Nutritional therapy in Wokingham, Berkshire
Nutritional therapy is the application of nutritional science to promote optimal health, prevent disease and support the body's recovery from a wide range of conditions. It goes far beyond general healthy eating advice – nutritional therapists take a detailed, individualised approach to understanding the relationship between diet, lifestyle and health, and develop personalised treatment plans that address root causes rather than simply managing symptoms.
At Wokingham Therapy Clinic, our nutritional therapist Helen Halliday uses the principles of functional medicine to investigate what is driving your health concerns and works with you to develop a practical, sustainable plan that fits your life.
On this page
- The functional medicine approach
- Conditions treated
- Laboratory testing
- What to expect
- Frequently asked questions
- Our nutritional therapist
The functional medicine approach
Functional medicine is a systems-oriented approach to health that seeks to identify and address the root causes of disease. It recognises that the same symptom can have different underlying causes in different people, and that effective treatment requires understanding each person's unique biochemistry, health history, environment and lifestyle.
Rather than asking “what disease do you have?”, functional medicine asks “why are these symptoms occurring, and what does this person's body need?”. This approach is particularly powerful for complex, multi-symptom or chronic conditions that conventional medicine can struggle to address, and for people who have been told their test results are “normal” but still do not feel well.
Conditions treated
Nutritional therapy and functional medicine can be beneficial for a wide range of conditions, including:
- Digestive health – IBS, bloating, acid reflux, constipation, food intolerances, gut dysbiosis, leaky gut
- Hormonal health – PCOS, endometriosis, PMS, perimenopause, menopause, thyroid dysfunction
- Fatigue and energy – chronic fatigue syndrome, adrenal fatigue, burnout, low energy
- Weight management – weight loss, metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes
- Cardiovascular health – high cholesterol, high blood pressure, inflammation
- Skin conditions – eczema, psoriasis, acne, rosacea
- Autoimmune conditions – including thyroid autoimmunity, rheumatoid arthritis
- Mental health – anxiety, depression, brain fog, poor concentration
- Fertility and pregnancy – pre-conception nutrition, supporting IVF, pregnancy nutrition
- Children's health – fussy eating, digestive issues, behavioural and developmental concerns
Laboratory testing
Where appropriate, nutritional therapy is supported by laboratory testing to provide objective data on your biochemistry and guide the treatment plan. Available tests may include:
- Comprehensive stool analysis and gut microbiome assessment
- Food intolerance testing (IgG antibody panels)
- Comprehensive thyroid panel including T3, T4 and thyroid antibodies
- Adrenal stress profile (cortisol and DHEA)
- Female hormone panel and DUTCH hormone test
- Nutritional deficiency testing (vitamin D, B12, iron, zinc, magnesium)
- Nutrigenomics and DNA testing for personalised dietary and lifestyle guidance
- Blood glucose and insulin resistance markers
Not all tests are appropriate for every patient. Helen will recommend specific tests based on your history and symptoms, and will explain what each test involves and what the results mean.
What to expect
Prior to your first appointment, you will be asked to complete a detailed health questionnaire and a three-day food and lifestyle diary. This gives Helen a thorough picture of your current diet, health history and lifestyle before you arrive, making the consultation more efficient and focused.
Your initial consultation lasts approximately 60 minutes and covers your main health concerns, medical history, digestive function, sleep, stress, exercise habits and dietary patterns in detail. Following the consultation, Helen will develop an individually tailored nutritional and lifestyle programme that sets out clear, practical steps to support your health goals. Where laboratory testing is recommended, she will arrange this and review the results with you.
A follow-up appointment is typically arranged four to six weeks later to review your progress, assess your response to the plan and make any necessary adjustments. Most clients require a minimum of three appointments to see the full benefit of their nutrition programme, as the body needs adequate time to respond to dietary and lifestyle changes.
Frequently asked questions
Is nutritional therapy evidence-based?
Yes. Nutritional therapy and functional medicine are grounded in peer-reviewed nutritional science and clinical research. While nutritional therapists are not medical doctors, they draw on a broad evidence base in biochemistry, physiology and nutritional science. BANT (the British Association for Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine) sets standards for evidence-based practice, and Helen is registered with BANT and the CNHC.
