Nutrition-wise Testimonials
Central television weight loss program
I was asked by Central television to be the Nutritional Therapist involved in the ‘Shape up for Summer’ program. Two of the participants each wrote me a testimonial.
Testimonial no. 1
Weight loss and food intolerance
Lynda Boyt – ‘Shape up for summer participant’
When I wrote in to take part in Central TV’s ‘Get fit for Summer’ campaign, no one was more surprised than me to be selected. I asked to take part as six months previous I had given birth to my third child and had not been able to loose the last 7lbs from the 3 stone I had put on during the pregnancy.
When I met Barbara (who was the nutritionist for this Central T.V. program), I wasn’t really sure how her eating plan would help me. For the major part, it followed my existing eat plan – no caffeine, no sweets and no dairy products. However, it did involve one aspect that I found very difficult to follow, drinking 4 pints of water a day. I would be the first person to say that I was sceptical but as I had volunteered to take part, I felt that I at least owed it to everyone to try. Was I surprised by the results!
In about 8 weeks, I had lost 10lbs – more than I originally wanted to. I was actually eating more than I used to and I was finding this new eating plan quite easy to follow. I could only manage about 3 pints of water a day but that was far more than I had been drinking before so I thought it was quite an achievement.
The biggest change however, was not the amount of weight that I lost, but the way I felt. I felt happier than I had in a long time. I suddenly had this confidence that seemed to shine through that was noticed by everyone. I also didn’t seem to be tired anymore, which with three small children is always a blessing.
When I was asked to write this testimonial for Barbara, I had no hesitation in doing so. The plan definitely worked for me and I have recommended it to other people who have followed it with the same success. Barbara was always there when I needed her and if I found any aspect difficult, she did not see it as a failure but suggested alternatives. I can honestly say that this plan was life changing for me and I know it will be for anyone else who chooses to follow it.
Testimonial no. 2
Weight loss and food intolerances
Alison Wilson – ‘Shape up for summer participant’
I started this diet as part of Central TV’s shape up for summer program, in which there were several participants and Barbara was the Nutritional Therapist who was there to help us achieve our goals.
I had to lose a stone to be able to fit into my wedding dress. At first I was daunted about the diet. It was going to mean quite a few changes to what I ate and how I cooked. However, Barbara took us in gradually getting us to begin by avoiding certain avoids and by adding some easy alternatives. Once I had got used to the diet, I found that it was not as hard as I thought it would be. I did have a few chocolate moments, but that was ok because on the whole I stuck to the diet and Barbara was there to motivate me to get back on course.
Thanks to this diet not only did I lose the weight and fit into my wedding dress but I discovered that my energy levels dramatically increased. Also, my health problems and symptoms disappeared. We also found out that I had an intolerance to gluten and once removed from my diet I felt so much better. Without Barbara’s help I would have continued to eat foods, which would have made my health problems and symptoms worse leading to goodness knows what.
Thanks to the diet and Barbara’s support, I not only fitted into my wedding dress but I had a wonderful wedding day with more energy and less stress that I ever imagined.
The following testimonials are from clients who contacted me seeking Nutritional therapy to help them overcome their health problems. Most of them work for companies. You are likely to have employees working for you with similar health problems and you may not realise it. You probably have higher absences of sickness than you would like. If your staff’s health improves they could become more: motivated, positive, efficient workers and sickness leave could be reduced, in turn benefiting the whole company.
Accident at work
Testimonial no. 3
Damaged liver, chronic fatigue, unable to retain fluids and foods in body and other health problems
Gary had had an accident at work which split his liver. After the accident Gary manifested Chronic fatigue and other health problems. I explained to Gary that had his health been in good health before the accident he may not have had the accident and the damage caused to his liver may not have been so severe. People sometimes have accidents because of tiredness, lack of concentration, a foggy brain (toxic liver and body) all of which can be helped through a healthy diet containing the right nutrients.
Gary Taylor, age 40
When I first came to see Barbara I was in agony. I was depressed because most of my body was inflamed with pain in particular my bowels and liver. My digestive tract was in a bad way and I was always worrying at work whether or not I would find a loo, it was very painful. I had seen several Dr’s including specialists. I was given drugs, but I was still in tremendous pain. I even saw an acupuncturist and that did not help either.
My main health problems started after an accident at work in which I split my liver and was very ill in hospital. When I came out of hospital my energy was so poor that I could not lift a cup. Barbara informed me that I was showing up a chronic fatigue picture. My energy steadily picked up so that I was able to go back to work, however my energy levels were still poor and my concentration was terrible. I could not sleep at night and I have suffered from migraines since I was eighteen. I am suffering with some trapped nerves also, which Barbara informs me that it is related to my state of health.
I have been on Barbara’s treatment for several months now I have noticed great improvements. Although, I have not had time to do 100% of her program I still have seen big improvements. I have lost weight and people have commented to me that I look better for it. My sleep and concentration has improved, although my concentration is still not perfect yet I am hopeful that it will improve further. My energy has also improved and my digestive tract is 80% better, I no longer fear going out and I am digesting my food properly now whereas before the food was passing straight through me. My migraines have stopped.
