Managing Illness and Disease

Support for your body to heal and repair

Chronic Illness

Chronic diseases are not genetically determined, but should rather be considered as  a mismatch between our genes, and environment and lifestyle.

What is labelled ‘disease’ is the outcome of an imbalance in one of our core physiological processes. Our aim at NutritionalMatters is to question what may be the root causes of those imbalances and then seek to rebalance the body system rather than focusing on simply treating the presenting symptoms. This can help us create a tailored treatment plan for disease management and lifestyle management.

For example, consider inflammation which is the underlying process of many chronic diseases. There are a wide range of modern medications that work to suppress the inflammatory response. A more sound approach is to question what may be causing the inflammation in the first place; it could be microbes, allergens, toxins, poor diet and stress. Targeting these root causes as part of inflammation treatment can often eliminate the need for the medication and help to resolve the symptoms.

So chronic illness is not the inevitable circumstance of old age or the predetermined outcome of our genetic history. Rather it occurs at the intersection of the information encoded in our genes and the messages sent to our genes from our environment and our behaviour. Clearly our health is potentially much more under our control than we may have previously assumed.

The information encoded in our genes doesn’t determine how we are going to get sick, but does help us better understand how we should live to maximise our health over a longer life span.

MEET SUE, CLINICAL DIRECTOR & HEAD OF NUTRITION

Sue shares the benefits of working with our expert nutrition team at the HealthMatters Group

The Process of Disease

Chronic disease doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time, and may have started at birth, or even in the womb. 

The process starts with an exposure or an accumulation of factors that are sufficient for the disease to commence. This triggers changes in the body often, without the host being aware of them. This stage is called the incubation period (for infectious diseases) and the latency period (for chronic diseases). This period where symptoms don’t show (asymptomatic), depends on the individual and their condition, but it can range from seconds to decades.

The onset of symptoms then follows and may then lead to a labelling or diagnosis. 

Understanding the process of disease can be helpful to start mapping the path back to optimal health.

The body is a constantly healing system. The ability to recover to a healthy state after disease is an active process involving distinct mechanisms of adaptation which is coordinated between all physiological systems in the body.

BOOK A CALL WITH OUR FRIENDLY ASSESSMENT TEAM

Please check Our Fees page before booking a call.

Choose a day and time that works for you.

Tell us what is going on for you.

Let us explain how we can help.

OUR FEES

Our initial 30-minute consultation is free of charge, with therapy sessions starting from as little as £120, and nutrition sessions from £200.

Packages and multi-session bundles are available – we’ll guide you to the most suitable option when we speak.

Relationship Between Lifestyle and Disease

The choices you make throughout your life can have a massive impact on your overall health. Poor lifestyle choices such as alcohol abuse, smoking, drugs, an unbalanced diet, low physical activity levels, and poor stress management can all contribute to the development of preventable chronic diseases and health conditions.

Health Conditions We Work With

  • Cardiovascular Disease
  • Diabetes
  • Digestive Dysfunction
  • Hormonal Imbalances
  • Malnutrition
  • Thyroid Dysfunction
  • Weight Management

How to Modulate Illness and Disease

It is globally acknowledged that diet and lifestyle play crucial roles in the prevention and repair of illness and disease. A balanced diet and moderate physical activity are key for a long and healthy life. Areas of focus include:

  • Eating a varied diet based on real food, mostly plants and not too much
  • Moving your body regularly in ways that are appropriate for you
  • Developing stress management techniques
  • Having restful sleep which is sufficient in length and of good quality
  • Having a supportive social network; connecting regularly with positive people
  • Avoiding toxins such as cigarettes, alcohol, drugs and sugar

How We Can Help You

Our experienced team at NutritionalMatters can help you to map your health timeline in order to better understand any imbalances that may be contributing to your current ill-health as well as utilise strategies to influence longevity and outline your path back to vitality.

