Frequently Asked Questions

What is Nutritional Therapy?
How should I choose a Nutritional Therapist?
How quickly can I expect results?
Are supplements a waste of money?
Will a nutritional programme be difficult to follow?
Shouldn’t I just see a doctor to help with my symptoms?

Q: What is Nutritional Therapy?
A: Nutritional Therapy is a complementary therapy designed to ensure optimum health for individual clients. Recommendations may include methods to support digestion and absorption, supporting hormonal health and maintaining a healthy weight. Nutritional Therapists advise on each person’s unique dietary and nutritional needs, and may use functional tests to inform individual programmes. Supplements may be recommended to support and maintain a healthy physiology. Nutritional Therapy is complementary to medical advice and does not replace conventional medicine.

Q: How should I choose a Nutritional Therapist?

A: Unfortunately, many complementary and alternative health care businesses are poorly regulated, so it is important to choose a practitioner who is highly qualified and is a member of the appropriate regulatory bodies. Lucy Dawson has a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutritional Medicine and is bound by the code of ethics applicable to clinical practice imposed by the British Association of Applied Nutrition and Nutritional Therapy (BANT). She is also an approved Practitioner for the Complementary & Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC).

Q: Are supplements a waste of money?

A: Supplements should be just that – supplementary to a balanced diet.  A good nutritional programme focuses on increasing nutritious and healthy foods in your diet and preparing them to maximize nutrient content. Good quality supplements may be recommended in order to support dietary change, but these should only be taken for a limited time and only in the recommended dosages.  

Cheap supplements often contain bulking agents such as fillers and binders. They may also contain forms of nutrients that are difficult for the body to absorb and utilise. This makes some cheap supplements a false economy. Lucy Dawson only recommends high quality supplements; expect to pay £1 – £2.50 a day for the duration of your nutritional programme.

Q: How quickly should I expect results?

A: Nutritional Therapy is not a magic pill as it takes time for the body to respond and rebalance.  In addition, the effectiveness of a nutritional programme depends on your own personal wants, lifestyle and how practical it is to incorporate into your everyday life.  One full consultation and three follow-ups is the norm over a period of 4 – 6 months; however this can increase or decrease depending on the circumstances.

Q: Will a nutritional programme be difficult to follow?

A:  Nutritional programmes have to be practical for you and your lifestyle. You will help design your own nutritional programme, to ensure it is managable and sustainable.  However, changing your diet is difficult for anyone, which is why ongoing email support is included as standard within all nutritional programmes. Only with your active participation can we together construct a programme that delivers long term success - it’s a team effort!

Q: Shouldn’t I just see a doctor to help with my symptoms?

Nutritional Therapy is a complementary approach to health, and does not replace conventional medicine or advice from your GP.  You should always see a doctor with any symptoms that you are concerned about.

However, there is a lot of scientific evidence to show how diet can optimise your health and wellbeing, and your nutritional programme can be used in conjunction with any treatment from your doctor or complementary health professional.