I would recommend anyone to try out Barbara’s treatment as I feel that in view of the state of my health when I went to see her, if she can help me, she could help virtually anyone.
Testimonial no. 4
Depression, migraines, menopausal symptoms and M.E. symptoms
All of which were affecting Lizza’s work performance
Lizza, age 50’s
Two and a half years ago I was suffering from depression and had been having regular migraines for 8 months. My doctor suggested I might be experiencing menopausal symptoms and, as I was not particularly keen to take hormone replacement therapy, he encouraged me to seek an alternative, starting with reading books in his surgery to get ideas. Many books later I decided that if I wasn’t giving my body the type of nutrition it needed then nothing else had a chance of succeeding.
It was at this point that I contacted Barbara Nash who, after listening to my medical and nutritional history, carefully guided me through the intricacies of the Hydration diet. As the months passed I noticed that not only was I much more energetic and enthusiastic about life, but I had not had one migraine. I am much calmer now, more alert and able to concentrate much better at work, and people have commented on this, even my boss noticed the difference. The hot flushes have disappeared along with aching joints, ringing in my ears so I can hear better, and I haven’t had any panic attacks. I lost weight too, which I needed to do. I feel like a different person. I don’t think I have been really healthy and felt so well for over fifteen years when I suffered several years of chronic fatigue.
Testimonial no. 5
Very low energy and bloating
Wishes to remain anonymous, age early 30’s
After feeling continually lethargic and tired, with low energy levels, combined with a constant bloating feeling, I finally resolved to seek the help of a nutritional therapist.
My initial appointment with Barbara Nash allowed us both to build up a clear picture of my medical history, I discovered from my consultation with Barbara that I had M.E. symptoms.
Barbara was able to offer immediate advice and practical solutions to the problems that I had been experiencing.
Subsequent appointments allowed us to explore at depth alternative methods of treatment that were suitable for me and fitted in with my lifestyle. Barbara also assisted in providing a selection of recipes, which provided a good base for me to work from, I eagerly await the production of her book.
Results became apparent very quickly (within 2 weeks) and providing I keep within the guidelines I have been given, I feel I am still improving. I know that I just have to keep going.
Testimonial no. 6
High blood pressure and overweight
Managing Director, age 40
I came to see Barbara because I wanted to lose weight and regain some level of well being. I was not feeling and performing at my optimum levels in my personal life and in the workplace.
My energy levels needed improving and I felt that a healthy eating program would help me to feel better and lose some weight. I am also under a lot of stress and I am concerned because my blood pressure is very high. Up to when I saw Barbara, I was on a concoction of drugs to control my blood pressure.
Through Barbara’s Nutritional Therapy program, which included drinking more water, a healthy diet and a natural supplement program, I have managed to lose weight and improve my energy levels. My blood pressure appears to be normal (checked by a Dr.) and I am now feeling a lot better all round. I would highly recommend Nutritional Therapy to anne uld like to feel 100%.
I feel that companies would benefit by employing someone like Barbara to help management and employees improve their diets because Barbara’s program helps to alleviate stress, alleviate health problems, improve concentration and increase energy levels. As a managing director, I feel that this would reduce sick leave and improve company performance as a whole. I know that my performance improved as a result of Nutritional Therapy.
Testimonial no. 7
Psoriasis and a nervous tic
Kathleen Smith, age 73
I have been seeing Barbara for treatment of my psoriasis for about a year. I have suffered from this condition for many years and very badly for the last few years and I have found it very uncomfortable to live with. The psoriasis covered my body face neck ears and arms. The irritation has been very hard to bear.
Barbara’s treatment has not only helped to virtually heal my psoriasis, but every level of my health has improved. I can now go out and about with more confidence and I am more motivated. My back pain has eased and I also suffer from a nervous tic, this has also improved.
Before I saw Barbara I was on skin creams which has no effect at all, I was then put on steroids for a long time, which made me feel unwell and the psoriasis returned worse than ever when I came off of them. Nothing seemed to help until I went onto Barbara’s diet.
I sleep better than I used to and wake more refreshed in the morning. I am very grateful to Barbara for all of her help and kindness.
Testimonial no. 8
Eczema, potential asthma and recurrent eye infections
My son Harry, age 2
Barbara Nash has been my Nutritional Therapist for some time now, I initially contacted Barbara when my son Harry (now two years old) consistently suffered with eczema and potential asthma. After following traditional methods without success with the NHS to resolve his skin problems I was looking for alternative methods.
Barbara was recommended to me via a friend, and I am convinced that the advice given by her regarding Harry’s supplements and diet have resulted in a definite improvement with his health.
Harry no longer suffers with constant patches of eczema which were mainly on his face, the traditional long term use of doctor prescribed creams cause scarring, and this we were keen to avoid. Repeated attacks of skin infections have also reduced dramatically, Harry was having antibiotics every few weeks in his first year, this year he has suffered only two infections.
