FAQs

Here are all the questions I get asked a lot. Feel free to use the contact page if you have questions that aren’t covered here.

What is nutritional therapy?

Nutritional therapy is an evidence-based, personalised approach to health that focuses on how food, lifestyle, and sometimes supplements can support the body to function at its best.

Rather than treating symptoms in isolation or offering generic advice, nutritional therapy looks at your whole health story to identify the root causes of your concerns.

Using a functional medicine lens, I work with you to understand what’s happening beneath the surface and create a tailored plan that supports your body’s natural ability to restore balance.

Together, we’ll focus on small, realistic, and sustainable changes that help you feel better day-to-day and more confident in your long-term wellbeing.

Nutritional therapy is for anyone who wants to improve their health — whether you’re navigating specific issues or simply want to be proactive and prioritise prevention.

What are the benefits of working with a nutritional therapist?

Working with a nutritional therapist means you’re no longer trying to figure everything out alone. You get personalised support from someone trained to understand the root causes of your symptoms and guide you toward meaningful, sustainable change.

Together, we’ll create a realistic plan that fits your life, helps you feel more energised, supports hormone and gut balance, reduces cravings, and improves overall wellbeing.

It’s a supportive, encouraging process designed to give you confidence in your choices and long-term tools for better health.

How long does it take to see results?

Everyone’s journey is different, so the timeline for results depends on your individual health goals, your starting point, and what’s going on beneath the surface. Some people begin to notice positive changes — such as better energy, improved digestion, or more stable moods — within a few weeks. For others, especially if symptoms have been present for a long time, progress may be more gradual.

My aim is always to support realistic, sustainable change. Together, we’ll focus on building habits and addressing the root causes of your symptoms, so the improvements you make are long-lasting rather than quick fixes.

How many sessions should I expect to have?

The number of sessions really depends on your individual health goals, your current symptoms, and how much time you have to implement changes. Because we focus on understanding root causes and creating sustainable habits, it often takes a little time and patience to see meaningful, long-lasting results.

As a guide, three sessions is a great starting point. This allows us to explore your health history in depth, begin implementing personalised changes, and check in on your progress. After this, we can review what’s working and decide together on the best next steps.

If you’re unsure about committing to three sessions, you’re welcome to book a free 30-minute call so we can talk through your needs and see what level of support feels right for you.

How is nutritional therapy different from dieting?

Nutritional therapy is not a diet. It doesn’t involve strict rules, cutting out entire food groups, or following a one-size-fits-all plan. Instead, it focuses on nourishing your body with whole foods, understanding your unique needs, and making sustainable lifestyle changes that support your long-term health.

Dieting often centres around restriction and short-term weight loss, which can leave you feeling deprived or confused about what to eat. Nutritional therapy takes a very different approach — it looks at the root causes of your symptoms, supports balance in the body, and empowers you to build habits that feel good and work for your life.

It’s about improving your wellbeing, not just managing numbers on a scale.

Can you work alongside other healthcare practitioners?

Yes – nutritional therapy works alongside medical care, not as a replacement. If needed, I can work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals to support you safely and effectively.

What are functional tests?

Functional tests are specialised health tests — such as stool, genetic, urine or hair mineral analysis — that give a deeper, more holistic picture of how your body is functioning. Instead of simply checking whether something is “normal,” these tests explore what’s happening at a more detailed level, including hormones, digestion, nutrient status, gut health, immune function, and more.

They focus on optimal ranges, not just standard clinical ranges, which means they can highlight subtle imbalances that may be contributing to your symptoms. This information helps us personalise your plan even further and target the root causes more effectively.

Functional testing isn’t always necessary, but when appropriate, it can be a powerful way to understand your body better and guide your health journey with confidence.

What is DNA health testing and how can it benefit me?

Nutrigenomics is the science of how your nutrition and lifestyle choices can influence the way your genes are expressed. While we can’t change our genes, we can work with them. DNA health testing helps us understand your unique genetic variations and how they may affect things like nutrient needs, metabolism, detoxification, hormone balance, and how you respond to certain foods.

We all carry small differences in our DNA, called SNPs, which can impact how well certain processes in the body function. When we combine your DNA insights with your health history, we gain a deeper understanding of what may be driving your symptoms and how to tailor your nutrition and lifestyle plan to best support your biology.

As a qualified Nutrigenomics Practitioner, I offer a range of LifecodeGX® tests, including:

• Nutrient Core
• Metals & Minerals
• Metabolics
• Hormones
• Methylation
• Histamine Intolerance
• Detoxification
• Nervous System
• APOE
• Thyroid Balance
• Athlete

How would DNA health testing impact my health journey?

DNA health testing can be a powerful tool in understanding your body on a deeper level. By identifying your unique genetic strengths and vulnerabilities, we can see where you may have higher nutrient needs, how you process certain foods, and which lifestyle choices will support you best.

This insight allows us to create a truly personalised plan that aligns with your biology. Nutrigenomic testing can highlight underlying factors that may be influencing your energy, mood, metabolism, hormones, detoxification, and overall wellbeing.

With this information, you can make informed choices that feel clearer, more purposeful, and more effective. It’s a way of supporting your long-term health with precision — helping you work with your body rather than against it.

What does this test involve?

