Testimonials and Case Studies

Maggie - digestive problems and IBS

"For more years than I care to remember I have suffered from extreme constipation and severe bloating/flatulence. I have visited various doctors, consultants, and specialists; had numerous tests done, been told each time there is nothing wrong with me and that all the tests have proved negative. Some suggested it was stress-related or that I probably have irritable bowel syndrome. It was recommended that I eat more fibre and drink more water. This didn’t work as high-fibre food only exacerbated the problem.

One particularly bad experience with a specialist was when, after explaining my plight to him, he simply folded his arms, leaned back in his chair and laughed, saying “even the Queen f***s”. I was mortified and fled his surgery in tears.

Eventually, having exhausted all other possibilities, my doctor prescribed Metronidazole (an anti-microbial drug) as she felt it might be an intestinal bug causing the problems. It worked – briefly – but as soon as I stopped taking it, the problems returned. At a loss to know what else to do, she then suggested I see a nutritionist.

After searching the internet I found Essentia. Oh how I wish I had met Norma years ago. She is a delightful lady, extremely thorough and very professional. It was a refreshing change to talk to someone who actually listened and was able to understand my suffering. Most doctors only look at the clinical side of a patient’s problem; Norma takes a more holistic approach and looks for the causes.

After the initial consultation she asked me to cut out all irritants like tea, coffee and alcohol plus all gluten products. The effect was immediate and I felt so much better. A lab test was then conducted and, lo and behold, they found a parasite (Blastocystis hominis) and a slight intolerance to gluten. At last there was a reason for my suffering. Norma prepared a treatment plan which included taking Metronidazole again, plus various supplements to restore the gut flora. I am sticking rigidly to my diet and although I am only half way through my treatment I now feel absolutely tremendous. All the problems have ceased and I am hoping it will remain that way.

Thank you Norma"

Joanne is a 43 year old woman who had been suffering for 7 months from stomach pains, sickness on waking in morning, chronic fatigue, palpitations, and mental fog. Her GP ran several appropriate tests but these were inconclusive.

Low levels of health promoting bacteria, yeast overgrowth (Candida) and food intolerances where suspected to be the cause of her health problems, so the GIfx Stool Test and a FoodScan 113 food intolerance test were carried out.

Fortunately, the GIfx stool test not only confirmed the suspected yeast overgrowth and low levels of health promoting bacteria, it also identified a parasitic infection and low levels of digestive juices (stomach acid & pancreatic enzymes). 

The food intolerance test identified and rated several IgG reactions to several foods.

Based Joanne's history and these test results a personalised strategy was devised to restore the balance to her gut ecology:

• Avoid food intolerances

• Remove parasitic & yeast infection with an anti-microbial agent

• Replaced specific strains of beneficial bacteria identified in GIfx stool test.

• Replaced digestive enzymes.

• Specific antibiotics were also taken on recommendation from her doctor.

Joanne takes up the story:

"The recommended anti-microbial is great - really has normalised my digestion and seems to be reducing the inflammation. Together with a change of diet it seems to have really made a massive improvement.

I have avoided all my allergic foods for 3 weeks and have now started eating normally again. I don't seem to have any effects from my food intolerances now. I still however do try to keep them to a minimum and aim to vary my diet.

I'm happy to say I am doing much better and feeling healthier. 

One thing I would like to mention is that when you know you are ill and are not getting any help from your doctor, this is one way to take things into your own hands and investigate what is really happening and really worth doing.

The 'all in your head' diagnosis was ridiculous because there really was something wrong with my digestive system which they did not want to spend the time or effort looking for, and did only the  basic  tests. 

How many people are being prescribed anti depressants (like I was) when they are actually suffering from an illness or imbalance in the body! 

Thanks so much for all your help, you have been wonderful in your support and I will most definitely be recommending you to people!"

H.P. - IBS & Candida

"I spent the last fifteen years in and out of the doctor’s surgery, having numerous tests done with no results. Then about four years ago I was diagnosed with IBS. The only recommendation I had was to change my diet, not easy when your allergic to dairy, onions, garlic, animal fat, some vegetables, and to take a large daily dose of antacids to stop unbearable acid indigestion. 

Eventually I asked my GP if he could recommend a good nutritionist who could help me, but the answer was "don’t bother, its a waste of time and money". Totally disheartened and angry I looked on the Internet for a nutritionist in my area and came across Norma. I had nothing to lose, so I decided to give it a try - and this decision changed my life! 

First it is so good to have some one to talk to who is actually listening and trying to help you. We did some laboratory tests (GIfx stool test) and found out I have Candida and missing some beneficial types of gut bacteria. And this has caused all the symptoms I have had over the last 15 - 20 years! I asked my GP many years ago to check for Candida, but he dismissed this suggestion as an unnecessary nonsense. I was given a regime of supplements and change of diet and not long after I could see an improvement in my health. I'm still in the middle of this course but can now look forward of being totally healthy again.

What I also find excellent is that Norma is more like a friend, when ever I need some advice I give her a call, or she will phone me to see how I am doing. 

I can see it so often with my friends and family, getting drugs to treat the symptoms but nothing is done to find the underlying cause of the illness. And of course the drugs affect other parts of the body, causing other symptoms, creating a vicious circle that you can't get out until you try something different. My advice to anybody who had no joy with conventional treatment is don’t hesitate - it can only improve your health!"

Mike - weight loss

"Having tried and failed to lose weight over a number of months, I consulted Norma for advice. She explained the principles of sensible eating to me and provided me with a method of monitoring my food intake to achieve my targeted weight loss. 

Following her guidelines was not difficult and I lost 12 lbs over a six week period without feeling deprived. She has provided me with the tools to control my weight, is clearly an accomplished professional and I have no hesitation in recommending her services".

Marie - digestive complaints

"I suffered from bloating, stomach cramps and constipation for many years. After consulting Norma and following her advice regarding supplements and diet my symptoms have improved enormously and I hope this will continue."

Robert - weight loss and Candida

"I had no idea about Candida until I started reading your website, and the blood drained out of my face as I read the list of possible symptoms. I work at trying to be fit for my age, but I have been diagnosed with an under active thyroid and take thyroxine daily as a result. I just assumed that my various problems were associated with age and the thyroid problem. That is, until I read your website.

After consulting with you, you identified underlying nutritional problems I did not even realise were affecting my well-being and mapped out a course to rectify things. Today I find myself feeling much better than I did before we met, I have more energy, I have lost weight, and I even sleep better. Thank you, Norma!"