At the core of natural medicine is the importance of food as medicine. There is no one perfect diet for everyone and in a crowded nutritional marketplace it can be hard to discern useful from ‘fad’ information. A qualified practitioner can guide you to prioritise the best foods for you and adapt your existing diet to optimise your energy.

Chandrika is a well known Nutrition lecturer with a passion for healthy food. Her understanding extends from soil to psyche yet is grounded in the practical realities of a busy lifestyle. As part of your Naturopathic health assessment she will help you to see how to improve the nutritional content of the food you already enjoy. From the foundation of whole food nutrition, your individual dietary prescription will develop with your input. Consideration is given to taste preferences, food preparation time, family life and economics. Most importantly many physical, mental and emotional ailments can be treated through simple dietary changes. Optimum nutrition not only makes you feel fantastic in the here and now but also contributes to your longevity and positive experience of ageing healthily. Many lifestyle related diseases can be prevented through nutritional intervention, even if you have a genetic tendency towards those conditions. Biology is not destiny. In holistic nutrition the impact of biochemistry is understood as one aspect of the internal environment which influences health. Your relationship to food, family patterns, cultural background, attitudes, goals and belief systems also affect nutrition.

After taking a detailed food diary/nutritional history, your nutritional status can be accurately determined. Diagnostic tests including salivary hormone checks, blood pressure, body composition, blood glucose, zinc tally taste test, urine testing and observation of tongue, nail, hair analysis and iris signs (iridology) confirm nutritional findings.

Suitable supplements may be suggested as you transition towards an ideal eating pattern. In some conditions or where true deficiencies exist, it is necessary to support health with vitamin or mineral supplements. In the absence of a palatable, accessible or suitable real food, Chandrika will source the least refined product containing your required nutrients. In most cases supplementation is a short term requirement however this will depend on your individual stressors and food intake.

Nutritional counselling involves exploring your relationship with food and is suitable for people with current eating disorders or to explore your history. With greater awareness and shifting attitudes, your ability to consistently make healthy choices is strengthened. For those on weight management programmes under Chandrika’s supervision, this deep self observation is encouraged and facilitated in a respectful manner.