FAQs

The Functional Nutritional Practice strives for an integrative view of the patient, taking into consideration the interaction of all the systems in the body. It emphasises the relationships that exist between the biochemistry, physiology, emotional and cognitive aspects of an individual to find the root cause of the problem, instead of focusing solely on treating the symptoms. This approach is based on scientific data and aims to prevent health issues as well as recover body functions, promoting optimal health through food, lifestyle and supplements, when necessary

In my consultations, I help you to identify the main areas to be improved. In the first session (Intro Session) we work together to understand your health history and your current health state, using questionnaires and interviews. When necessary, I may recommend functional laboratory testing as a method of investigating nutrient status or underlying biochemical imbalances that may be contributing to your symptoms. Then, we co-create a personalised and comprehensive health plan – based on nutrition, movement, sleep, and stress relief techniques – to achieve your well-being goals and needs that I help you to implement through the support and follow-up sessions.

My sessions promote health and well-being through education, motivation and self-discovery. I invite my clients for the reconnection process with themselves, nature and others, nourishing body, mind and emotions

Choosing a package is a very personal decision that should be based on how much support you believe you need, and the health conditions you have. The packages have the same structure and quality but different levels of support and time to complete your programme.

My approach aims to give you the tools you need to take control of your own health. Independent implementation of changes forms the basis of long-lasting results, and so it is important to consider what level of support you may need to do this in your life.

I am experienced and qualified to help with a variety of conditions and problems, including:

⦁ Aging-associated issues

⦁ Allergies and Hypersensitivities

⦁ Anxiety

⦁ Arthritis

⦁ Asthma

⦁ Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

⦁ Autism Spectrum Disorder

⦁ Autoimmune Disease

⦁ Cardiovascular disorders

⦁ Chronic Disease

⦁ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

⦁ Chronic Pain

⦁ Depression

⦁ Diabetes

⦁ Digestive disorders

⦁ Fatigue

⦁ Female-specific conditions (PCOS, menopause, etc.)

⦁ Fibromyalgia

⦁ Gluten Sensitivity

⦁ Hypertension

⦁ Infections (acute and chronic low-grade conditions such as Lyme, Candidiasis etc.)

⦁ Insomnia and Sleep Disorders

⦁ Metabolic Syndrome (pre-diabetes, insulin resistance)

⦁ Migraines and Headaches

⦁ Skin Disorders

⦁ Stress-related Conditions

⦁ Thyroid, adrenal and other hormonal disorders

⦁ Weight or Metabolism concerns

My approach only works if you're willing to make changes to your nutrition and lifestyle. Making healthier choices is a process that demands commitment and perseverance, and while I will be there to support you at every step of your journey, it is important for you to be open to give up the lifestyle habits that are contributing to your health conditions and bringing imbalance to your bodily functions.

I can only be the bridge in this journey; my clients are the ones who must take the steps to cross it. I have seen incredible transformations take place when willingness to improve meets the tools I have to offer. I invite you to take this step with me!

I specialise in applying Functional Medicine in the clinical practice, bringing together all areas of your lifestyle to address symptoms and improve your wellbeing. I am particularly well-versed in combating the root causes of food hypersensitivities and allergies, recovering gut health and the immune system, understanding supplementation as a resource for tackling a variety of health conditions, and the science of nutritional psychiatry with its ties to the gut-brain connection.

The brain is part of the body, so it always surprises me how people don’t believe it can be affected by lifestyle. It's an organ that makes up only 2% of your total body weight but consumes about 20% of the energy you ingest daily; it simply needs nutrients to provide this energy and to perform its various functions.

Many behavioural disorders have been linked to dietary factors, including low nutrient intake, malabsorption of nutrients, intestinal dysbiosis (imbalance of the gut microorganisms) and food hypersensitivity. Mental health conditions can therefore be improved using nutritional tools, as they give the body and brain the building blocks to make repairs, produce neurotransmitters and decrease inflammation. My expertise in using nutrition, lifestyle and supplementation for the brain helps my clients reduce symptoms caused by neuroinflammation, a lack of brain energy and oxidative stress.

Nutritional psychiatry is an area of science, that I am personally very passionate about, that considers nutrition as an essential tool, which cannot be neglected, in the recovery and maintenance of mental health. It studies the relationship between diet, eating behaviour, metabolic changes and the development of non-communicable chronic diseases. It shows that several nutritional imbalances are also strongly related to behavioural disorders and considers that the nutrients present in food are the only natural source of raw material for the formation, maintenance and restructuring of our cells.

Proper nutrition is essential for our physical, mental and emotional balance. Everything that forms our organism and what is necessary for its functioning is totally dependent on the nutrients that we obtain through our diet. Having applied Nutritional Psychiatry in my clinical practice since the beginning of my career, I have seen a notable difference in my clients’ mental wellbeing and cognitive functioning by the end of their treatment. This is a powerful tool in the treatment of mental conditions that should not be ignored.

Natural food compounds are what perform antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiallergic, detoxifying, and anticancer functions and help to modulate the immune system. They also provide raw materials for the formation of neurotransmitters, enzymes and hormones. It is a balanced diet that guarantees a healthy intestinal microbiota and, therefore, the proper functioning of the brain — essential for health and well-being. It’s vital to understand that gut and brain are connected, and our gut directly influences the chemistry in our brain.

If you already have an understanding that food can influence the health of the heart, intestine or liver, for example, I invite you to learn about the action of nutrition on your mental and emotional health through one of my programmes.

There are several dietary factors related to behavioural disorders. Among them:

⦁ Low nutrient intake

⦁ Malabsorption of nutrients

⦁ Eating Behaviour

⦁ Indigestion

⦁ Intestinal dysbiosis

⦁ Detoxification disorders

⦁ Food allergies and hypersensitivity

⦁ Change in intestinal permeability

⦁ Fungal Proliferation

⦁ Food additives

⦁ Heavy metal toxicity

⦁ Neurotoxins

This is why addressing the root cause of conditions is so important. My approach works to implement long-term, sustainable change rather than only masking symptoms, creating real and lasting well-being.

Essential oils are plant extracts which are produced, in some plants, to guarantee survival. They aid in plant survival in adverse conditions, coming with a variety of useful properties that we can take advantage of in the clinical practice. Because the cells of plants and animals are similar, many chemical compounds naturally produced by plants to defend themselves and grow healthy can also have their effects seen in people, by using essential oils. They can help to improve physical, mental and emotional symptoms in a natural way, with no side effects. The essential oils are scientifically studied worldwide, and their use is increasing in the clinical practice for their efficacy as a natural resource.

As an aromatherapist, I’ll evaluate your health history and conditions and suggest the best ones, when indicated, as part of your health plan. I use doTERRA essential oils for their purity, safety and therapeutic grade certifications.