Frequently Asked Questions

Functional testing focuses on physiological function (i.e. how the body functions at a molecular, tissue or organ level) which helps us to understand what the underlying cause is, rather than merely the presence of markers of disease, like conventional medical testing.

Conventional medicine looks at “normal/medically-accepted” ranges of blood tests, naturopathy looks at the optimal narrower ranges, and will evaluate GP tests accordingly. “Clinically” normal reference ranges are very wide and it is often the case that instead of feeling relief when the doctor gives you back “normal” results, you may feel worse knowing that something is not right, but has not been picked up by the doctor.

Eg thyroid function is important when preparing for pregnancy/IVF. Testing by GP usually only includes testing TSH but functional testing looks at the whole thyroid profile, including - FT4, FT3, TSH,anti-thyroglobulin antobodies, anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies which gives us a much clearer picture as to what's going on.

Same for many GP testing that is not accurate enough eg gut microbiome testing, hormone panels (men and women), vaginal microbiome, vitamin and mineral profile etc.

Standard health advice rarely goes beyond the basics things that we all already know. Eat more fruit and veg, less sugar. Lose weight, exercise and don’t smoke. 

Except, the advice given is also often based on outdated and biased information ie. the 'Eatwell plate'. 

Unfortunately following this general and lacking advice you are more likely to be nutrient deficient.

It doesn't take into account massive life stages such as fertility, pregnancy and baby’s development which requires even higher levels of NUTRIENT DENSE, REAL foods.

Food, lifestyle changes, low tox environment is extremely important. 

They influence nutrient levels, egg and sperm health, pregnancy outcomes, mum's physical and mental health as well as baby's development short and long term.

There is a massive need for awareness in this area.

No it is not expected. We work together to get the best result keeping your budget in mind. However I only recommend quality supplements that although more expensive than say supermarket brands they also provide active vitamins/minerals/herbs etc that provide therapeutic benefits and contain little to no excipients (extras that affect absorption/irritate gut etc)

Supplements have their place in helping us get from a-b that bit quicker and are usually recommended for short periods of time. I only recommend brands that I love, use myself or get my clients results. Quality and ethics behind the brand is very importanat to me. 

Testing as outlined above is more in depth and provides us with useful information with which to work from. 

As my client you do receive 10% discount on many supplements and testing as well as food products I recommend.

Nutritional therapy will not interfere with the process, only complement it. It will help to stack the odds in your favour whilst keeping in mind any medications etc that are in place. 

Firstly, supplements can not 'cancel out' a sub-optimal diet. They definitely have their time and place when taking quality products though. Pregnacare is one of my biggest frustrations when it comes to prenatal nutrition advice. This one in particular contains many synthetic versions of vitamins (not absorbed well by the body) and has many excipients in there (extras that affect absorption by 60-70%.)

Iron tablets recommended by doctors are a poor version of iron and almost always cause constipation. 

Please keep in mind conventional doctors, midwives etc have little to no training in nutrition. 

I can help advise you the right supplementation individual to your situation. 

Lots more info on all the above on my instagram page or message me any further questions.

Sam x