AREAS OF EXPERTISE
BRAIN, MENTAL & NEUROLOGICAL HEALTH
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Poor concentration or memory, brain fog
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Mild cognitive impairment (MCI)
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Cognitive decline and neurodegeneration, e.g dementia such as Alzheimer’s, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia, PPA (aphasia). Parkinson's
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Feeling down, low, anxious, obsessive, irritable, angry outbursts, impulsive, on edge, or hyper
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ADHD, ADD, Autism
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Mental illness such as anxiety, including general anxiety disorder, depression, bipolar, PTSD, OCD, PMDD, phobias, panic disorder, psychosis, cyclothymic disorder, SAD (Seasonal Affective disorder)
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Low motivation/apathy
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Hypervigilance, noise or light sensitive, emotionally sensitive
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Postnatal depression or postpartum psychosis
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Neuro-inflammation
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Tics or Tourette’s syndrome
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Gluten ataxia
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Auto-immune diseases such as multiple sclerosis
Dementia is a growing global health challenge, affecting 1 in 11 people over 65. Cognitive nutrition directly affects brain metabolism, structure, memory and attention. Eating healthier food is associated with a larger brain tissue volume in the hippocampus- the part of the brain that controls memory (according to the NIH).
For example, as a cognitive nutritionist I will prescribe a personalised nutrient dense diet which is neuro-protective against cognitive decline, preserving brain tissue as we age. Antioxidants in fruit and vegetables protect against damage to brain cells. Nutrition can amongst other other things reduce insulin resistance, chronic inflammation, poor metabolic health such as high blood pressure and cholesterol, plus weight gain around the middle associated with some of the different types of dementia.
I work with the functional medicine approach to poor brain health, cognitive decline, and neurological conditions with tailored protocols. This approach focuses on determining the underlying causes in order to promote recovery or stabilisation of health. For instance, this might also involve supporting the gut brain axis by addressing the gut microbiome. Or checking the oral microbiome as oral pathobionts (harmful bacteria) can directly breach the blood-brain barrier. Blood test panels can determine deficiencies that adversely impact the brain. Nutrigenomic testing can see how food can interact with your genes to create precision nutrition. Lifestyle medicine (and coaching around behavioural change) can also enhance neuroplasticity (the brain’s ability to form new connections) by addressing the other important pillars - stress management, exercise and sleep.
Increasing diagnoses of ADHD and autism are thankfully resulting in more awareness of neurodivergence. As someone with ADHD, I have seen how nutritional medicine for ADHD and autism can rectify nutrient deficiencies, reduce neuroinflammation, balance brain chemistry (increasing noradrenaline and dopamine, reducing glutamate, for example), diminishing brain fog, and enhancing cognition. It may also entail improving gut function because of the gut-brain axis, identifying food intolerances (if relevant) and even identifying genetic weakness around methylation for example or neurotransmitters to reduce their influence on brain health- see nutrigenomics. It’s powerful stuff.
You are also more likely to have food addiction or a bad relationship with food because of ADHD impulsivity (sugar lights up our reward centre) and to get that dopamine hit! So providing support for this and for emotional eating is also very important, where relevant.
Rates of depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders are skyrocketing worldwide which highlight just how widespread the crisis has become. I also see people with conditions such as bipolar disorder, OCD, PTSD, PMDD (a severe form of premenstrual tension). All of which may respond well to dietary changes, supplementation and functional medicine.
Women are particularly vulnerable to mental illness after childbirth. Studies show that 10–20% of mothers experience postnatal depression, while women with bipolar disorder face an additional risk of postpartum psychosis.
Sadly, the UK is facing a severe mental health crisis. The NHS lacks both the resources and funding to provide the level of care people desperately need. I’ce seen this firsthand — like many others, I've has experienced the shortcomings of mental health support in the UK.
However, I use Nutritional Psychiatry (balancing the mind with nutritional measures, nutrigenomics, supplementation, and lifestyle interventions), which is a growing field with an increasing evidence base and recognition
There is no shame in taking medication for mental health – in fact, it can often be life-saving. My programmes are always designed to work alongside medical prescriptions as part of an integrated healthcare plan. I am also able to collaborate with your GP, psychiatrist, or neurologist to ensure you receive the most comprehensive support.
STRESS & BURNOUT
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Overwhelm, exhaustion or poor concentration, perhaps with an over-dependence on caffeine
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Instability or no resilience/ poor stress tolerance
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Mood changes or poor mental health
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Insomnia or nightmares
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Food cravings
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Flare of skin conditions or general inflammation
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Low libido
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Run-down and recurrent infections
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Difficulty conceiving
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Hair loss
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Low/high blood pressure
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Aches & pains e.g headaches, migraines, fibromyalgia
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Weight won’t shift
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Hormonal, fertility issues or chronic digestive issues
Let’s face it, modern life is more stressful than ever. Fast-paced routines, high work pressure, constant multi-tasking, overstimulation, and lack of downtime all contribute to rising stress levels. It’s no surprise that an estimated 60–90% of all doctor visits are related to stress.
