• I have a first class BSc honours degree in Nutritional Therapy from the Institute for Optimum Nutrition (ION), validated by Portsmouth University 
• I am a member of the British Association for Nutrition and Lifestyle and Medicine (BANT). Reg no. FRI1008604
• Prior to my degree I completed a clinical nutrition diploma – distinction 

Nutritional therapy is a personalised, evidence-informed approach to health that uses dietary and lifestyle changes to promote optimal health. Functional testing is often used to identify imbalances and allow for a more targeted health plan. Where appropriate, supplements may also be suggested. 

Nutritional therapy uses a holistic approach, seeing symptoms and the body’s systems as connected. Recommendations are always tailored to your unique needs.

A very wise question as there is a lot of misinformation spread about. Nutrition professions all have different educational pathways and scopes of practice.

Dietitian

Dietitians are required to have a degree in dietetics or a postgraduate qualification in dietetics. They generally work in the NHS and are trained to manage conditions and diseases including bowel disorders, liver disease, kidney disease and conditions that require tube feeding.

The term ‘dietitian’ is protected and a dietitian must be registered with the British Dietetic Association (BDA) and Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

Nutritionist

Nutritionists are generally trained to focus on public health, nutrition research and food policies. Nutritionists tend to work within the community or in private practice. Appropriately qualified nutritionists will be registered with the Association for Nutrition (AfN).

The term ‘nutritionist’ is not a protected which means anyone can call themselves a nutritionist. Look for the term ‘registered nutritionist’ (RNutrs).

Nutritional therapist

Nutritional therapists (NTs) are trained in personalised nutrition and work holistically, seeing every system in the body as interconnected. They use evidence-based diet and lifestyle strategies, and where appropriate use functional or genetic testing and supplements to optimise your health. NTs mainly work in private practice seeing clients on a 1 to 1 basis or doing group work. 

Nutritional therapy is not a replacement for medical advice; it is complementary healthcare. NTs work alongside medical professionals, and any ‘red flag’ symptoms will be appropriately referred on.

As of September 2020, nutritional therapists (NTs) need to hold a BSc honours degree or higher in order to register with the British Association of Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine (BANT). They should also be registered with the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC). The term ‘nutritional therapist’ is not protected. Look for the term ‘registered nutritional therapist (RNT), or ‘registered nutritional therapy practitioner (RNTP)’.

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When I see and hear practitioners dismissing other disciplines within nutrition, it makes me sad. I genuinely believe we all have an important role to play in healthcare, and that collaboration and mutual respect ultimately serve us and our clients/ patients best.

Absolutely. 

Acne is rarely caused by one single factor, which is why there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. Nutritional therapy looks at the bigger picture, exploring the factors that may be contributing to your skin health rather than focusing on your skin alone.

Depending on your individual circumstances, this may include looking at your diet, nutrient intake, gut health, blood sugar balance, hormonal factors, inflammation, stress and lifestyle habits.

The aim is to create a personalised plan with practical, sustainable changes that support your overall health as well as your skin.

IBS can be incredibly frustrating because it’s a complex condition with no single cause. Symptoms can be influenced by a combination of factors, which is why identifying what may be contributing to your symptoms isn’t always straightforward.

Nutritional therapy takes a personalised approach, looking at all the factors that may be influencing your digestive health. Depending on your individual circumstances, this may include your diet, eating habits, stress, sleep, gut health, lifestyle and any relevant medical history.

Rather than following a one-size-fits-all plan or unnecessarily restricting foods, we’ll work together to identify patterns and make evidence-informed changes that fit your lifestyle.

For some clients, stool testing can provide valuable additional insights into their digestive health, helping to eliminate the guess work.

The goal is to help you better understand your symptoms, feel more confident managing them, and support your long-term digestive health.

No. You don’t need an official IBS diagnosis to work with me.

If IBS is suspected, I may recommend speaking with your GP first to rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as coeliac disease or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Nutritional therapy can then focus on understanding your symptoms, exploring potential contributing factors and creating a personalised plan to support your digestive health.

Supplements are suggested on a case by case basis.

They can be really helpful to give you quicker symptom relief whilst we work on your diet and lifestyle. 

The long term aim is for you to have a nourishing diet that means you need minimal supplements. 

Yes. If appropriate we can use stool, saliva, urine and blood testing to help us uncover imbalances and/or nutrient deficiences contributing to your symptoms. 

Where possible I will refer you to your GP for testing. 

I work with a number of trusted labs. Please note functional tests come at an additional cost. For example, a comprehensive stool test by Microba is generally around £399. Comprehensive hormone testing is around £250 – £400.

This is highly individual and depends on a range of factors, including your current diet and nutrient status, the complexity of your health condition(s), and the severity and duration of your symptoms.

Some clients notice improvements in symptoms within the first few weeks, particularly when key dietary changes are introduced. Supplement support can also help achieve quicker symptom relief whilst diet and lifestyle changes are worked on.

However, more meaningful and sustained changes often take several months as underlying imbalances are addressed and the body begins to rebalance.

Absolutely not. Whilst I do encourage a colourful wholefood diet I also advocate for food to be as much about joy as it is about nourishment. 

There is a misconception that nutritionists are all vegans who live off kale smoothies. I eat meat, I sometimes drink wine, I eat chocolate every day.

When working with you I will always consider your likes and dislikes. We’ll find recipes and food options that work for you. And no, not everyone needs to be dairy and gluten free. 

No.

Although I am based in Winchester, consultations occur online over Google Meet, allowing me to help clients from all over the UK.

All you need is internet and somewhere confidential to talk. 

…and I won’t judge if you turn up in Pjs. 

Please click on the “Enquire” button. This will take you to a short form to fill in. From there I’ll take a look at your answers and get in contact to answer your queries, arrange a free discovery call or book in your first consultation.

if you have any issues, just email me: hello@ellefrizzell.com

I look forward to working with you. 

No worries. You can add extra consultations to any pack. A 30 minute appointment is £75.

Ad-hoc appointments can be spaced however works best for you, for example monthly or a bi-annual check in. 

Yes. If any symptoms need further investigation I will refer you to your doctor. I can also write to your GP and request testing or a referral where appropriate. 

We also have the option to use private testing labs which offer more comprehensive tests.