Other Nutrition Issues
High Blood Pressure / High Cholesterol
High blood pressure and high cholesterol are some of the most common conditions we see in the clinics. These conditions are what we consider "lifestyle" conditions, meaning we can avoid or improve them through our day-to-day actions. This includes what we eat and how active we are.
In general, cutting down on processed foods, increasing your fruit and vegetable intake and avoiding sugary drinks and the key points of healthy dietary change.
Some people find that more intensive dietary changes are needed, like swapping to a "flexitarian" diet. We can help with these changes too.
Other Nutrition Issues
Reflux Disorder / Heartburn (GORD)
Reflux is a painful disorder which causes pain in the throat after eating. This is because the muscle which divides the throat and the stomach isn't working properly, so food and acid in the stomach can go back up the throat.
Often people find this worse at night time when they are lying down, or after eating certain foods (spicy foods and caffeine are common triggers). Stress also impacts reflux, so watch your stress levels when you start having more symptoms.
Reflux is a serious condition, and if left untreated it can cause a type of throat cancer. While you can get medication for reflux, finding your personal triggers is the best way to manage it long-term.
Iron Deficiency
Iron deficiency can occur for a number of reasons, one of which is inadequate intake in the diet. People who are vegan are vegetarian are at higher risk of developing iron deficiency. This is because iron is not as well absorbed from plant sources compared to animal sources.
Increasing iron-rich foods in the diet (including iron-rich plant foods) can help to increase your iron levels over the long term. Food pairings are also important, for example, having iron rich food with vitamin C foods (or juice) will help you to absorb the iron in your foods.
Fussy Eating & Childhood Nutrition
Many children (and their parents!) struggle with fussy eating. This is a natural process but there are ways we can introduce new foods to children and reduce the stress on parents.
Ellen Slatter's Division of Responsibility is a fantastic example of this. However, if your child struggled with meal times because of textural or sensation issues (e.g. Autism), we recommend Building Blocks Mealtimes, who are specialists in fussy eating, particularly from sensory difficulties.
We also work with children who need some healthy habit changes. We work in a positive and encouraging way, so children do not feel shamed.
Pregnancy Nutrition
Nutrition during pregnancy is crucial to the development of your child.
Pregnancy often prompts parents to examine their own lives, and make healthy changes.
Ensuring that you have all the nutrients you need to help your baby grow is the best way to ensure the health of your child.
Mental Health
Mental health and nutrition are closely linked.
Nutrition is important so that the body has the required building blocks for neurotransmitters, which are how our brain communicates with the rest of or body.
There is also the newly emerging Gut-Brain relationship, which shows that the microorganisms in our gut can have an impact on our mental health and mood.
We are able to help in many other conditions, so please feel free to contact us if you have any queries.
You can contact us here to ask any questions or to book in to see us.