Chronic stress doesn’t just affect your mood – it impacts your whole body:
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Nutrient depletion: Stress uses up vital nutrients needed for energy production, brain function, and a healthy stress response.
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Fight or flight mode: When the body is stuck in “fight or flight,” essential processes like our digestion, immunity, and hormone balance are deprioritised.
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Blood sugar imbalance: Unstable blood sugar triggers fatigue, cravings, and poor food choices, creating a vicious cycle of stress and exhaustion.
Managing stress with the right nutrition and lifestyle changes is key to restoring balance, supporting your nervous system, and protecting long-term health.
HORMONE IMBALANCE OR SENSITIVITY TO HORMONE FLUCTUATIONS
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PMS - premenstrual syndrome. Or its more severe form, PMDD - premenstrual dysmorphic disorder)
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PCOS - polycystic ovarian syndrome which often involves oestrogen dominance/ raised testosterone
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Fluid retention, tender breasts, heavy/painful periods
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Fibroids or endometriosis - in part linked to oestrogen dominance
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Perimenopause & menopause - which cause a huge recalibration of the brain & nervous system. PMS & PMDD & mood disorders often worsen during this time
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Meno belly (fat around the middle linked to perimenopause & menopause)
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Underactive thyroid, e.g., Hashimoto's
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Fertility issues - including failed IVF & recurrent miscarriage
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In males: low libido, low muscle mass, fat around the middle, low motivation
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When my clients’ hormones are in balance – whether it’s cortisol (our stress hormone), insulin (our fat storage hormone), ghrelin (appetite), sex hormones, or melatonin (sleep) – they often feel more relaxed, experience fewer cravings, enjoy healthier weight management, and see improvements in reproductive health, menstrual cycles, and sleep quality.
Balancing hormones involves several key steps:
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Stabilising blood sugar levels to reduce circulating insulin
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Supporting the stress response, since excess cortisol from the brain and adrenals can block progesterone and disrupt female hormone balance
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Caring for the liver, which is essential for hormone detoxification
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Supporting gut health, so hormones are properly broken down and not reabsorbed into the body
Phases of life such as perimenopause and menopause can bring a huge range of unpleasant symptoms. Nutritional therapy can be highly effective during this time, either as a natural approach or working alongside conventional treatments.
Unfortunately, standard NHS tests for hormone imbalance often miss underlying issues. That’s why I sometimes recommend private hormone testing for a more complete picture. (See Lab Tests)
GUT HEALTH
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Irritable bowel syndrome, gas, bloating, diarrhoea & constipation
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Acid reflux, GERD, heart burn, nausea or gastritis, abdominal pain
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Inflammatory bowel disease- ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease
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Coeliac disease, and non-coeliac gluten sensitivity
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Diverticular disease and diverticulitis
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Dysbiosis, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), intestinal permeability (leaky gut) - the latter 3 can all cause/ exacerbate chronical inflammation & skin & mood issues etc.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common digestive complaints – in fact, it’s second only to the common cold as a leading cause of time off work. Around 30–50% of gastroenterology referrals are due to IBS, yet unfortunately conventional medicine often has little to offer in terms of lasting solutions.
I also regularly support clients struggling with acid reflux, heartburn, SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth), GERD, gastritis, dysbiosis, gut hyperpermeability, inflammatory bowel disease, and many other digestive problems. Because the gut is so central to health, I often see strong associations between poor gut function and brain health conditions, mood disorders and skin conditions (such as dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis).
My job is to uncover the underlying causes of gut health issues so we can address them successfully. Poor gut health affects every system in the body – especially the brain through the gut-brain axis and the gut microbiome, gut immune system, and the enteric nervous system– which is why paying attention to gut health is always a key part of achieving lasting health outcomes.
I will prescribe dietary interventions to improve gut heath. I also routinely test the gut microbiome to acertain if there is good digestive capability, microbiome diversity, dysbiosis (imbalanced gut bacteria), pathogenic bacteria, low short chain fatty acids and other imbalances that can affect the gut:brain axis and other important axis. Other gut tests I might use include SIBO testing and gut permeability testing. They are all extremely valuable in promoting better health.
