Disease Prevention
This is a process through which we guide individuals, particularly those with risk factors for a disease such as: diabetes, heart disease, age related conditions and cancer. Treatment can include: diagnostic testing, education, support and coaching, lifestyle modification, supplements, Bio Identical Hormones, therapies and changes to diet.
Most of have a concept or consider the idea of ill health, rather than having good health, so we try not to think about health at all. Yet we are now more familiar with disease than ever before and good health is taken for granted, but if we don’t think about it how can we hope to maintain it? It is a common belief that ‘good health’ is the absence of disease, the idea that if we are disease free then we must be ‘well’! However many diseases can be asymptomatic for a period of time and therefore give no warning that we may about to become ill. The World Health Organisations definition of being health is – “Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”
Inflammation is your body’s way of protecting itself from infection, illness or injury. As part of the inflammatory response, your body increases its production of white blood cells, immune cells and substances called cytokines that help fight infection.
Short term signs or acute inflammation include redness, heat, swelling and pain, usually as a result of an injury.
Longer term or chronic signs however may occur without any noticeable symptoms as they occur inside the body and are harder to detect, but can lead to illnesses such as: heart disease, fatty liver disease, digestive issues, depression, diabetes and cancer.
Why do so many of us feel that growing older means we must accept a general loss of health and wellbeing?
Taking control of what we eat and having a diet rich in fruit and vegetables, nuts and seeds, drinking plenty of purified water, juicing, grounding, exercising, sleep and supporting our mental wellbeing are all key factors of enjoying good health and bring about extraordinary rewards.
But how do we switch our mindset into not just becoming more informed but actually taking the steps necessary to become more healthy and less prone to developing disease and ageing? To optimise health we have to adjust the choices we regularly make and the influences these will have on our health and wellbeing. Our behaviour change coaching along with our other treatments can support these changes. When you reconstitute internally and change your ecosystem, you transform externally too. You’ll look, feel and become biologically younger.
Disease prevention
We may be able discover the cause of a pre existing condition, so blood or salvia tests are carried out to check your vitamin, mineral and hormones levels to establish the best course of treatment for you.
We have Test Packages for specific health concerns or symptoms including:
respiratory infection
pancreatic health
allergy evaluation
infection and inflammation
metabolic syndrome
urinalysis
kidney health
digestive and bowel health
hormone panel
genetic tests
nutritional health
muscle, bone and joints
diabetes
heart health
Annual Health Check
We pride ourselves on improving healthcare using innovative diagnostics technologies, for a range of health conditions including heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer and stroke.
Whilst the science is complex, the applications are not. Testing such as this takes place every day behind the scenes of GP surgeries and hospitals.
Around 70% of all medical decisions are based on laboratory results, and so, not surprisingly, we believe that earlier, more accurate and more accessible diagnostics are the key to improving global health and saving lives.
We test over 50 bio markers including hormones, includes a 60 minute initial consultation, blood test with Nurse or Phlebotomist, a comprehensive doctors report and a follow up consultation and diet plan.
Are you getting enough?
Vitamins and minerals are essential nutrients because they perform hundreds of roles in the body. Eating a healthy diet remains the best way to get sufficient amounts of the vitamins and minerals you need. Improving your diet is paramount, however sometimes we do need to boost our levels with supplements.
Antioxidants
The role of antioxidants play an important role in the prevention of free radical damage and helps to reduce disorders relating to the immune system, such as: cancers, cardiovascular disease, macular degeneration, ageing and brain dysfunction.Vitamins such as C, E, Beta Carotene and Lycopene, Lutein play a vital role in helping to prevent diseases. We don’t just guess what supplements you may need, that frankly is a waste of money and could be harmful, we carry out thorough consultations and testing to ensure you take what you need.
Supplements
Water Soluble Vitamins, B, C.
