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Sally*, 31,
polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), pregnancy, prevention of gestational diabetes and excessive weight gain
Sally came to see me when she was nine weeks pregnant. She had a history
of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and her weight and periods had only normalised with drug treatment which was contraindicated
during pregnancy. Her main aim was to prevent gestational diabetes and excessive weight gain during pregnancy.
I advised Sally on a blood sugar balancing diet and
also gave her some general advice on healthy eating during pregnancy.
When she came to see
me again two months later she had implemented most of the suggested dietary changes and felt that her blood sugar was much
better controlled and her mood more even. She enjoyed her new way of eating and was happy to continue with
it.
Sally’s
routine glucose tolerance test at the end of the second trimester was normal and her weight gain remained within the normal
range throughout her pregnancy.
She delivered a healthy baby and was able to lose weight easily
after giving birth.
Susan*, 55, headaches, high cholesterol,
poor sleep, low energy, joint pain and stiffness
When
Susan first came to see me she had had frequent headaches for about ten years, and had over the past year experienced bloating
and pain and stiffness in her knees which had stopped her from going to the gym recently. She was on statins
for high cholesterol levels and complained about poor sleep and low energy levels.
A dietary analysis revealed that her fluid intake came mostly from tea,
her fruit and vegetable intake was low, as was her intake of essential fats and there was not much variety in her diet.
Her nutritional programme addressed these issues and I recommended a multivitamin and mineral supplement, extra vitamin
C and coenzyme Q10, in view of her taking statins.
At her first follow-up consultation one month later Susan had implemented some of the suggested dietary
changes, in particular she had been drinking more water and cut her tea consumption to three cups per day. She
reported feeling much better overall, she had only had a headache once, was sleeping better and had more energy.
At her second follow-up three months later, Susan
was delighted to report that her GP had taken her off the statins as her cholesterol levels had dropped to 4.9.
She had only had headaches very occasionally, her knees had started to improve and her bloating was much better.
She had gradually made all the changes to her diet which we had discussed at her initial consultation and enjoyed her
new way of eating.
Peter*, 39, overweight,
glucose intolerance, indigestion, bloating
Peter’s main reason for consulting me was his weight. He had had an abnormal glucose
tolerance test and was concerned about developing diabetes. He experienced regular energy slumps and food
cravings. Peter also complained about acid indigestion and bloating.
Peter’s nutritional programme focused on normalising
blood sugar control, adequate nutrient intake and improving digestion.
When Peter came back for his first follow-up consultation
he told me that he had adhered to my advice for the first two weeks after seeing me and had felt much better and lost two
inches around his waist. However, he had then come off track due to being under pressure both at work and
within the family. We discussed ideas for organising his meals and effective ways of dealing with stress.
At his second follow-up consultation two months later
Peter had been able to stick to his new eating pattern despite being very busy at work. He had lost one
stone, his energy levels were much better and his cravings had gone. His bloatedness had also improved
and he had not had any indigestion.
Christine*, 63, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), fatigue
Christine came to see me after I had given a talk at her local fibromyalgia
support group. She had already made significant changes to her diet following the talk and suspected that
she may be intolerant to wheat.
After taking a detailed health, diet and lifestyle history I agreed that a wheat intolerance was likely to contribute to
her digestive symptoms as well as the fatigue and low mood which were thought to be part of her fibromyalgia syndrome.
I advised Christine on a wheat-free, nutrient dense and blood sugar balancing diet. I also recommended
a probiotic supplement to start rebalancing her bowel flora.
After one month on the programme Christine reported that her IBS symptoms
had completely disappeared, both her mood and her energy had improved significantly and she was slowly building up her exercise
levels again. She had not experienced any pain or stiffness and she had lost six pounds without restricting
calorie intake.
Over the next four weeks Christine continued on her healthy wheat-free diet and also excluded dairy products. I
recommended a good multivitamin and mineral supplement which Valerie found to further help with her energy levels.
At the third consultation we also added a specific supplement to help deal with the food intolerances.
Christine was feeling very well overall and had lost another three pounds. She was amazed how fairly
simple changes to her diet could make such a big difference to her quality of life.
John*, 55, depression, lack of energy, poor concentration
John’s main reason for coming to see me was his depression
which had been triggered by a relationship breakdown. This went hand in hand with low energy levels, poor
concentration and poor sleep.
A diet,
lifestyle and symptom analysis suggested that John had poor blood sugar control and appeared to be dehydrated and nutrient
deficient. I
devised a nutritional programme to address these issues and recommended a
couple of targeted supplements to help with his sleep and mood.
After one month on the programme John had higher energy levels, better concentration
and sleep. He also reported that his depression was settling and that he felt more positive overall and
more rational about his relationship breakdown.
Rebecca*, 28, irregular periods, tiredness, dermatitis, underweight
Rebecca had a history of anorexia in her early twenties
and had since then been underweight and had very irregular periods. Despite this she had become pregnant
naturally and had an nine month old baby. Since her pregnancy she had been feeling very tired.
She also complained of dermatitis on her hands which was due to occupational exposures.
We fine-tuned Rebecca’s already healthy diet and I recommended
a few supplements to support her energy and hormonal balance. We also discussed her high stress levels
and the way that could contribute to her health concerns.
A month into the programme Rebecca reported a noticeable increase in energy and felt
more positive. Her dermatitis had also improved. She had put on some weight whilst on
holiday but lost it again when she went back to work. This made her realise the impact stress had on her
health and had prompted her to request part-time working hours.
After another three months on the programme Rebecca reported very good energy levels,
she had put on a few pounds and had had three periods since our first consultation. Her dermatitis had
cleared but still flared up a little when she was at work. Overall she was very happy with the improvements
she had made.
Sheila*, 66, weight loss, diarrhoea
and fatigue following partial gastrectomy for cancer
Sheila had had part of her stomach removed due to stomach cancer a couple of years before she came to see
me. She had since then been losing weight, was suffering from diarrhoea and was feeling very tired.
Understandably she was concerned about her cancer recurring.
The diarrhoea Sheila was experiencing is not unusual following a gastrectomy
and is often referred to as “dumping syndrome”. We discussed how to manage this through diet.
We also discussed the possibility that due to the gastrectomy she may have developed a lactose intolerance.
I referred Joan back to her GP for an iron, vitamin B12 and folic acid test as well as for a prescription for pancreatin
(digestive enzymes). Meanwhile I also recommended a high nutrient powder drink, extra B vitamins and a
probiotics supplement in addition to the evening primrose oil and calcium she was taking on her GP’s advice.
When Sheila came for her follow-up appointment a month
later she reported better energy levels, she had put on four pounds and her diarrhoea had resolved. Her
blood tests had been normal but her GP had agreed to check them regularly and had prescribed a pancreatin product.
Joan was very happy with the progress she had made in only four weeks. Ten months later she was
still maintaining her weight and a recent endoscopy had been fine.
* All
names have been changed to respect client privacy.
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