Noticed your tummy having a bit of a mind of its own lately? Maybe you’re feeling more bloated than usual, your digestion is unpredictable, or you’re just not quite sure why your tummy doesn’t seem to be playing ball.
When your digestion isn’t happy, it can affect so many other things going on within your body. And it’s easy to get used to those little niggles and simply think, “Well, this is just normal for me.” But just because you’ve got used to it doesn’t mean you have to put up with it.
Hi, I’m Sarah Nash, a BANT-registered Nutritional Therapist and Level 5 Clinical Reflexologist in Farnham, Surrey. I help you make sense of your digestive symptoms and explore realistic, achievable changes (no complete life overhauls here!) that support your gut and your wider wellbeing.
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Why gut health matters
Your gut does far more than digest your food. It plays an important role in how you absorb nutrients and is closely connected with your immune system, energy, mood and overall wellbeing.
So when your digestion isn’t quite right, it can affect many other things going on within your body and even though you may have become used to all the little niggly digestive symptoms, digging a bit deeper and providing some targeted nourishment can have a significant impact on your overall wellbeing.
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How nutritional therapy can support better sleep
My nutrition consultations are about much more than food. Sure, we'll look at what you eat, but we'll also look at how you eat. We'll take a closer look at when your symptoms tend to show up and what seems to make them better or worse, because patterns are often where the clues are hiding.
We'll also look at your stress, sleep, hydration and daily routine, your environment and lifestyle, your health history and anything you've already tried. Because our bodies are complex machines made of multiple interconnected systems so every little piece of information can make a difference.
From there, we'll work closely together to develop a personalised plan that's gentle and realistic, but packs a real punch without having to turn your life upside down!
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Is digestive testing right for you?
Digestive testing is a great way to give us some hard and fast data as to what is going on within your gut. From here, test results may often lead to faster results because we know exactly where to focus our attention. However, many women make great progress with personalised nutrition and lifestyle changes alone.
I never suggest testing for the sake of it, but if I feel testing could add useful information, I may talk you through the different options that are available. Testing is always optional, and I'll always explain the benefits and limitations in detail first.
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Reflexology: an hour to wind down and switch off
Your gut and your nervous system are closely connected, so when life feels stressful and you’re constantly rushing from one thing to the next, it can have an impact on how your digestion feels.
This is where reflexology can be a lovely addition. Reflexology is a gentle treatment on the feet that encourages you to slow down and switch off, helping you step out of the chaos for an hour.
And supporting your nervous system in this way may have a knock on effect on how your tummy feels, too - particularly when stress is part of the picture.
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Why I combine nutritional therapy and reflexology
This is where my approach is a little different. Nutrition and reflexology aren't competing therapies. They complement one another beautifully.
Nutrition helps provide your body with the nutrients it needs to function well, while reflexology creates space for rest, relaxation and reconnection.
Some clients choose nutritional therapy because they want to understand the root causes of their symptoms. Others come purely for reflexology because they need an hour to unwind. Many enjoy combining both.
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Sit down to eat and take a moment before your first bite
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Slow down and chew well, which gives your digestion a head start
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Add one fibre-rich food at a time and drink water alongside it, because a sudden big change can make things worse
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Aim for variety across your week, as frozen veg, tins, herbs and seeds all count
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Keep a simple food and symptom diary for two weeks to spot patterns
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Avoid cutting out whole food groups without proper guidance
A few little hacks you can start today to encourage a happier, healthier gut
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FAQs
WHY AM I ALWAYS BLOATED?
There are lots of possible reasons, including eating patterns, how quickly you eat, stress, fibre intake, hormones and underlying medical conditions.
DO I NEED TO CUT OUT GLUTEN OR DAIRY?
I'm a firm believer in not cutting out entire food groups unless it's absolutely necessary. So no, I don't routinely advise clients to cut out gluten and/or dairy.
CAN NUTRITIONAL THERAPY HELP WITH DIGESTIVE SYMPTOMS?
Yes. What and how you eat absolutely impacts your digestive health, and nutritional therapy can help you identify dietary and lifestyle factors that may be contributing to symptoms such as bloating, constipation, diarrhoea, reflux or abdominal discomfort.
CAN REFLEXOLOGY HELP MY DIGESTION?
Your nervous system and digestion are closely connected. Encouraging deep relaxation and nervous system regulation through reflexology may also have a profound impact on your digestive wellbeing.
CAN I WORK WITH YOU ONLINE?
Yes, nutrition consultations and testing support are available online as well as in Farnham. Reflexology takes place in my little Farnham clinic only.
READY TO GIVE YOUR TUMMY SOME TLC?
If you're tired of putting up with your tummy, book a free 15-minute call and we can chat about where you are and how I can help.