B vitamins
- Biotin (vitamin B7)
- Folic acid (folate, vitamin B9)
- Niacin (vitamin B3)
- Pantothenic acid (vitamin B5)
- Riboflavin (vitamin B2)
- Thiamin (vitamin B1)
- Vitamin B6
- Vitamin B12
Vitamin C
Although water-soluble vitamins have many tasks in the body, one of the most important is helping to free the energy found in the food you eat. Others help keep tissues healthy. Here are some examples of how different vitamins help you maintain health:
- Release energy. Several B vitamins are key components of certain coenzymes (molecules that aid enzymes) that help release energy from food.
- Produce energy. Thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, and biotin engage in energy production.
- Build proteins and cells. Vitamins B6, B12, and folic acid metabolize amino acids (the building blocks of proteins) and help cells multiply.
- Make collagen. One of many roles played by vitamin C is to help make collagen, which knits together wounds, supports blood vessel walls, and forms a base for teeth and bones.
Fat-soluble vitamins
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin K
- Food containing fat-soluble vitamins is ingested.
- The food is digested by stomach acid and then travels to the small intestine, where it is digested further. Bile is needed for the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. This substance, which is produced in the liver, flows into the small intestine, where it breaks down fats. Nutrients are then absorbed through the wall of the small intestine.
- Upon absorption, the fat-soluble vitamins enter the lymph vessels before making their way into the bloodstream. In most cases, fat-soluble vitamins must be coupled with a protein in order to travel through the body.
- These vitamins are used throughout the body, but excesses are stored in the liver and fat tissues.
- As additional amounts of these vitamins are needed, your body taps into the reserves, releasing them into the bloodstream from the liver.
Fatty foods and oils are reservoirs for the four fat-soluble vitamins. Within your body, fat tissues and the liver act as the main holding pens for these vitamins and release them as needed.
To some extent, you can think of these vitamins as time-release micronutrients. It’s possible to consume them every now and again, perhaps in doses weeks or months apart rather than daily, and still get your fill. Your body squirrels away the excess and doles it out gradually to meet your needs.
What they do
Together this vitamin quartet helps keep your eyes, skin, lungs, gastrointestinal tract, and nervous system in good repair. Here are some of the other essential roles these vitamins play:
- Build bones. Bone formation would be impossible without vitamins A, D, and K.
- Protect vision. Vitamin A also helps keep cells healthy and protects your vision.
- Interact favorably. Without vitamin E, your body would have difficulty absorbing and storing vitamin A.
- Protect the body. Vitamin E also acts as an antioxidant (a compound that helps protect the body against damage from unstable molecules).
Adaptogens
Adaptogens are herbal pharmaceuticals. They work to counteract the effects of stress in the body.
Adaptogens were first developed and studied during World War II. Scientists were looking for a way to help healthy pilots work at even greater levels. Basically, they were looking for a “superhero” pill that’d let the pilots fly better, faster, and for longer periods of time. And they thought they found it in the form of adaptogens.
Some adaptogens appear to inoculate us to stress and help us cope better, when we can adapt to stress more easily, we perform better and feel better despite what’s stressing us out. And with that, we can also improve our health and well-being. When you’re stressed, your adrenal gland releases the stress hormone cortisol which then energises you to tackle an emergency. Cortisol is often the culprit for weight gain, especially around the belly area. When you reduce stress with adaptogens, you reduce stress hormones and hence their effect on weight gain.
Adaptogens have the potential to help indirectly with other health issues, like pain, digestive concerns, insomnia. Stress sets off a series of physical responses that can affect immune function, our hormones, our cognitive function system, and our internal clock, (circadian rhythm). If these stressors persist, this leads to chronic illness.
Adaptogens work at a molecular level by regulating a stable balance in the hypothalamic, pituitary, and adrenal glands.
Siberian ginseng: is one of the most well-known adaptogenic herbs. It is said to increase energy, improve cognitive function, act as an anti-inflammatory, help with erectile dysfunction, prevent flu and lower blood sugar.
Ashwagandha: it can boost brain function, lower blood sugar and cortisol levels, and help fight symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Maca: is a plant with great potential as an adaptogen and appears to be promising as a nutraceutical in the prevention of several diseases. Scientific evidence showed effects on sexual behavior, fertility, mood, memory, osteoporosis, metabolism, and the treatment of some tumor entities.
