1) What can I expect on my first visit?
During your first visit I hear your story along with assessing the health questionnaire that you have already completed. I discover the root causes of your ailments and draw up an initial eating plan with a customised supplement program. I help you understand what is going on in your body. I explain how the foods I recommend can help bring healing and how avoiding or reducing others will help you. You go away with a written report for your action plan. I email you special handouts to help you.
2) How long are the consultations?
The initial visit is 75 mins duration. Follow ups are either 30 mins or 60 mins, depending on your need.
3) How often do I need to see you?
The number of follow ups and frequency very much depend on the severity of your ill health, how long you have been suffering and also how compliant you are with the food and supplement program. The first follow up in usually 3-4 weeks after your first appointment. Then often every 4 weeks or every 8 weeks as you progress. We discuss what is best for you.
4) Do you do any testing?
Yes, I offer functional medicine testing. Please see the page under “Services” for more details. These tests are a great tool to discover exactly what is going on in your body, so you can accelerate your journey of wellness.
5) Do I need supplements?
Supplements are literally supplementing your diet and are not a substitute for good healthy eating. Most of us have nutrient deficiencies which contribute to our ill health. Supplements help restore health in a number of ways. For example, they correct deficiencies, correct imbalances, (especially with minerals), help you digest and absorb the food to utilise the nutrients, help relieve pain, help get rid of unwanted bugs in your gut, help eliminate constipation, help restore your microbiome (bacteria balance in your gut) help balance your hormones so you can deal with stress better, help heal your gut to prevent your condition returning. All this would either take a long, long time to do just with food or more likely you would never reach your optimum health.
6) Will I have to give up all the foods I like?
There will be some foods you need to avoid that you really like, (maybe not forever ) that are aggravating your condition. And others that you need to reduce. This is the cost of gaining health. You are not left with nothing to eat. I give you alternatives that can bring healing. We discuss together how to implement your eating plan, so it is not an added stress. Yes, you need time and energy to put it into practice but then you will reap the rewards with your health and feel much better. Very often your tastebuds change and you find you do not like or even desire those junk foods or sweet temptations.
7) Do you do telephone/Skype/video consultations?
Yes, absolutely. I do many telephone, Skype and video consults. This avoids LA traffic! And also it is convenient for those who live far away in another state or country or are too ill to travel.
8) Do you take insurance?
I do not take insurance. I provide you with a SuperBill that you can send to your insurance carrier for some reimbursement. Remember what you are investing in time, energy and finance can last a lifetime. Also prevention is better that cure. Don’t wait until your condition worsens before you consult a nutritionist. Every bite of food makes a difference!
9) What is your payment policy?
Payment is due at the consultation with check, cash or credit/debit card.