About me
I specialise in supporting women to manage the m e no p a u s e transition naturally through nutrition and lifestyle changes, which I believe in the mainstream media have been largely overlooked. The symptoms experienced by so many women are not simply about a hormone deficiency, the hormone lifecycle depends on having the right nutrients available at the right time in a healthy, functioning body.
In my clinical experience, many symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats, brain fog, weight gain, disrupted sleep, mood swings and lack of energy can be very effectively managed naturally. Whether you are taking replacement hormones or not, getting the basic nutritional foundations in place is fundamental to a smooth transition and just as importantly for healthy ageing in the years beyond.
I am also a specialist in managing and reversing o s t e o p o r o s i s and o s t e o p e n i a. Based on my own experience and diagnosis in 2021, I have supported many women to manage their bone mineral density through a combination of ensuring the right combination and amounts of nutrients (via food and supplements), coupled with strength-training exercise.
I am an accredited acid reflux practitioner and have successfully worked with men and women of all ages living with chronic metabolic conditions such as high blood glucose. In addition to my private nutrition clinic I worked for 2.5 years in the NHS as a Health & Wellbeing Coach on the National D i a b e t e s Prevention Programme and run healthy eating and weight loss courses in local GP surgeries on behalf of the Public Health Collaboration charity (www.phcuk.org).
My approach is holistic. My aim is to discover the biochemical root causes of your symptoms and then address them through personalised nutrition and lifestyle recommendations. Starting with a comprehensive assessment of your full health/medical history and a 3-day food and lifestyle diary, I also take into account physical and emotional factors, which can play an important role in how good we feel..
In our sessions together we discuss your goals and priorities and then create an agreed plan of action based on my recommendations, that fit around your lifestyle, likes and dislikes.
Training, qualifications & experience
I trained at the renowned Institute for Optimum Nutrition, founded by Patrick Holford in 1984.
I am registered with the British Association for Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine (BANT). This is the professional body for Nutritional Therapists, meaning that I am obliged to abide by their strict Code of Conduct and Ethics.
I am also registered and a member of the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC). This organisation was set up with government support and ensures that my training and experience has been validated, that I am professionally insured and that I abide by their Code of Conduct, Performance and Ethics.
I am fully insured and undertake regular Continuing Professional Development (CPD). Most recently in osteoporosis, endometriosis and multiple courses in managing menopause and perimenopause symptoms through nutrition and lifestyle changes. I keep up-to-date with the latest evidence on how best to address the myriad of symptoms, from weight gain and anxiety to brain fog and hot flushes.
I have also worked in the NHS as a Health & Wellbeing Coach on the National Diabetes Prevention programme and run weight loss and healthy eating courses at a local GP surgery on behalf of the Public Health Collaboration charity.
Helen Ritchie, BA (Hons), DipION, mBANT, rCNHC
Member organisations
The CNHC encompasses many types of alternative therapy, including massage, aromatherapy and nutrition.
In order to be admitted to the register a practitioner must have studied to the National Occupational Standards for that profession/discipline, or have reached the equivalent of the National Occupational Standards through other relevant training or at least three years of experience and been assessed by their peers.
A practitioner must also have professional insurance and agree to abide by the CNHC Code of Conduct, Performance and Ethics.
The British Association for Applied Nutrition and Nutritional Therapy is the professional body for Nutritional Therapists. There are different BANT membership classes, including Full Member, Fellow Member and Student Member. All BANT practitioners must have met the required standards of training, be fully insured and adhere to the BANT Code of Ethics and Practice.
Accredited register membership
The Accredited Register Scheme was set up in 2013 by the Department of Health (DoH) as a way to recognise organisations that hold voluntary registers which meet certain standards. These standards are set by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).
This therapist has indicated that they belong to an Accredited Register.
Nutrition topics
info Information about health conditions (*)
Nutritional therapy can help enhance the well-being of individuals diagnosed with serious medical conditions, but should not take the place of medical treatment and advice. If you have been diagnosed with - or suspect you may have - any of these conditions, please speak to your doctor before starting nutritional therapy or making any major changes to your diet or lifestyle.
Photos & videos
Fees
£95.00 - £1,200.00
Free initial online session
Additional information
Working with me over a period of 12-weeks within a programme of 1:1 nutrition coaching sessions is designed to uncover the underlying root causes of your symptoms. It also gives you time to make changes at the speed you are comfortable with. Incremental small changes that fit with your lifestyle all add up to make a noticeable difference in getting you back to feeling great again.
If you prefer to work on a pay-as-you-go basis that is also possible, and if you're just looking for a review of your diet with suggestions for healthy improvements, without the detailed analysis and assessment of your health history, a 60-minute Nutrition MOT is £95.
Additional services include a Health & Wellness Check, which includes a comprehensive blood test via a private laboratory; a review and interpretation of NHS/GP blood results to ensure you're in optimal health, not just at the threshold of avoiding illness. I can also arrange and interpret a range of other tests from private laboratories such as hormone, saliva and stool tests.
I offer a free exploratory 30-minute call via Zoom so that we can chat about your goals and how I may be able to help you. I'd love to hear from you - get in touch.
When I work
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My private clinic is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Evening and weekend appointments can also be arranged. I work mainly via Zoom but face-to-face appointments are available in Windsor.
Further information
What my clients have said about working with me:
"Working with Helen has been life changing...I've lost 15kg so far, got so much more energy and my joints are less painful.”
"I was tempted to take HRT, but luckily found Helen. She has totally changed my moods, my weight, my stomach issues and my aching joints. She has set me on a new path for the future."
"Through working with Helen, I found a cure for an 8-month long chronic headache. I've also lost weight, my sleep has improved and my hot flushes are reduced."
"My energy levels have improved greatly, my mood swings are less frequent and brain fog improved. I felt like a broken person before and am now able to look forward to the rest of my life. Thank you!”
“This is the best things I’ve done. I’ve lost weight, am more energised and have had to reduce my HRT”
“After making the changes Helen recommended to my diet and lifestyle, my hot flushes and night sweats were definitely improved after 4 weeks.”
“Helen has transformed the lives of some of my patients, through empowering, inspiring and education… she is passionate about what she does and this shines through in the sessions, helping to motivate individuals in a group setting. She researches thoroughly, before passing on this knowledge in a kind, sensitive and often humorous and light-hearted way!” Dr. Clare Nieland, GP Partner, Cedars Surgery, Maidenhead
“Helen was extremely professional and I learned more about how my gastro-intestinal system works in 1 hour than I have over the past 30 years in trying to get to the root cause of my symptoms.”
“I was really impressed with Helen’s knowledge and approach in uncovering what had led to me suddenly developing a rash last year, and by the 3rd consultation my symptoms were 80% improved.”
"I thought I had a good understanding of healthy foods however Helen’s knowledge took me to a different level. I found Helen easy to talk to, she is genuinely interested in her clients health and obviously enjoys what she is doing. "
https://calendly.com/ritchnutrition/complimentary-call