It’s a journey; repairing and healing your body takes time. During your nutrition consultations, we work with you to explore your symptoms and assess any imbalances in your diet and body, in order to create a personalised, holistic treatment plan for you.

It is important that we take the time to find out exactly why you are contacting us, and what outcomes you are looking for from nutritional therapy. Start your journey with a complimentary 15-minute assessment call (link underneath to book a call).

FAQs

Can nutrition support really help manage illness?

Yes! Nutrition support considers the interplay between diet and lifestyle, and how well your body systems are functioning. Nutrition plays a key role in supporting these systems, helping reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. Our nutrition practitioners will conduct a thorough assessment in the initial 60-minute consultation, mapping out a detailed timeline of your health history and symptoms, to understand your nutritional needs.

What types of illnesses can NutritionalMatters help with?

Our nutrition practitioners are equipped to support you with a range of chronic conditions and diseases such as diabetes, PCOS, hypothyroidism, the menopause, anxiety, and obesity, to name a few. During your enquiry call, our client services team will be able to advise you on whether our services can support you, and which practitioner from our team of specialists is best suited for the support you are looking for.

How does the approach at NutritionalMatters differ from what my doctor offers?

Nutritional interventions focus on making sustainable dietary and lifestyle changes, considering where there may be functional imbalances in the body. Our nutritional practitioners will provide you with tailored dietary and lifestyle recommendations, based on your nutritional needs and health goals. Our practitioners complement GP care and any existing medical treatments administered by a doctor, as part of an integrated care model.

Can I still have support if I am not under a GP service?

Yes – your practitioner can work from a thorough health history and symptom timeline during the initial 60-minute consultation, building on information from the forms we ask you to fill out ahead of the consultation. However, if your practitioner suspects medical intervention is needed, they will recommend that you book an appointment with your doctor.

Can stress and poor sleep make my illness worse?

For some people, stress and poor sleep can be key factors playing a role in the development or progression of illness. Our nutritional therapists will work with you to provide tailored lifestyle recommendations in addition to dietary recommendations, where relevant.

Do you offer testing that my GP is unable to offer?

Yes, our nutritional therapists may recommend functional testing as a tool to provide further insights. There are a wide range of blood panels and more comprehensive profiles that they have access to, and any test that is recommended will be personalised. However, functional testing is not a requirement, and comes at an additional cost to the consultation.

What results can I expect and how quickly?

Results depend on the complexity of your existing health condition, and your commitment to making changes recommended by your practitioner. Some clients feel changes after a few sessions, whereas clients with more complex health needs work with our practitioners over a longer period of time. In your initial consultation your practitioner will discuss and agree the cadence of ongoing sessions, to support the reduction of your symptoms and improvement in your health and wellbeing. Nutrition support gives you the tools to manage your health in the long-term, focusing on sustainable changes.

How much does this cost overall?

Your first session with one of our nutrition practitioners is more than just an assessment – it’s the beginning of a relationship built on trust, expertise, and care.

Initial 60-Minute Nutrition Consultation – £200

Whether you’re managing complex symptoms or just want to feel better in your body, this is the space where your journey starts with clarity and direction.

Healing your body and transforming your relationship with food takes time.

Time Bundles give you the flexibility to shape your care around your lifestyle, pace, and needs.

After your initial consultation, you can choose to continue with a 1, 2, 3, or 4-hour bundle of time, which can be used however works best for you.

  • 1-Hour Bundle – £200
  • 2-Hour Bundle – £380
  • 3-Hour Bundle – £555
  • 4-Hour Bundle – £720

NEXT STEPS

We know that getting the right support starts with being truly heard. That’s why we offer a free 30-minute enquiry call – time for you to ask questions, share a bit about your story, and explore how we can support you.

During this call, a member of our experienced client support team will:

  • Listen to your health goals and concerns
  • Explain how our services work and what to expect
  • Match you with the most suitable practitioner for your needs

This is your time – to feel heard, to feel supported, and to start moving toward the health and balance you deserve.