focus on optimising nutrition and lifestyle through thorough case taking to discover the potential underlying causes.
After the case taking is complete I then create a bespoke nutritional plan to support your specific needs e.g., IBS, Fatigue, Type 2 Diabetes, Anxiety, Perimenopause, Menopause, PCOS, Eczema, Psoriasis, Weight Gain and Osteoarthritis.
I also provide plans focusing on areas such as Sports Nutrition and Healthy Ageing.
WHAT IS HEALTH COACHING?
As a health coach I listen to my clients and provide support, guidance and accountability on their journey to whole body health and wellness. I coach clients to become experts in themselves and provide structure to allow them to make sustainable, long term changes to their diet and lifestyle.
The definition of nutrition is the process of providing or obtaining food necessary for health and growth. I believe that there are 2 types of food; the secondary foods which we consume and form our diet and the primary foods which are all the other aspects of our life which nourish us off the plate. These include sleep, stress management, movement, creativity, relationships, self-care etc.
Health coaching uses a holistic approach to develop an awareness of which areas need your attention at that moment in time to find balance and optimise your health and wellbeing.
Often in life and the healthcare system we feel unheard and find ourselves lost and overwhelmed with where to start when it comes to making positive changes to support our health and wellbeing. I provide a safe, encouraging, non-judgemental space and together we will create your own personalised toolbox to restore yourself and regain control of your health.
WHAT qualifications do you have?
Naturopathic Nutritional Therapy Diploma with distinction- College of Naturopathic Medicine (CNM) -2022. Member of the Naturopathic Nutrition Association (MNNA), General Naturopathic Council and registered with the Complementary & Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC).
Integrative Nutrition Health Coach certification – Institute of Integrative Nutrition – 2021. Member of the UK & International Health Coaching Association (UKIHCA).
Masters in Pharmacy (2:1) – University of Strathclyde, 2006. Member of the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).
Independent Prescriber qualification – Robert Gordon University, 2015.
Clinical Pharmacy Practice PgDip with distinction – Robert Gordon University, 2019.
WHAT DOES A PHARMACIST DO?
Pharmacists make a difference to patient’s lives through an expert knowledge of medicines and health. Helping people to live healthier lives depends on the safe use of medicines and up to date, excellent healthcare advice. We are an integral part of the healthcare team and advise other healthcare professionals about safe and effective medicine use.
We are also able to provide a wide range of services such as blood pressure measurement, treatment for urinary tract infections and flu vaccinations.
It is an ever expanding role with many of us now prescribers in our own specialised clinics providing support to those with conditions such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and asthma.
We also have a major role in medication reviews and deprescribing of medication in primary care, which is something I am very proud to have been a part of and was the start of my journey to creating Upcycled Health.
DO YOU STILL WORK AS A PHARMACIST?
Yes, in order to retain my registration with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) and practise in the UK I must submit evidence of continual professional development annually. I currently work as a locum pharmacist in community so that I can stay updated on current medications and guidelines so I can best support my clients.
Although I am passionate about reducing client’s medication burden where appropriate I also am fully aware of the benefits that medication can bring. There are situations where medication is required and I want to support my clients in understanding there is no shame in that. I believe that nutrition & lifestyle changes can help to reduce the medication burden in certain conditions and enhance conventional approaches to healthcare. My approach is to ensure my clients are well educated about their medical conditions and medication so they can make informed decisions when it comes to their health and wellbeing. Patient safety has always been at the heart of what I do and that continues through my work within Upcycled Health.
