Ruth Etches
About me
I am a Nutritional Therapist and Functional Medicine Practitioner with a special interest in autoimmunity and chronic health conditions. I work with people to figure out the root cause behind their symptoms and ill health. I do the detective work so they can understand their body better and finally connect the dots and understand why they became sick in the first place.
My goal when working with my clients is to support them using evidence-based nutritional medicine, lifestyle interventions and supplements (where appropriate), so that they reclaim control of their health and live life to the full again.
I completely understand what it is like to not feel yourself, going from one doctor to the next looking for answers and being told that there is nothing wrong or being labelled with a diagnosis but being left with little or no support. It was my unrelenting search for answers that led me to give up my job to study nutrition and subsequently functional medicine.
Training, qualifications & experience
- Diploma in Nutrition (Distinction) - College of Naturopathic Medicine
- AFMCP (Applied Functional Medicine in Clinical Practice) - Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM)
- Cardiometabolic Advanced Practice Module (IFM)
- Immune Advanced Practice Module (IFM)
- Gastrointestinal Advanced Practice Module (IFM)
- Biotransformation Advanced Practice Module (IFM)
- Gastrointestinal Clinical Strategies and Treatment Applications - Kharrazian Institute
- Autoimmune Clinical Strategies and Treatment Applications - Kharrazian Institute
I am continuing to undergo training at the Institute for Functional Medicine in the USA as part of my commitment to maintaining the highest standards of knowledge and competence in the practice of evidence-based Nutritional Therapy and Functional Medicine.
Professional Memberships:
Member of The British Association for Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine (BANT)
Registered with The Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC)
Member of The Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM)
Full professional indemnity insurance
Member organisations
British Association for Applied Nutrition and Nutritional Therapy
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.
Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council
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.
Accredited register membership
Accredited Register Scheme
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
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.
Fees
Free initial telephone session
Additional information
I have a range of programmes on offer, so please contact me for a free Discovery call to see how I can help you.
Availability
Monday to Friday - 9.30am-5.30pm
Evenings on request.
Further information
Here's a selection of client feedback:
"I have suffered with ME for 15 years with symptoms including overwhelming fatigue, muscle aches, loss of appetite and a general feeling of unwell. Over this time I have tried countless treatments but none made any significant impact on my symptoms. Ruth reassured me by explaining why functional medicine is so different from other approaches. After taking a comprehensive medical history she prescribed a wide range of supplements and dietary changes to follow. After just 8 weeks my health has already changed for the better. The relentless fatigue caused by my ME has significantly improved and I have a general sense of well-being that I haven’t felt in years. I wish I had found Ruth and functional medicine years ago." - Sally Pearce
"Ruth's willingness to integrate the numerous needs which I took to the consultation was evident in the extremely detailed plan she presented me with. She researched to such a degree that she found the cause of one of my ailments, which other most admirable colleagues hadn't been able to. It was so reassuring to finally know the cause of it and to know that the same commitment, she had demonstrated in discovering it, would be reflected in her treatment plan for it. Her follow up and support of me in implementing the plan she created for me, have been meticulous. It is very motivating to work with such a dedicated Health Practitioner. Thank you indeed, Ruth" - Cristina Donaldson
"Ruth's vast knowledge and experience, along with her warmth, compassion, and commitment helped me and my family to make the changes we needed. Many thanks to you, Ruth!" - Joanne Chadwick
"By following Ruth’s honest and simple guidance I feel that both my body and my mind are in a much better and healthier place. As a qualified Nutritionist and Functional Medicine Practitioner, Ruth presents her subject in a relaxing and understanding way that makes you immediately feel at ease knowing that you are in very capable hands. I highly recommend Ruth if you wish to find your “get up and go” to live your life to the fullest. Your body will love you for it!" - Karen Wheeley