We understand it can be confusing to know who to see for support with issues related to your nutrition, including your digestive health. Our Registered Nutritional Therapist, Mrs Abir Hamza-Goodacre and Registered Dietitian, Mrs Nona Ozerianskaya want to cut through misinformation and confusion so you know who to book your appointment with.
What is a Dietitian?
Registered Dietitians (RDs) are qualified health professionals that assess, diagnose and treat dietary and nutritional problems at an individual and wider public health level.
Dietitians use the most up-to-date public health and scientific research on food, health and disease to enable patients to make appropriate lifestyle and food choices.
What is a Nutritional Therapist?
BANT-registered Nutritional Therapists are uniquely trained to understand how nutrients and lifestyle factors influence the function of the body. Their recommendations are science and evidence-based.
“I understand that the nutritional and biochemical make-up of each person is unique and so dietary needs vary from person to person. I offer personalised nutrition and lifestyle programmes to boost the body’s healing capabilities and improve health and performance,” says Abir.
It’s important to mention that nutritional therapy and dietetics are not recommended as a replacement for medical advice and a practitioner will always refer a patient with ‘red flag’ symptoms to their GP.
Should I see a Nutritional Therapist or a Dietitian?
If you’re ready to make changes to your diet to benefit your health, both our Nutritional Therapist and Dietitian can help. You also don’t need to have specific health problems to access their services. You may just want guidance on how to optimise your health through your diet and lifestyle.
However, although the fields of Nutritional Therapy and Dietetics have many things in common, one is generally considered a more appropriate decision based on your condition and your reason for seeking help:
When to consult a Nutritional Therapist: If you're looking to improve your overall well-being, address general health concerns like low energy or bloating, or simply optimise your nutrition without a specific diagnosis, a nutritional therapist can offer personalised advice and a holistic approach.
When to see a Dietitian: If you’re managing a diagnosed medical condition, such as diabetes, coeliac disease, or any severe digestive issues, a dietitian is best equipped to provide clinical nutrition support tailored to your specific needs. They can also help with weight management plans for serious health concerns.
If you’re struggling with any of the following health concerns, it’s probably time to see one of our specialists.
- Losing or gaining weight
- Low energy
- Digestive issues such as constipation, bloating or irritable bowel syndrome
- Diagnosed bowel conditions such as Crohn’s or Colitis that could be supported with an appropriate diet
- Hormone imbalances
- Diagnosed medical condition such as diabetes, coeliac or high blood pressure
- Disordered eating, including emotional eating
- Food intolerances and allergies
You can book an initial private consultation with a Nutritional Therapist or a Dietitian without a referral, but if you’d like a referral, you can do so with our private GP service.
Meet Abir, our Nutritional Therapist
“I am a BANT-registered Nutritional Therapist, offering nutrition and lifestyle coaching to help my clients feel healthy, productive and in control of their wellness. I have over 15 years of experience in the field of nutrition. I am a practitioner, speaker and BANT Director.”
Abir’s areas of expertise are:
- Weight management
- Digestive health
- Female hormonal health
Meet Nona, our Dietitian
“I provide dietetic advice on a range of conditions. I’m an active member of gastroenterology, allergy, obesity/diabetic and cardiovascular special interest groups. I was also involved in developing the BDA (British Dietetic Association) factsheet on stanols and sterols and the food factsheet on fibre. My dietetic input includes intravenous, enteral and oral nutrition support and dietary advice on various therapeutic diets.
“The main objective of my input is to optimise my patients' nutrition and improve their symptoms by offering dietary advice and counselling (including using behavioural change techniques).”
What happens during a nutritional therapy appointment?
Abir advices “During your initial consultation, which lasts one hour, we’ll talk about your health history and discuss your health concerns and goals. I’ll explain the potential causes behind your symptoms and answer any questions you may have.
“I’ll work with you to create a personalised nutritional programme during your consultation. This will include any relevant dietary and lifestyle advice, as well as carefully selected nutritional supplements. Further testing such as blood tests or even a referral to a gastroenterologist may also be recommended.
“I email patients their nutrition programme within 24 hours of the initial consultation and a follow-up appointment can be arranged to assess progress.”
What happens during a dietetics appointment?
Our Dietetics appointments are via video call. During the consultation, your health concerns are addressed and we discuss dietary changes that would be supportive. Recommendations would be sent to you via email and follow-up appointments will be arranged if necessary.
Better your nutritional health
Struggling to lose and maintain weight despite constantly feeling like you are on a ‘diet’? Feeling confused about conflicting advice on what constitutes a healthy diet? Managing a chronic health condition? Constantly bloated or feeling ‘sluggish’?
Our nutritional therapy service can kickstart your health by supporting and guiding you through these issues.
Take the first step to a happier, healthier life by calling our Private Patients team on 01580 363158 or filling in our online enquiry form.
Published on 13 August 2024