This section answers some often asked questions. If you have any other queries or would like additional information, then please book in for a 10 minute session to speak directly to one of our London nutritionists.
I am currently on prescription medication. Is Nutritional Therapy safe?
How many sessions will I need?
Do you do phone consultations?
Will I need to make lots of changes?
What if I don’t want to give up something?
What about insurance and a code of ethics?
What is the difference between a nutritional therapists, dieticians and nutritionists?
I am currently seeing a GP/Specialist for a particular condition - is Nutritional Therapy appropriate?
Nutritional therapy does not replace conventional medicine. However, they can work side by side very well. If you are currently receiving treatment from your GP or specialist, we can create a programme to support this. Where possible and with your permission, we prefer to keep doctors/specialists updated with your nutrition programme, especially if you are currently under medical care.
I am currently on prescription medication. Is Nutritional Therapy safe?
Nutritional Therapy can work safely alongside medication and may even help minimise the side effects. During the first consultation we will discuss what medication you are on. Where possible, please bring it along with you - this way we can ensure our recommendations are appropriate. With your permission, we can liaise with your doctor regarding your nutrition programme.
Do not stop taking any medication without your doctor`s consent.
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How many sessions will I need?
The number of sessions required will depend on your particular health concern. Our objective is to make you healthy so that you don’t become a long term client! We normally recommend 3-4 visits, although some clients may need more or less than this.
How much does it cost?
Please check out the Services and Costs section for more information.
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Do you do home visits?
We prefer to carry out consultations from our clinic as we have access to all of our equipment and reference materials. However, under certain circumstances, we may do a home/workplace visit – please contact us to discuss. (Addititional fees may apply.)
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Do you do phone consultations?
The first and second consultations are carried out face-to-face. At the first consultation we like to meet you personally – we may also carry out some in-house tests. During the second consultation we provide you with a lot of information and we always find that this is better done face-to-face. Subsequent consultations may be done over the phone if you are unable to attend the clinic.
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Will I need to make a lot of changes ?
This depends on your symptoms or condition and what your current diet and lifestyle are like. It may be necessary to make a number of changes and if you want to do everything all at once then that`s fine. However, we often find that clients prefer to make small but important changes one step at a time.
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What if I don’t want to give up a food or make lifestyle changes?
Nutritional therapy is not about restricting foods for no reason - enjoying a little of what you fancy is often OK. However, in some cases, there may be a valid reason to avoid a particular food more stringenty and we will explain why this is the case so that you are well informed.
Lifestyle choices can play a big role in our health - whether that be the way we think, the exercise we do (or don't do), our work environment or the recreational pursuits we might have. At Key Nutrition, we take a holistic approach and therefore, some of these things may be discussed.
You are in charge of your own health so the final decision is always yours.
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Will I need supplements?
This depends on your current health concerns. We always place the emphasis on dietary change - we firmly believe that supplements cannot replace a well-balanced diet. However, we often find that clients achieve the best results when supplements are included in a programme. Most supplement programmes are short-term and aim to address specific nutritional and biochemical needs.
Supplements don`t always have to take the form of capsules and pills. If you have a problem with these we can look at other ways of supplementing your diet, for example by using food-based powders and liquids which can be mixed into juice or smoothies.
You are under no obligation to take supplements and we can still work with you towards achieving your health goals if you decide not to take them.
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How confidential is it?
All our consultations are strictly confidential. Where relevant, we may keep your GP informed about your programme but we will only do this with your permission. Key Nutrition work as a team and therefore your practitioner may discuss your case with colleagues in order to get the best possible outcome for you. Your information is held in accordance to the Data Protection Act and we are registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office.
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What about insurance and a code of ethics?
All our practitioners are members of the British Association of Nutritional Therapy (BANT) and the CNHC. This means they carry professional insurance, have trained to national occupation standards, and continue to train through monitored professional development programmes.
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What is the difference between nutritional therapists, dieticians and nutritionists?
Nutritional Therapists must meet the National Occupational Standards for nutritional therapy and are regulated by the CNHC. Nutritional therapy encompasses the use of carefully compiled individual prescriptions for diet and lifestyle in order to alleviate or prevent ailments and promote optimal health. These recommendations may include dietary advice, guidance on natural methods to support digestion and absorption, the avoidance of toxins or allergens, detoxification support and the appropriate use of supplementary nutrients.
Nutritional therapists often work with patients, many of whom have been referred by medical practitioners, who have chronic health problems that conventional medicine finds difficult to treat. These include allergies, digestive and bowel disorders, hormonal imbalances, fatigue, depression or stress, auto-immune conditions, migraine and skin disorders.
Dieticians work principally in the National Health Service and are regulated by the Health Professions Council. Their professional body is the British Dietetic Association. A dietician uses the science of nutrition to devise eating plans for patients to treat medical conditions. They also work to promote good health by helping to facilitate a positive change in food choices amongst individuals, groups and communities.
NB. Only dieticians and nutritional therapists are trained in clinical practice to give one-on-one personal health advice. Both groups must practise with full professional indemnity insurance.
Nutritionists often work outside a clinical context: in the food industry, in research and academia, in government and other agencies. They are qualified to provide information to the public about food and healthy eating, but not about special therapeutic diets.