Nutritional/Functional Medicine

About Nutrition and Functional Medicine

At Harley Row Clinic, we understand that our bodies and mind are connected in many ways that we intuitively already know; butterflies in our stomach when we are nervous, that ‘gut’ feeling when something isn’t quite right.

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Our food is information for every single cell and tissue in our body and the brain is no exception. The process of digesting and absorbing our food is complex, meaning even if we are putting the right fuel in, it doesn’t always mean our brains can use it.

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Our brains use electrical and chemical signals to communicate, and if the foundations of this chemical mix are lacking, this can alter how we feel. Our brains are also affected by the immune system, hormones and how well our gut can absorb food. Indeed, our bodies communicate 80% up to the brain and just 20% down from the brain to the body.

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Significant progress has been achieved in the last decade to recognise the ways in which the gut microbiome (the microorganisms in your gut) relates to brain function and mental well-being. Key findings indicate that stress influences the composition of the gut microbiome. Several studies have shown that some people affected with various psychological disorders actually have different species of bacteria in the gut compared to the general population. When considering this, it is no surprise to see studies report that certain probiotics can improve symptoms of depression and other mental health problems.

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New research in this area is influencing therapeutic practice – with this knowledge, practitioners can treat individuals in an integrative manner. In fact, a wealth of evidence now indicates that there are indissoluble links between the metabolic and immune systems and the gut, which is being increasingly recognised as an important factor connecting genes, environment, and the immune system.

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Although more thorough research is certainly due in this field, current results support the statement that gut health is integral to physical health and is an influence on mental health. By working to create healthy habits you can create an inner sense of balance and wellness through dietary changes and supplements, and indeed the severity of symptoms from mental health conditions could subside.

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For one example, research has shown that children with ADHD may have lower levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. These neurotransmitters help with memory, motivation, mood, and attention. By making changes to our nutrition and what we eat, it follows that we can support the gut to change the messages to the brain. If we can increase the amount of fibre, fruit, and vegetables in the diet, this will help the microbiome to diversify, improving gut health and brain health. This can help soothe ADHD symptoms and improve focus, mood, and memory.

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At Harley Row Clinic, sessions take place online so there are no geographical restrictions. You will be sent an initial detailed health and symptom questionnaire. Then, together with one of our clinicians, you can choose your pathway.

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There are many nutritional approaches we can use; this is about providing a bespoke plan of support to suit your individual needs – there are no set protocols attached to eating foods for any diagnosis.

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It is worth noting that "healthy" is unique to each person's diet, and a one-size "balanced diet" does not fit all. For example, with nutrition for ADHD we are not seeking to cure ADHD but find ways that nutritional therapy can help a person to cope and feel better through different eating habits, focusing on certain foods, other nutrients and vitamins. It's important that we each find our own version of a healthy lifestyle and understand that nutritional therapy can help with the prevention and management of symptoms.

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Indeed, some lifestyle modifications such as drinking water instead of energy drinks to focus on adequate hydration could improve overall well-being by regulating blood sugar and levelling out hormone imbalances.

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We offer three different pathways for nutritional/functional treatment: an initial 90-minute nutrition assessment; a more in-depth consultation with a nutritional therapist and test combination, and finally a three-month food-for-the-mind programme.

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Nutritional therapy falls under the functional medicine pathway. We encourage a threefold comprehensive treatment path considering both allopathic and naturopathic treatment – alongside psychological intervention and, if appropriate, medications.

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Functional medicine practitioners treat the whole person in an integrative approach to mental health. This approach addresses the root causes of mental health issues.

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This unique three-principle method, which has been inspired by various schools of thought and experience, focuses on the whole body, and treating the root cause of a condition, not just the symptoms.

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The results of tending to the physical body through a functional medicine approach, alongside tending to your inner life through holistic counselling or psychotherapy (talk therapy) can have profound results — leading to greater feelings of positive mental wellbeing, self-knowledge and fulfilment.