SHEILA DOWNES | NUTRITIONAL THERAPIST & LIFESTYLE COACH
First and foremost, I’m a real fan of real food! We’ve all heard “Let food be thy medicine” but it can also be your poison, which can be the case if you’re not eating real food, and 21st century living makes this a real challenge!
I was always interested in food, health and wellbeing but I began to pay more attention when I felt my own health was not at its best, especially during times of stress. My interest led me to studying with The Institute of Health Sciences where I gained my Diploma in Nutritional Therapy. This course is based on the principles and practices of functional medicine, an evidence based, patient centred approach to healthcare that focuses on identifying and preventing the underlying causes of chronic disease.
SO WHAT IS NUTRITIONAL THERAPY?
Nutritional Therapy treats the body as a whole while seeking the root cause of health concerns rather than simply treating the symptoms. It encompasses bio-individuality, meaning no two humans are the same, and looks at the interactions between diet, lifestyle, genetic and environmental factors and their role in chronic disease development.
Why would you see a Nutritional Therapist?
- To support digestive issues such as IBS, IBD, bloating, heartburn, acid reflux, indigestion etc.
- To gain general healthy eating advice for you and your family (including practical recommendations and recipes)
- To seek advice on how to support an existing health condition through nutrition such as type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure
- To gain advice on healthy and sustainable weight loss
I have mainly worked with individuals seeking nutritional guidance for weight loss and weight management. I have also worked with clients needing nutritional advice on digestive issues, skin problems, autoimmune diseases and type 2 diabetes.
My approach is to empower you to create better health for yourself through eating real nutritious food and adapting healthier lifestyle practices for increased vitality and optimal wellbeing. My mission is to make your pursuit for better health a joy. I want you to see food as your ally. Good food will nourish you, comfort you and heal you. I believe eating well is the most powerful thing you can do for yourself.
My best advice is to look after your gut. If you have any digestive issues whatsoever, seek help to have it resolved. Even if it is something seemingly ordinary as heartburn or bloating, as many diseases begin in the gut. An unhealthy diet can trigger digestive issues which may be the starting point to chronic disease development.
