Naturopathy

Our human bodies are so intricate and with science only scratching the surface of this complex being there is a huge buzz and focus on the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). With approximately 70% of our immune system dependant on the functioning of the GIT, various studies have been slowly unravelling the complex relationship between gut bacteria and immunity. Both hormones and neurotransmitters are secreted in the GIT, determining our appetite regulation, mood and energy production.

A naturopath empowers individuals using a variety of therapies outlined below to support and stimulate the bodies innate healing mechanisms. Modern technology, environmental pollution, poor quality and contaminated food and high stress levels are significantly affecting our current health status and support is needed to ensure optimum function. Awareness of both internal and external toxicity is key and further understanding and educating ourselves on supporting our bodily systems as a whole; mind, body and soul is key to optimising our health. All that we eat, breath, think and feel are building our cells and determining the strength of our immune system, this is why a holistic approach is of paramount importance.

  • With a current epidemic of stress and anxiety amongst both adults and children, the hair mineral test is a great way to determine and address the root cause of these symptoms. Deficiencies and toxicities are presented in the report highlighting which particular minerals and or heavy metals that need to be addressed with diet and/or supplementation.

    A hair mineral test is a cheap and easy way to address the following complaints:

    • Low mood

    • Fatigue

    • Stress/anxiety

    • Weight Loss issues

    • Hyperactivity

    • Poor sleep

    • Aches and pains

    • Slow metabolism

    • Hormone imbalance

    • Blood sugar instability

    • Low energy

    The testing process is a very simple and non invasive process, a hair sample is collected from 2-3 areas on the crown of the head and nape of the neck and will be enough to fill a teaspoon. An envelope is provided to put the sample and this is then sent in a free post envelope via a mailbox.

    Test results can take anything from 1-2 weeks and when the report is received it will be forwarded to yourself with a plan of both foods to include and avoid and a supplement programme. It is advised to carry out the protocol and re test in 3-6 months time.

    Cost: Test £80 with full report

    Optional:- Interpretation of report and additional nutritional advice £65 (30 mins), £100 (1 hour) for an in-depth discussion with client history and a detailed plan emailed.

  • Are you suffering from any of the following:

    • Bloating

    • Hives

    • Gas

    • Eczema

    • Wind

    • Skin complaints

    • Abdominal Cramps

    • Sinusitis

    • Constipation

    • Leaky gut

    • Diarrhoea

    • Asthma

    • Nausea

    • Coughs/colds

    • IBS

    • Headaches

    The testing process is very quick and simple.

    Food intolerances can be the cause of a number of symptoms and identifying these specific foods or compounds can be a great first step to optimising health and vitality. After all how can the body heal itself whilst still being under attack?

    Here at the Therapy Life centre our Naturopath Claire Brooks uses an in clinic food intolerance test that measures Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies to 49 specific foods, providing results while you wait..... A blood sample is obtained using a finger prick and this can identify potential "problem foods" for the individual, there is often a link with elevated IgG antibodies and inflammatory conditions within the body, manifesting in a range of health issues from digestive concerns to skin complaints.

    Diagnosing food intolerances and eliminating them from the diet stops the body from being 'attacked', therefore allowing the body to heal. Specific compounds that are present in food and drinks can cause an acute onset of symptoms in some people whilst others may experience a delay by up-to three days from ingestion, this can often leave the client confused with pinpointing the trigger food. Over time, food intolerances can lead to leaky gut syndrome, low mood and low energy, as well as hormone disturbance and gut bacteria imbalance (dysbiosis). Many people feel they have IBS with instant feelings of bloating, gas, discomfort and abdominal pain.

    *Please note that this is a food intolerance which uses Immunoglobulin E (IgE) NOT a food allergy test that uses IgA which is a faster acting and more severe response.

    Cost: Test only - £120. Optional: Additional nutritional advice - £80.

Our Naturopathic Therapist

Looking to book? Give us a call on 01702 433959 or request an appointment.

  • Claire is a naturopath and practices as a naturopathic nutritionist and iridologist, specialising in gut-health, hormones, weight loss and detoxification.

    Claire empowers her clients with naturopathic principles through education and awareness, guiding and supporting them to experience optimal health and vitality.

    She works intuitively using a holistic approach to the inter-relationship of the bodily organs and systems, searching for the root cause of illnesses as opposed to patching up and treating symptoms.

    Claire advocates the use of natural and organic whole foods, herbs and relaxation techniques to support homeostasis (balance) to aid recovery from and prevention of illness and disease. Both detoxifying and nourishing our mind, body and soul is essential for longevity and balance in today’s chaotic world.

    Having gained a BSc in Nutrition and Dietetics 10 years ago Claire felt drawn to further her education from a more natural health perspective and attended both the College of Naturopathic Medicine (CNM) and the College of Naturopathic Nutrition (CNN) where she studied iridology, naturopathic nutrition, detoxification, gut-health.

    • Dietary changes – Various types of diets, elimination, introduction,

    • Food supplements – Vitamins & minerals, CBD, essential oils.

    • Herbal remedies – Bach flower remedies, teas and tinctures

    • Detoxification programmes – Bowel, kidney & liver.

    • Exercise advice – HIIT, yoga, resistance

    • Relaxation techniques – deep breathing

    • Lifestyle changes – intermittent fasting, journaling, complimentary therapies.

  • The only preparation for the food intolerance test is to ensure that you are sufficiently hydrated, this will allow the blood to flow easier and therefore speed up the process.

  • 40 minutes.

  • You will receive a booklet with information about outlining the foods and the level of reactions to the specific foods.

  • 2 years old.

  • IgG stands for Immunoglobulin (type G). Immunoglobulins are a class of proteins that function as antibodies produced by the immune system in response to foreign bodies entering the body. There are several different types of immunoglobulins with IgA, IgE, IgG, IgM being the most well-known.

  • When a food causes the body to produce high levels of IgG then these antibodies combine with the protein in the food to form an ‘antigen-antibody complex’. These complexes are usually eliminated by other cells in the immune system. However, if the immune system is overloaded, these insoluble molecules become deposited in tissues within the body, where they may cause chronic inflammation and the subsequent production of symptoms.

  • Yes, some people do have high IgG levels to certain foods but do not have any symptoms at all. This is most likely due to their immune system being extremely efficient at clearing away the antigen-antibody complexes before they have chance to be deposited in the tissues and cause a problem. While it is true that certain common foods are more likely to show a positive result e.g. wheat, dairy, soya. The reason for this is that these foods are consumed on a regular basis in our diet and along with digestive issues this can increase the likelihood that the body may react to them. While an elimination diet will always be the gold standard, the benefit of doing a food intolerance test is that it will be able to quickly show which of the foods that are eaten on a regular basis, are a potential problem. In addition the tests are able to highlight more unusual foods which a person may not have considered removing from their diet.

  • The efficacy of a diet based on the measurement of IgG antibodies specific for food components has been demonstrated in a number of conditions, both in independent studies and clinical practice. Excellent results have been obtained in patients with migraine, IBS and obesity.

  • A food intolerance test is not recommended during pregnancy as the immune system is suppressed. However, 4-6 weeks after giving birth should be fine.

  • Cereals, Nuts, Beans, Meats, Fish, Vegetables, Fruit, Dairy, miscellaneous Yeast, ginger, garlic, mushrooms, Tea, cocoa.