From passion to profession
My passion for science led to an undergraduate degree in Physics at Cambridge University. Soon afterwards I became fascinated with the intuitive and spontaneously creative intelligence of the body as revealed to me in the movement of T’ai Chi Ch’uan, Thai yoga massage and other body awareness and dance practices which I continue to this day.
Traveling in South East Asia 2005 after a meditation retreat I became infected with parasites, was eventually treated with antibiotics but remained plagued with ‘post-infectious IBS’. My ability to sleep gradually reduced to less than 5 hours per night over the next 5 years and I ended up in a state of chronic fatigue. I describe this as ‘getting a dose of old age before my time’ and I remember struggling to walk uphill very slowly and crossing the kitchen to get something only to forget what I was going to get and thus tasks taking much longer than desired due to my slower brain speed. This was frustrating but also at times I simply didn’t have enough energy to have a drama about the situation.
I did, however, put the energy I had into health and nutrition research and becoming inspired by an understanding of some of the fundamental biochemical processes underlying Chronic Fatigue Syndrome my interest in the scientific approach was rekindled and my passion in the power of food to affect lasting changes grew.
This eventually led to a 3-year diploma in Nutritional Therapy and a diploma in Naturopathy at the College of Naturopathic Medicine in London.
As my fatigue, digestive issues, headaches, cramping, pain, skin lesions and other symptoms gradually improved I continued diving deeper into research and clinical practice and completed further training in functional medicine, nutrigenetics and many related areas.
I began full-time work as a nutritional therapist in 2014, with my clinics in London, Devon and online quickly becoming very busy.
Ongoing learning
I love to learn from and exchange information with as many different experienced clinicians and research scientists as I can, both from the UK and from overseas. I am also grateful to my clients who have taught me so much over the years.
The field I am working in is vast and I dedicate much of my time to my continuing professional development and also researching for and writing my blog, with posts on a wide variety of topics.
I now specialise in gastrointestinal health and fatigue, with additional foci on nervous and endocrine health, acne, pregnancy and fertility, methylation biochemistry and nutrigenetics.
Investigating driving factors of disease
I am fascinated by how the various systems we have compartmentalised the body into are all interconnected in countless ways. Thus although gastrointestinal health and fatigue are my speciality, I investigate driving factors of disease such as hormonal imbalances, toxicity, inflammation, stress, nervous system health, sleep imbalances, underlying infections, nutrient imbalances, food sensitivities, biochemistry and our genetic predisposition to biochemical imbalances.
For example it is now known that the communication between the gut and the brain is bidirectional such that inflammation in the gut can cause inflammation in the brain and vice versa. Thus conditions such as depression, ‘brain fog’, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease may have their cause in gut imbalances even when there are no overt gastrointestinal symptoms. Conversely digestive issues may have their roots in inflammatory conditions affecting the brain, such as physical trauma to the head, emotional trauma, glycemic stress (from excessive carbohydrate intake), neurotoxicity and depression.
Using motivational interviewing techniques
Many practitioners will attempt to pressure you into making changes that you may not be ready for. Such an approach not only creates unnecessary stress but has also been shown to be ineffective in motivating change.
I use motivational interviewing techniques to be your personal ally in optimising your health in a way that is supportive rather than oppositional. I explain the effects of making dietary and lifestyle changes in a way that you can understand but enquire with you to find the best way to overcome challenges that will realistically work for you by being in alignment with your individual circumstances, goals and personality.
Research and development experience
From 2018 to 2023 I also worked 1-2 days a week in research and development at FunctionalDX, a major blood testing laboratory.
Clinical practice balanced with regular research and study
Now I focus my working time solely on clinical practice, writing and researching for my blog, and on the research and continuing professional development to support the ever increasing effectiveness of my clinical practice.
I am convinced that clinical practice needs to be balanced with regular research and study. Without clinical practice research can become disconnected from the reality of the needs of individual clients. On the other hand time dedicated to research and study allows me to continually expand my knowledge to be able to help more and more people with various conditions, genetics and individual circumstances to find optimal health.
The pillars that support my work
My scientific training, extensive knowledge of nutrition, biochemistry, lifestyle medicine, functional medicine and naturopathic principles as well as years of clinical experience also guide my suggestions for appropriate lab testing, dietary and lifestyle changes as well as making recommendations for nutritional supplements when appropriate.
I passionately believe – and clinical practice demonstrates this – that the vast majority of us could be living a life of abundant health, joy and energy.
Lab testing
The recommended lab tests use the most cutting edge technology to deliver the most accurate and comprehensive results of any commercially available tests in the UK.
Accreditations & professional bodies
I am a member of the British Association of Applied Nutrition & Nutritional Therapy (BANT) and The Institute Of Functional Medicine, a registered practitioner with the Complimentary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC) and an associate member of The Royal Society Of Medicine.
I am also a certified DNALifeTM nutrigenetics practitioner.
Consultations
Learn more about my work in London, Devon (Totnes) and online.
Book a free no-obligation 20-minute telephone appointment using the box to the right to find out more about how I can help you.
Please note: I do not offer medical or emergency advice. Nor is my work a substitute for medical care. In the interests of your safety you will be required to agree to my Terms and Conditions.
