What is Nutritional Therapy?

Written By Rachel Flynn

This is a question I get asked all the time and up until I was introduced to a nutritional therapist myself about 8 years ago, I was just as confused as you. Most people assume a nutritional therapist is someone who will assess your diet, calculate your macro’s and give you a restricted meal plan to follow until your willpower gives in. This is most definitely not the case!

Nutritional therapy is much more than that. In a nutshell, nutritional therapy is the application of nutrition and health science to support you in optimising your health and reaching your goals. For example, if your goal was to stop bloating after a meal or improve PMS symptoms around your cycle. A nutritional therapist will work with you to uncover the possible root causes — such as food intolerances, hormonal imbalances, or digestive issues — and create a personalised plan to address them. This might include adjusting your diet, improving meal balance, supporting gut health, and recommending targeted supplements or lifestyle changes.

Our work as nutritional therapists is also deeply rooted in functional medicine strategies.

Functional medicine mind map, nutrition and health principles

These strategies are the basis of what makes nutritional therapy so effective.

  • Patient-centred care: Ensuring client participation, preferences and expectations are heard

  • Personalisation: There is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ with diet - Identifying your specific body’s needs through health history-taking, nutrition and lifestyle assessment and functional testing

  • Root-cause: Addressing the root cause of issues such as digestive issues, hormonal imbalances, irregular cycles, or skin conditions—rather than just masking symptoms with temporary fixes

  • Collaborative: Nutritional therapy is a complementary therapy that achieves optimal results when integrated alongside your existing medical and alternative healthcare providers

If you’ve explored conventional methods without achieving the results you want, nutritional therapy could provide the tailored support you need. A qualified nutritional therapist collaborates with you to:

  • Identify underlying nutritional imbalances impacting your energy, mood, weight, or overall health

  • Detect food sensitivities or intolerances that may be hindering your progress

  • Develop a personalized, sustainable nutrition plan based on evidence-based research

  • Address the root cause of your symptoms to promote lasting improvement rather than temporary symptom management

Nutritional therapy provides expert guidance for sustainable change through personalised food plans, targeted supplements, and lifestyle adjustments. This evidence-based approach supports your body's natural balance, enhances overall well-being, and equips you with the knowledge to maintain long-term health. If you’ve felt stuck after exhausting your options, nutritional therapy offers tailored care to address the root of your health concerns.

Rachel Flynn