Dementia is a growing global health challenge, affecting 1 in 11 people over 65.  Proper nutrition directly affects brain metabolism, structure, and cognitive capacity. For example, a nutrient dense diet is neuro-protective against cognitive decline. Antioxidants in fruit and vegetables protect against damage to brain cells. Nutrition can amongst 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. 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. Genetic testing or nutrient testing (amongst other areas) may also play a part.

 

Rates of depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders are skyrocketing worldwide. Conditions such as bipolar disorder, OCD, PTSD, PMDD (a severe form of premenstrual tension), and increasing diagnoses of ADHD, autism (neurodivergence) highlight just how widespread the crisis has become.
 

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.