Recently I was lucky enough to spend some time with Rachel Murray of Total Nutrition. Rachel is based in Bathurst and offers a service that I personally believe more people should be utilising.

So, I asked Rachel some questions:

What does a clinical nutritionist do?

I works with clients with various health conditions and health goals and use nutritional principles to assist them on their individual health journey. I have been practicing in Bathurst for just over a year.

What do you like most about your job?

I am really passionate about nutrition and love being able to share this with my clients. I also really enjoy being able to empower individuals to make their own choices regarding food, while listening to their own bodies

So, why should people see a clinical nutritionist?

Individuals may choose to see a clinical nutritionist for a number of reasons. Some clients come to me for guidance on what foods to eat, recipe ideas and food allergy/intolerance substitutes, while other see me for specific health conditions from IBS to hypertension to weight loss. And many other conditions in between. At the end of the day, the foods we consume can have an extensive impact on many facets of our health.

What is one tip you could give people for improving their health?

I really believe that reducing processed foods and preparing foods in advance help with overall health (Sorry that’s two tips!)

Why is good gut health so important?

Gut health is a highly researched topic in natural medicine and the findings are continually linking gut health to a range of health conditions from mental health to reproductive health, immunology, dermatology and many more. In fact, a large portion of the body’s immune system is location within the GI tract and hence, there is no surprise that by optimising digestive health, simultaneously we are facilitating our body’s ability to fight off disease.

What’s a simple way to get started with good gut health?

* Firstly reducing processed foods and foods high in refined sugars.

* Consuming natural probiotics such as those found in plain yoghurt and fermented foods

* Consuming prebiotic containing foods such as garlic, onion, carrots, tomato, chia seeds, flax seeds etc.

What are some tips for the best diet for little ones to keep them healthy throughout winter

Vitamin C: A lot of people have heard about the importance of Vitamin C when it comes to the immune system. Vitamin C can help to reduce the severity and duration of colds, and help to reduce the severity of upper respiratory tract infections. Foods to include: Oranges, broccoli, strawberries, red capsicum.

Zinc: Zinc is an essential mineral that has immune boosting properties and something to consider to help get through the winter months. Foods to include: meat, fish, poultry, legumes and dairy

Gut health: As mentioned above, gut health has been linked with the immune system

Is a nutritionist the best person to see if you are diagnosed with pre-diabetes or diabetes?

Clinical Nutritionists can assist individuals with diabetes by educating them on stabilising blood sugar levels through nutritional intake. This would be done alongside the individuals GP and the medications that may be prescribed.

Do you recommend taking multivitamins?

Yes and No… I always say that supplements such as multivitamins should supplement a healthy lifestyle and nutritious intake of foods and not be used to replace nutritious foods. There are also situations where individuals may need additional nutritional support through supplementation such as high stress environments, athletes, health conditions.

Please note: As everyone is different, nutritional needs will vary from person to person. What works for one person may not work for the next. You should speak to Rachel directly for a one-on-one program designed for your personal circumstances.

You can contact Rachel at Total Nutrition:

VISIT: 125 William Street, Bathurst

PHONE: 02 6331 3535

FACEBOOK: @tnrmbathurst

WEBSITE: www.totalnutritionbyrachelmurray.com.au