Six Years On: Reflections on a Changing Health and Wellbeing Landscape

As I celebrate six years in practice this month, I've been thinking about how much has changed. Not just in my own business, but in the health and wellbeing landscape itself.

Over the past six years, I've supported hundreds of people, continued to learn, and adapted my practice as new research has emerged and new health challenges have presented themselves. 

There’s been a global pandemic, an explosion in the availability of private testing and supplements, and a greater understanding of the impact of trauma on all areas of health.

And more recently, I've been taking what I've learned into the workplace through wellbeing programmes, with an increasing focus on preventing symptoms, health issues and illness to optimise energy, focus and performance. 

While the principles of a root-cause approach remain the same, the landscape we practise in continues to evolve.

Looking back, these are six reflections that have shaped the way I work today.

1. "Nutritional Therapy" is a misnomer

Most people think that Nutritional Therapy is simply about food.

It's actually about understanding the whole person.

Food is important, but it's only one piece of the puzzle. Lifestyle, sleep, stress, gut health, hormones, immunity, toxins, the nervous system and even genetics also need to be considered. 

The aim isn't simply to improve your diet, but to unravel and support the underlying drivers of your symptoms.

Most people have already made positive changes before they start working with me. They're eating better, prioritising sleep and trying to manage stress, but they’re still struggling with exhaustion, overwhelm and other life-limiting symptoms.

That's where personalised support makes all the difference. 

2. More testing isn't always the answer

The number and variety of private tests available today is greater than ever.

Some, like comprehensive thyroid testing, can provide valuable insight as it’s so fundamental to so many areas of health. But more testing doesn't always lead to better outcomes.

Before recommending a test, I consider:

• Will it tell us something we don't already know?

• Will this change what we do?

• Is this the best use of your health budget?

Informed laboratory testing can be useful, but strong clinical judgement is even more important.

3. The impact of Covid

The last few years have transformed the types of health challenges we see as health practitioners.

Persistent viral infections, immune dysfunction, autoimmunity and Long Covid are part of my everyday clinical practice, even now.

Much of my work now involves supporting three interconnected systems: the immune system, the gut and the nervous system. 

4. Being trauma-informed is essential

This is probably where my practice has evolved the most.

Over the years, I've trained to become a trauma-informed practitioner, and worked on recognising and resolving my own trauma as it has such an impact on physical, mental and emotional health. 

Understanding and experiencing this first hand allows me to support my clients at a deeper level.

If relevant, I discuss trauma during discovery calls and supporting the nervous system is something we usually focus on in the very first session.

Being trauma-informed isn't about having all the answers. It's about recognising when trauma may be part of your story and perhaps hindering your healing, and ensuring you receive the right support in parallel to the work we do together.

5. The supplement landscape has changed dramatically

The supplement industry has grown rapidly over the last few years, bringing as much  innovation as it has confusion.

Alongside many excellent products, I see a lot of slick marketing, unsubstantiated claims and high prices for substandard products. 

I still believe supplements have an important role to play, but only when they're personalised, backed by science and used to support the underlying drivers of ill health rather than simply masking symptoms.

6. Prevention deserves a bigger place in the conversation

One area I've become increasingly passionate about is prevention - preventing symptoms, health issues and illness before they start impacting your life.

For six years, I've worked with people affected by fatigue, burnout and chronic illness. 

But what if we didn't wait until we became unwell?

As I've expanded into workplace wellbeing, it's clear that we still don't talk enough about the foundations of good health.

Good nutrition, quality sleep, movement and resilient stress and immune systems don't just help prevent illness. They influence how we think, concentrate, cope with stress and perform every day.

And as we head towards Autumn and cold and flu season, it's a timely reminder that prevention is about building resilience. We can't avoid every illness, but we can give ourselves the best chance of staying well. 

Looking ahead

If there's one thing I've learned, it's that health and wellbeing is never static.

Science will continue to evolve. New challenges will emerge. We'll keep learning.

What won't change is the importance of looking at the whole person and recognising that there are no quick fixes or silver bullets.

I've always believed that healing is possible with the right approach - root-cause, evidenced-based and personalised. 

And many health challenges can be prevented when we give people the knowledge and support to build strong foundations before things start to unravel.

As I begin my seventh year in practice, I'm excited to continue supporting both healing and prevention, helping people not only regain their health, but protect it too.

If now's the right time for you to start your journey to better health,

book a discovery call and let's chat.

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The content on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.