CHRONIC FATIGUE & PAIN, IMMUNE IMBALANCE
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Exhaustion, tired & wired, weakness
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Chronic fatigue syndrome, long covid or post viral fatigue
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Pain syndromes- headaches & migraine, irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia, arthritis, recurrent UTIs & interstitial cystitis, vulvodynia, endometriosis
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Histamine intolerance, mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), inflammation, hives, allergies
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Chronic fatigue syndrome, long covid or post viral fatigue, dystonia, PoTs, hypermobility disorders
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As a clinician, I have supported many people with chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and post-viral fatigue over my 20 years in practice. I’ve learnt invaluable lessons not only from my clinical work but also from my own personal journey.
In my 30s, I experienced post-viral fatigue and fibromyalgia myself. After catching a severe virus during a very traumatic period of my life, I was bedridden for weeks. That experience gave me a deep understanding of how devastating fatigue conditions can be, and it inspired me to devote significant time to staying up to date with the research on chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, and long COVID. More recently, I’ve worked with a number of clients experiencing long COVID, many of whom have responded well to tailored support.
Some of the common underlying factors I see include:
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Brain inflammation
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Adrenal imbalance from chronic stress and trauma
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Neurotransmitter imbalances
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Gut and immune dysfunction
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Mitochondrial imbalances (the energy factories in our cells)
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Histamine imbalances
With a tailored, integrated approach, my goal is always to help improve energy, resilience, and overall wellbeing for those living with these complex conditions.
WEIGHT, METABOLISM & FOOD ADDICTION
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Poor thyroid health (including Hashimoto’s)
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Slow metabolism and weight issues
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Belly fat that won’t shift
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Peri- and menopausal weight gain
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Yo-yo-dieting, food addiction & emotional eating
Weight is an emotive issue. Society often judges us on our size and places value on being slim, which only adds pressure. The reality is that weight loss is a multi-billion-pound industry, and much of what we’re told is designed to keep us stuck.
We are constantly marketed highly palatable, addictive foods that light up the reward centres of our brains, giving a short-term sense of pleasure and stress relief. But these foods often come with misleading claims about their supposed health benefits, leaving people confused, frustrated, and trapped in cycles of dieting and cravings.
Many people already have some idea of where they’re going wrong with their weight management, but they still need the right support and guidance to stay on track. With so much conflicting health advice out there, it’s no wonder that weight loss often stalls, motivation dips, and people feel like giving up.
Others struggle with stubborn and unexplained weight gain – whether it’s fluid retention, abdominal bloating, intense cravings, or sugar addiction. No matter what they try, the number on the scales keeps creeping up each year, often with an expanding waistline.
My nutrition plans are designed to be practical and sustainable. They will:
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Keep you satiated
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Reduce food cravings
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Address emotional and comfort eating (so you no longer rely on food as a drug and a dopamine hit)
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Tackle the underlying reasons for metabolic issues
These underlying causes can include chronic inflammation, blood sugar imbalance, cortisol dysregulation, neurotransmitter issues, insulin resistance, appetite hormone imbalances, or gut bacteria imbalances.
Where appropriate, I can also offer nutrigenomic testing, which identifies genetic reasons why you may struggle with weight loss or appetite control. From there, I create a personalised plan with targeted, evidence-based modifications to help you take back control of your health.
BLOOD SUGAR, DIABETES & BIOLOGICAL AGEING
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Blood sugar & energy crashes, feeling hangry with uncontrollable cravings
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(Pre)diabetes or diabetes
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Insulin resistance & its link to possible chronic conditions below:
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Fat around the belly, fatty liver, high blood pressure & cholesterol
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And even enlarged prostate, gout, peripheral arterial disease, leg ulcers, darkened skin and cardiovascular disease such as strokes and heart attacks
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Inflammation, PCOS, chronic thrush, erectile dysfunction, migraines
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Poor brain function including dementia & poor metabolic health
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Accelerated brain (& cellular) ageing
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Shockingly, around one in four adults in the UK have metabolic syndrome – a cluster of symptoms that often occur together and significantly increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, stroke, and heart disease.
Some of the tell-tale signs include:
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A large waist circumference
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Unhealthy cholesterol levels
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Raised blood pressure
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Insulin resistance
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Blood glucose markers in the prediabetic or diabetic range
Metabolic syndrome also makes people more prone to chronic inflammation and excess clotting, raising the risk of dementia, neurological issues, mood disturbances, stroke, fatty liver, and even certain cancers and other symptoms above.
This is very much a Western lifestyle condition, often triggered by chronic stress, sedentary behaviour, diets high in processed foods and refined carbohydrates, excessive alcohol consumption, gut bacteria imbalances, and nutrient deficiencies. Women can also become more prone to metabolic syndrome after menopause, and genetic factors play a role too (with higher prevalence seen in certain ethnic groups).