Artic root: This is sometimes referred to as “rose root” and grows in cold climates in Asia and Europe. It’s a historical herb that’s been used in Russia and Scandinavia to treat minor health ailments like headaches and flu.
Schisandra: This herb is most useful for promoting liver health and stabilising blood sugars, as well as acting to resist infections, increase skin health, and combat insomnia, coughing, and thirst.
Rhodiola Rosea: is said to enhance mental performance and physical stamina.
Holy Basil: This antioxidant-rich adaptogenic herb’s benefits include improving insomnia, easing indigestion, and relieving headaches. Holy basil also contains an active compound called eugenol, which has been proven to improve dental health and skin conditions, thanks to its antimicrobial nature. It can also soothe stressed adrenals.
Astragalus: improves immunity while also bolstering antioxidant capacity.
Major Minerals
- Calcium
- Chloride
- Magnesium
- Phosphorus
- Potassium
- Sodium
- Sulfur
One of the key tasks of minerals is to maintain the proper balance of water in the body. Sodium, chloride, and potassium take the lead in doing this. Three other major minerals—calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium—are important for healthy bones. Sulfur helps stabilize protein structures, including some of those that make up hair, skin, and nails.
Trace Minerals
- Chromium
- Copper
- Fluoride
- Iodine
- Iron
- Manganese
- Molybdenum
- Selenium
- Zinc
What do they do?
- Being crucial building blocks for hundreds of enzymes
- Facilitating a multitude of biochemical reactions
- Being a requirement for normal growth and development as well as neurological functions
- Serving as anti-oxidants
- Supporting the blood system
- Being necessary for certain hormones
- Being required for normal gonadal development
CBD Oil
Cannabidiol is a popular natural remedy that can be used for many common ailments. It is made by extracting the oil from the cannabis plant, then diluting it with a carrier oil like coconut or hemp seed oil. Unlike THC, which is the main psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis and causes the sensation of getting high CBD is not psychoactive. It is gaining momentum in the health and wellness world and some scientific studies show it has benefits in reducing anxiety, depression and pain relief.
Treatment Schedule – Annual Health Check
Our protocol includes a number of treatment options which is dependent on your budget or health preferences. *In the event your blood results flag any concerns we will refer you onto your own GP they can prescribe any further exploratory tests and treatment if necessary. (You may work with both a private doctor and your own GP, depending on circumstances.)
Our Nutritionist/Naturopath will also work with you (independently if your blood work hasn’t flagged anything of major concern) to prescribe an eating plan and supplements where appropriate to keep your treatment as natural as possible.
• Contact us on pamela@integrativehealthclinic.co.uk OR
• Fill in a contact form and request a callback in the comment box
• Complete our questionnaire which you can find here: Hormone Questionnaire
• Please save and email the completed questionnaire or print and post to us.
• Initial Consultation with Nutritionist/Naturopath
• Test results explained and diet plan devised (in person, Zoom, telephone)
• Blood Tests Ordered
• Receive Blood Tests Results (emailed)
• (*Referral to GP, Private Dr or Nutritionist/Naturopath (in person, Skype, telephone))
• Treatment plan devised
• Supplements delivered to your door
• Follow up Nutritionist/Naturopath and Repeat Blood test
• (*Second Follow-up Consultation with GP or private Doctor)
• Review progress and treatment with test results
• Third Follow up Nutritionist who will arrange blood tests (ongoing 6/12 monthly)
• Ongoing Follow-up consultations
• Review progress and treatment with test results
• (*GP or Doctor will decide on when ongoing reviews should take place (six or 12 months))
• Ongoing Follow up Nutritionist who will arrange blood tests (ongoing 6/12 monthly)
• Ongoing Follow-up consultations
• Review progress and treatment with test results
• (*GP or Doctor will decide on when ongoing reviews should take place (six or 12 months))