FAQs

Why choose Kate Dimmer?

I am passionate about helping others use nutrition and lifestyle to achieve and maintain optimal health. I have a calm, empathetic nature and go the extra mile for my clients, ensuring all their needs are met.

I have an MSc in Nutritional Therapy from one of the few accredited courses in the UK. I have been extensively trained and my training is on-going. I am registered with the British Association of Nutritional Therapy (BANT) and the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC) and abide by their professional codes of conduct.

When you see me, I take a full consultation of your health history so that I can work with you more effectively. I spend time looking at your health history and current symptoms, together with analysis of your diet. Diet is analysed using the latest computer software (Nutritics) to indicate potential nutrient deficiencies or inadequacies. I have access to a database that checks all your medication for interactions and depletions before I advise on supplements. I use clinical experience and the latest evidence to formulate your recommendations and I have the skills to discern the quality of this evidence. I also have coaching skills which provides you with the support you need to make sustained changes.

What is the difference between a Nutritionist, Nutritional Therapist, and Dietician?

Nutritionists and Nutritional Therapists are very similar but in theory ‘Nutritionists’ are trained to work in policy and guidance on healthy eating and Nutritional Therapists are trained in a clinical setting to advise people on a one-to-one basis. They use an evidence base and create tailored recommendations that supports the whole body. Dieticians are trained to work in hospital and follow NHS protocols.

However, the most important thing to consider is that the Nutritional Therapist or Nutritionist has been trained at an accredited university or training provider and is ‘registered’. This is because currently these titles (‘Nutritional Therapist’ and ‘Nutritionist’) are not protected. This means that someone can take a non-accredited course in nutrition and call themselves a ‘Nutritionist’. This is concerning for you, the customer, as you may be receiving nutrition advice from someone without adequate training. It is also unfortunate for us practitioners as these unqualified people can give us a bad name! If your Nutritional Therapist or Nutritionist is registered with BANT, CNHC, or AfN then you can be sure that they have had the correct training on an accredited course and work under a code of practice that is in some way regulated. I have trained at Worcester University on an accredited course and I am a full member of BANT and CNHC. I practise as both a registered Nutritional Therapist (when working with clients) and as a registered Nutritionist (when writing policy, articles and giving talks and workshops).

What is evidence-based?

This means that I consult the latest evidence from government guidelines such as NICE and SACN, along with peer reviewed journals and clinical trials.

Is Nutritional Therapy for me?

I am here to educate, guide and support. However improvements can only be made with your compliance. This might mean that you may need to make some realistic lifestyle and dietary changes. Nutritional Therapy is for those people who want to take control of their own health by making these changes themselves.

I have lots of health issues. Can you still help?

Yes! Most of my clients have many health issues. Nutritional Therapy can support several health issues at once because we are working to get the whole body functioning optimally.

I have IBS and digestive issues, how might Nutritional Therapy help me?

After a taking a full health history, we look at your diet as there are many foods and drinks that can worsen IBS and some that can improve symptoms (depending on whether you experience constipation, diarrhoea, cramps and spasms or combinations of symptoms). We also look at lifestyle. Stress and anxiety and history of trauma can be strongly linked with digestive problems as can disrupted sleep and shift work.

We would start by making some simple diet and lifestyle changes and evaluate how you feel. There are some types of diet that may provide relief in some cases for example the low FODMAP diet. Sometimes we might decide on the temporary elimination of a type of food, for example dairy or gluten. This is considered the ‘Gold Standard’ for establishing a food intolerance. A food is eliminated for a period of time and symptoms are monitored. The food is then reintroduced and symptoms are observed.

In certain cases you may be referred back to your GP for testing, such as a coeliac test. Or you may like to try to get to the root of the issue with a functional test such as a stool test. A stool test provides information on digestion and absorption, parasites, infection and inflammation, red blood cells and levels of SIgA (Secretory IgA) in the gastrointestinal tract, which is the body’s first line of defence in the immune system. Results from testing can specifically inform a protocol which may involve short-term supplement use. Referrals to the GP will be made if relevant. As an alternative to testing, we can also try a supplement protocol to help support and heal the gut.