The DNA health test is a simple, painless mouth swab that you can easily complete at home. You’ll use the swab to collect a small sample of cheek cells, place it into the tube with the stabilising capsule, and seal it as instructed.

Once you’ve completed the swab, you’ll return it along with the signed consent form. If you’re in the UK, a prepaid envelope is provided. For international clients, you’ll need to arrange and pay for the return postage.

The whole process is quick, straightforward, and designed to fit easily into your routine.

Which test is relevant for me?

The right test really depends on your individual goals and what you’d like to understand more deeply about your health. For example, if you’re experiencing hormonal challenges, the methylation, histamine and hormone report may offer the most useful insights, while difficulties with weight loss might make the thyroid, methylation and metabolics reports more appropriate.

What is included in the DNA Health Package?

We’ll start with a 30-minute discovery call, where we can explore your symptoms, health history, and priorities together. From there, I’ll guide you toward the most relevant and supportive testing package for your unique needs. You will then fill in an online intake questionnaire, and I will then organise for the test to be sent to you directly in the post. You will then return the completed swab test in the pre-paid envelope. We will book in a practitioner support call (up to 90 mins) to discuss your detailed analysis and personalised results.

Where did you train as a nutritional therapist?

I trained for 4.5 years through the renowned Institute for Optimum Nutrition, one of the UK’s leading schools for evidence-based, functional nutrition. My clinical training was completed in partnership with the University of Portsmouth, where I gained a strong academic foundation in nutritional science, health behaviour, and functional medicine principles.

This training involved in-depth study of biochemistry, physiology, clinical practice, and root-cause analysis, as well as supervised clinical hours working directly with clients. It ensures that the advice and support I offer is grounded in up-to-date research, a deep understanding of how the body works, and a truly personalised approach to care.

What is included in your packages?

My programmes are designed to offer comprehensive, personalised support so you feel guided at every step of your health journey. Here’s what’s included:
• Free 30-minute discovery call to explore your goals and ensure we’re the right fit
• 1 x 90-minute initial consultation to dive deeply into your health history, symptoms, and priorities
• 60-minute follow-up consultations to review progress and refine your plan
• Comprehensive analysis of your diet, lifestyle, medical history, and wellbeing
• Personalised nutrition and lifestyle recommendations tailored to your unique needs
• Functional testing recommendations when appropriate
• Interpretation and review of functional test results
• A bespoke supplement protocol, if needed
• Access to practitioner-only supplement discounts
• Meal ideas, inspiration, and recipes to support your changes
• Email support between sessions for guidance and accountability
• Referrals to other healthcare professionals, when beneficial
• GP letters, if required

Each programme is built to give you the clarity, support, and confidence you need to make meaningful, sustainable progress.

How many sessions are included?

I offer three personalised 1-to-1 package options so you can choose the level of support that feels right for you. You can select from:
• 3 sessions – ideal if you’re looking to get started, gain clarity, and make targeted changes
• 7 sessions – great for continued support, accountability, more complex goals, or longer-term transformation
• 12 sessions – my most comprehensive program for women ready to fully invest in their health. Over several months we will work together to address root causes, rebalance your body and build habits that feel sustainable in real life.

During your discovery call, we can discuss your goals and circumstances to help you choose the package that will best support your health journey.

Can I reach out between sessions?

Yes — you’re welcome to contact me between sessions. You’ll have access to unlimited support via email or message throughout our work together, so you never feel stuck or unsure of your next steps. I’m here to support you, answer questions, and help you stay on track.

How do I book a discovery call?

Booking a discovery call is easy. Simply head to my Contact page and send me a message with a time that works for you. The discovery call is completely free and gives us a chance to explore your goals, answer any questions, and see whether we’re the right fit to work together.

Do you offer payment plans?

Yes, absolutely. You’re welcome to either pay in full or spread the cost through monthly payments. We can discuss the option that works best for you during your discovery call, so you feel comfortable and supported from the start.

Are functional testing and supplements an additional cost?

Yes. If we decide together that functional testing or supplements would be helpful for your health journey, these are paid for separately. I’ll always explain the options, costs, and benefits clearly so you can make an informed decision that feels right for you — and nothing is ever mandatory.

Do you have insurance?

Yes. I am fully insured with Balens Ltd., giving you peace of mind that all consultations and recommendations are delivered safely, professionally, and in line with industry standards.

What is your cancellation policy?

I completely understand that life can be unpredictable, and I aim to be as flexible as possible. I have a 48-hour cancellation policy for all nutritional therapy 1-to-1 sessions. If you need to cancel or reschedule, just let me know at least 48 hours before your appointment, and we can easily move it to a time that works better for you.

Stay in the loop

Not ready for a 1-to-1 consultation yet, no problems… Sign up to my newsletter to get practical tips, recipes and more. 

    Disclaimer
    Every effort has been made to ensure that the content in this site is correct but it should not in any way be used as an alternative to your doctor, nor should it be used as a diagnostic tool for a condition. You should visit your doctor if you have a medical condition or any symptoms. You should not discontinue any medication without consulting with your doctor. The authors do not take responsibility for the consequences of any decisions taken as a result of the information across this site.
    © 2026 Severine Loram. All rights reserved.
    terms & conditions                        privacy policy                       cookie policy
    © 2026 Severine Loram. All rights reserved.