Nutritional/Functional Medicine
Instead of just treating symptoms, functional medicine goes beyond conventional treatments addressing the underlying cause of health issues. The team at Harley Row Clinic use a range of diagnostic tools, treatments, and assessments to explore genetic, biochemical, and environmental factors that may all contribute to a patient’s condition, including investigating the role of these factors and the microbiome.
Holistic ADHD Therapy
The ethos of our ADHD clinic is to provide outstanding quality treatment in a relaxed and unrushed atmosphere, personalised to the individual's needs.
Combining over 30 years experience within our team, we provide effective holistic therapy that treats ADHD both medically and therapeutically. Viewing Psychiatry as an art that unites science and humanity to bring about positive change.
Whether you are looking for a Diagnosis or Treatment for ADHD, don't hesitate to get in touch.
(Please feel welcome to contact us to discuss any queries you may have. If you would like to enquire outside of these hours please email or request a call back and you will receive a reply at the earliest convenience.)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Functional medicine practitioners treat the whole person in an integrative approach to mental health. This approach addresses the root causes of mental health issues.
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.
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.
What Are The Symptoms of
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What Are The Benefits of
Nutritional/Functional Medicine
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The clinic provides a place where you can support your mind and body to heal itself. Throughout the sessions we will address the underlying physical causes such as your microbiome/ microbiota and treat these with natural sources, enabling your body to regain its natural balance. Whilst also using a variety of therapies to address the psychological presentations in a relaxed and unrushed atmosphere.
Testimonials
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Frequently asked questions
Haven't found the answer you were looking for? Perhaps our FAQ's could help. If you're still needing help, please get in touch.
Does functional medicine include mindfulness and breathing exercises?
No, it is only about addressing the microbiome, nutrients and your hormones.
Can this help with stress management?
Stress can be caused by different factors and life events. A nutritional therapy plan can help alleviate symptoms, and rule that your stress is not being augmented by your gut.
Will this help with sleep?
Functional medicine and nutritional therapy can address underlying factors of stress and sleep problems if you feel more tired than usual.
What is included in each service?
Option 1. A 90-min in-depth nutrition assessment:
This session will use functional medicine to review your symptoms and life history, food diary, medications, medical diagnosis, underlying imbalances in the body, food and lifestyle action steps and any need for supplements or testing.
A written health plan is produced with up to five actions to implement to support your long-term health goals. Hour-long follow-up consultations are available.
Option 2. Consultation and test combination
If you would like to delve deeper into the biochemical pathways and identify imbalances impacting the brain, this package provides insights into:
• Gut function
• Vitamin and mineral needs
• Energy and detoxification pathways
• Neurotransmitters such as dopamine, adrenaline, and serotonin
• Toxin burden
• Omega 3/6 status and trans fats
Using a combination of:
• Organic acid test - dried urine sample
• Hair mineral test - hair sample
• Omega 3/6 ratio - finger prick blood spot
All sent conveniently for you to complete at home, and post to Regenerus Laboratories UK. Through these tests, we can obtain a detailed overview of your biochemistry to support brain function. The package is designed for online delivery to include:
• Functional review of health questionnaire and food diary
• 1-hour assessment consultation
• 1-hour test results and action plan
• 1-hour nutrition coaching review
This includes all tests arranged, interpreted, and actioned and a written health plan after each consultation. Sample reports can be provided on request.
Option 3. Food for the Mind
This three-month service provides greater support at implementing long-term change through increased contact hours; and is long enough to notice the positive impact on changing biochemistry and behaviours.
The programme consists of:
• Functional review of health questionnaire and food diary
• 5 x 1-hour online consultations, usually 2-3 weeks apart
• 5 x written health plans after each consultation
• Recommendations for testing and supplementation (on a case-by-case basis)
• 10% discount on recommended supplements
Any testing and supplements ordered are not included in the package price and will incur an extra charge.
Unsure about the path ahead?
Wherever you are on your mental health journey, call one of our specialist team members to help you determine your next steps.
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