Could functional medicine be the answer you’re looking for?

Are you a medical Doctor? No! Functional Medicine is an approach, a set of tools trained practitioners use. I use it as a clinical tool to enhance my client interactions and results, while respecting my core training in Nutrition and Naturopathy.

What does a Functional Medicine Practitioner do? We understand that everybody’s biochemistry is unique, and that no two people will experience the same disease in the same way. Because of this we are trained to be laser focused in our search for answers, and patient-centred in supporting and managing a person’s journey back to full health. The process starts with a deep dive into your health and lifestyle, helping us to find the clues that conventional health care providers often overlook due to time constraints. Often functional testing will give us the remaining hidden answers, and the opportunity to create truly bespoke health plans that have the ability to deliver life changing results for your health! Practitioners can use whatever their training lends itself to as the ‘medicine’. For me that’s food, herbs, naturopathic practices alongside coaching, positive psychology and lifestyle upgrades. I like to make the process as engaging, easy and practical as I can so you as a client not only start seeing results quickly, but through your newfound habits you learn how to maintain them. For more on functional medicine, Check out this video by Dr Mark Hyman.

What tests do you use? To rule in or out suspected imbalances, I use private a variety of the following functional tests:

• GI Map stool test

• Organic Acids urine test

• SIBO breath test

• Cyrex food immune reactivity

• Functional blood analysis/reporting

• Fatty acid balance

• Dutch hormone test

• DNA/Nutrigenoomics tests.

Are functional tests necessary? Not always, but they’re an integral part of the work I do with 1:1 clients. Interpreting functional test results meaningfully, connecting what shows on paper to how you’re feeling, the dis-ease you’re experiencing is the key to creating a bespoke health plan to address your exact needs and restore function and vitality.

What could be causing my symptoms? Symptoms can be triggered or caused by any or all of the following; allergies, food sensitivities, nutrient deficiencies, genetics, bacterial overgrowth, gut infections, compromised elimination pathways, heavy metals, mould, stress, blood sugar imbalances, childhood trauma, limiting beliefs, emotional issues! As they accumulate, and the body becomes more deficient in the reserves it needs to offset the burden, resulting in a state of dysfunctional health or disease; fertility problems, thyroid issues, chronic or debilitating fatigue, sore joints, low or no libido….and so on!

How will I know if your services are for me? It’s for you if you’re ready to change the course of your current health. It’s for you if you want to feel good about your body…… if you’re fed up shelling out cash for solutions that were someone else’s success story…….. if you value a personalised approach to your health or future-proofing your health. If you know how to remain engaged, open, receptive, accountable and committed to the process! It is not for you if you’re looking for a sticky plaster approach. If you want to know more, make a enquiry through the contacts page, or book a call and I can help you find out which, if any service would suit your needs best.

Do you only work online? No! I went online during COVID and really appreciate how it allowed me to provide my services anywhere. However, I can offer in-person consultations in Brussels, and in Northern Ireland during holiday periods.

How soon will it be before I see results? This is different for everyone. For some, it’s quick, within a few months they feel a shift in their health. For others, the process is slower and more challenging. A lot will depend on how much cleaning up we have to do, your genetics, your willingness to onboard the information, and your compliance. As a guideline, we say allow a month for each year you’ve been dealing with symptoms.

What is a healing crisis? Some clients experience what we call a healing crisis, where their symptoms get worse before they get better. Skin for example may become especially volatile as symptoms that have been previously suppressed by medications begin to resurface. If they cannot be dealt with by the main organs of elimination, the body uses the skin as an alternative route of elimination. While it’s normal, it can be challenging to keep the faith. This is why my 6 month programmes are designed to keep us in regular contact, so you can be advised on the appropriate course of action and receive additional support if needed.