VEGAN & VEGETARIAN
I also have expertise in creating bespoke nutrition plans for vegans, vegetarians, and those following a plant-based lifestyle, which is a growing population due to ethical, environmental, religious, and health considerations.
To support this, I have even developed a unique nutritional lab test for vegans in collaboration with Viva Health Labs – the Kirsten Brooks Vegan Profile – to help identify any potential nutritional deficiencies, which, unfortunately, are not uncommon. (See Lab Tests)
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OTHER CONDITIONS
I have extensive clinical experience supporting clients with a wide range of health issues. If you’d like to know whether I can help with your unique health concerns not covered above, please contact my clinic or book an exploratory chat.
However, please note that there are some conditions I do not provide support for. These include Lyme disease, eating disorders such as bulimia and anorexia, and nutritional support for cancer.
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It is always best to get a proper diagnosis from a medical doctor and advise them of any additional therapies or supplements you are having. My nutritional program will be safe with any medication you are currently taking.
Contact me if you would like further information on how nutritional therapy might support your particular health concerns.
NUTRIGENOMICS
Personalising nutrition based on your unique genetics
For a powerful, targeted, and proactive approach, I use nutrigenomic testing through Lifecode Gx and Nordic Lab – DNA Health. Both tests provide affordable, highly actionable reports, which I clearly interpret to help you make personalised, evidence-based changes that can have a profound impact on your health.
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Our understanding of genetics has evolved with the fascinating field of epigenetics, which studies how environmental factors—like diet, lifestyle, stress, and exposure to toxins—can switch genes on or off. Unless someone has a chromosomal disorder, genes alone don’t determine disease. It’s the interaction between your unique genetic makeup and environment that influences your risk of poor health.
With nutrigenomic testing, I can see how your genetics may impact areas such as lipid transport particles in the brain, neurotransmitters, hormones, weight, thyroid function, energy, pain perception, methylation (a chemical switch which is very impactful on different areas of health), fertility, and more. These tests also identify which nutrients you may require in higher amounts to support optimal health. From there, I can implement targeted nutritional and lifestyle strategies to potentially downregulate unfavourable gene expression.
Through personalised nutrition and targeted supplementation based on your genetics, it’s possible to positively influence gene expression. This integrative approach allows me to understand your biochemical individuality, giving a clear picture of your unique needs and providing direct, actionable recommendations based on known genetic variations (polymorphisms).
For example (there are many more):
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Weight and appetite genes: I can see how your genes may influence your food choices, metabolism and waistline, and design strategies to reduce their impact.¹
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Serotonin production genes (a happy neurochemical): I can determine if you are less efficient at converting tryptophan to 5-HTP, a serotonin precursor, especially under stress. Some gene variants may instead convert serotonin into a neurotoxic compound (toxic to the brain), contributing to mood disturbances. In such cases, targeted antioxidants from colourful foods or supplements can reduce negative effects. Other variants may lower serotonin sensitivity, causing low mood, anxiety, and impulsivity; I can recommend specific nutrients to improve serotonin function.²
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Inflammatory genes in cognitive function: Polymorphisms (variations in gene sequences) in inflammatory molecules (proteins made by the immune system to trigger inflammation) - e.g., IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α create a susceptibility to dementia that when inherited alongside higher-risk APOE alleles (versions of the genes for lipid transport proteins) accelerates neurodegeneration. Anti-inflammatory diets and compounds like curcumin can downregulate genetic expression.³
In my own case, nutrigenomic testing revealed higher requirements for certain nutrients to support mental health, methylation, and hormonal balance. Using this information, I was able to recover from premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a severe form of premenstrual syndrome.
It’s important to note that most direct-to-consumer genetic tests provide basic information with little or no interpretation, which can be confusing or misleading. In the hands of a trained nutrigenomics practitioner, however, testing can be motivational, empowering, and genuinely life-transforming.
¹Gorczynska-Kosiorz S et al. Exploring the Interplay of Genetics and Nutrition in the Rising Epidemic of Obesity and Metabolic Diseases. Nutrients, 2024 Oct 21;16(20):3562. doi: 10.3390/nu16203562
²López-Echeverri YP et al. Effects of serotonin transporter and receptor polymorphisms on depression. Rev Colomb Psiquiatr (Engl Ed). 2023 Apr-Jun;52(2):130-138. PMID: 37453823. DOI: 10.1016/j.rcpeng.2021.07.003
³S M McCusker et al. Association between polymorphism in regulatory region of gene encoding tumour necrosis factor alpha and risk of Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia: a case-control study. Lancet. 2001 Feb 10;357(9254):436-9. doi: 10.1016/s0140-6736(00)04008-3.