Is nutritional therapy the same as seeing a dietitian?
Dietitians and nutritional therapists both have nutrition training but differ in their scope and approach. Dietitians are regulated healthcare professionals who typically work within NHS and clinical settings. Nutritional therapists practise privately and tend to use a more functional, root-cause approach that includes detailed lifestyle assessment and, where appropriate, functional laboratory testing.
How quickly will I see results?
This depends on the condition and the individual. Some people notice improvements in energy, digestion or mood within the first week or two of implementing dietary changes. For chronic conditions, meaningful change typically takes four to eight weeks of consistent adherence to the programme. Helen will give you a realistic indication of the expected timeline at your initial appointment.
Do I need to cut out entire food groups?
Not necessarily. While elimination protocols are sometimes used as a diagnostic tool for identifying food intolerances, the aim of nutritional therapy is to build the most varied, nutritious and enjoyable diet possible for your individual needs – not to impose unnecessary restrictions. Any elimination recommendations are always evidence-based and time-limited, with reintroduction planned from the outset.
How many sessions of nutritional therapy will I need?
Most clients see noticeable improvement within three to six sessions over four to six months. Simple, single-issue concerns may resolve in fewer sessions, while complex multi-system conditions such as chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia and autoimmune disease often benefit from longer-term support of six to twelve months. Helen will give you a realistic indication of expected duration at your initial consultation, and the programme is reviewed regularly with you.
Will I need to take supplements?
Possibly, but not necessarily. Nutritional therapy follows a “food first” principle – the foundation of any plan is a varied, nutrient-dense diet. Where targeted supplementation is recommended, Helen uses high-quality professional-grade products and only when there is a clear rationale. Some conditions, such as iron-deficiency anaemia or vitamin B12 deficiency, may genuinely require supplementation; others can be supported through dietary changes alone.
Can nutritional therapy be combined with other treatments?
Yes. Nutritional therapy works well alongside conventional medical treatment and other complementary therapies. At Wokingham Therapy Clinic we often see patients combining nutritional therapy with acupuncture for hormonal and fertility concerns, with Chinese herbal medicine for digestive and skin issues, or with CBT for anxiety, low mood and stress-related symptoms. Helen liaises with other clinicians involved in your care where appropriate.
Can children have nutritional therapy?
Yes. Helen works with children and teenagers as well as adults – commonly for fussy eating, digestive issues, eczema, behavioural concerns, fatigue and supporting healthy growth. Initial consultations for children involve at least one parent or carer.
Nutritional therapy in Wokingham and the surrounding area
Helen sees clients from across Wokingham, Reading, Bracknell, Crowthorne, Finchampstead and surrounding parts of Berkshire and northern Hampshire. She offers both in-person consultations at Wokingham Therapy Clinic and remote consultations by video call – ideal for busy professionals, parents at home with young children, and clients further afield.
Common reasons local clients seek nutritional therapy include long-standing digestive issues such as IBS and bloating, hormonal concerns through perimenopause and menopause, supporting fertility and IVF cycles, managing autoimmune conditions, recovering from long COVID and chronic fatigue, weight management with metabolic syndrome or insulin resistance, supporting children with fussy eating or behavioural concerns, and working with adult ADHD and sensory needs through targeted dietary support.
Our nutritional therapist
Helen Halliday
Helen is a Nutritional Therapist with a post graduate diploma in Personal Nutrition. She is registered with BANT (British Association for Applied Nutrition & Nutritional Therapy) and the CNHC (Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council) and has been in clinical practice since 2016.
Helen works on a one to one basis with adults and children who may have a range of conditions or health goals. She has a particular interest in digestive health, female health, chronic fatigue, autoimmunity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and skin problems.
Helen uses the principles of functional medicine which considers the individual person's health history, environment and lifestyle supported by the use of scientific research and testing to identify potential imbalances, intolerances or burdens so that an individual nutrition programme can be formulated.
To learn more, you can visit Helen's website: www.helenthefoodcoach.co.uk or call on 07795 199528.