Overall Harry’s health is greatly enhanced, he has more energy, looks fantastic and healthy and no longer suffers with irritating and painful skin ailments. This I believe is due to regular use of supplements and diet control.
Yours Sincerely,
Linda Samuel
Testimonial no. 9
Fibromyalgia
Gail Wilkins – age 38
I have been seeing Barbara for some time now and I have noticed definite improvements to my health. I suffer from fibromyalgia, which is a rheumatic disorder causing achey muscular pain with no apparent physical cause.
I know that when I stick to her program my symptoms are less evident and I feel so much better. I had lost 2 stone in 4 months from the diet and people commented to me how well I looked.
However, there have been times when I have not stuck to Barbara’s program because of personal issues in my life and although Barbara is very unconditional around my healing process, I have discovered for myself that my old symptoms come back and that I must get back on track to feel as well as I can do.
Testimonial no. 10
Irritable bowel syndrome
I wish to remain anonymous
I have came to see Barbara Nash for Nutritional therapy because I was suffering from I.B.S., My symptoms were an uncomfortable bloated stomach (Barbara informs me that I had a bloated colon), wind, diarrhea and constipation. After a thorough case take Barbara informed me that I had an intolerance to gluten found in wheat, oats and barley. She also picked up on other nutritional imbalances and put me on a program, which in a very short space of time dramatically alleviated my symptoms, I also lost weight and I feel so much better.
Testimonial no. 11
I.B.S., depression, poor concentration & insomnia
Wishes to remain anonymous
I had symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome for about four years and during that time I made several visits to my G.P. who prescribed me with Amytriptiline 5 mg, which only gave me constipation. I had a barium enema in 1999 when polyps were found, but when I went for the colonoscopy they could not find them. I went for a further barium enema in 2001, which came out normal.
During the summer of 2001 when I was 50 years old I suffered also with a severe menopausal depression. I have also suffered for many years with insomnia problems and take sleeping tablets continuously for this. I came to Barbara Nash in May 2002 after reading her article in the Oxford Times about I.B.S. I had many symptoms, which by then had spread to my entire digestive system and mouth.
She recognized that I was suffering from dehydration and advised me to drink at least 4 pints of water a day and try a gluten-free and caffeine-free diet. She prescribed me with various supplements to my diet and vitamins and within about a month I was feeling considerably better. I have made a remarkable recovery and am feeling more able to make plans for the future. I have started to eat food that contains gluten such as bread again, without adverse effects, while continuing to take the vitamins. I have enjoyed trying out some of Barbara’s recipes.
Oxford, August 2002
Testimonial no. 12
Eczema, dyslexia and weight problems
Emily age 15
Barbara,
Here is my testimonial for you, I hope it's ok and not to long!!
"I felt sceptical before I first went to see Barbara, but afterwards I felt inspired to take the challenge of the diet and couldn't wait to see the results. I started off on a simple diet of mainly fruit, vegetables, grains, pulses and organic meat and bread. I saw some results, but when I went off wheat totally, which was my own decision, i started to lose weight and became much healthier. My eczema condition has improved and i am very glad that i went to Barbara as now i love to play sport at school, i hope to make the girls rugby team in September, and don't worry about my appearance so much. It was hard at the beginning to cope with the total change of diet but now I like healthy food and enjoy trying new recipes. Barbara has also helped my dyslexia, I am getting on so well at school now. Thanks Barbara!!"
Testimonial no. 13
Infertility and polycystic ovaries
Wishes to remain anonymous
I saw Barbara 3 yrs ago because I was suffering from infertility and polycystic ovaries. My husband and I wanted to have a family and I wanted to avoid expensive I.V.F. treatment so sought the advice of a complementary practitioner. It made sense to me that a healthy eating program could improve my health and give me a better chance of a family.
Barbara put me on a treatment plan, which involved drinking more water, eating healthily, cutting out sat and incorporated a natural supplement program of nutrients that are lacking in (as Barbara calls it) the typical western diet. Barbara said that I had a hormone imbalance and the high salt content in my diet was causing cysts. She said that the seed and fish oils, alongside other nutrients such as magnesium, B vitamins and certain minerals would help my endocrine system to function properly again. I followed her program and within 6 months, I had fallen pregnant, which was sooner than even Barbara had anticipated.
I was delighted with the results and went on to have a beautiful, healthy baby, the bonus was that I saved an awful lot of money and gained back good health.
Testimonial no. 14
Headaches, M.E. symptoms, low energy and food intolerance
David Wilson
My headaches and intolerance to all kinds of food were getting unbearable so I sought advice having picked up Barbara’s leaflet from Thame Therapy Clinic and booked an appointment. After discussing my problems my fears were confirmed I had a mild case of ME, so onto action Barbara set up a plan for all my dietary needs plus some techniques to do and taking some supplements as well. After sticking to the new regime I started to feel a lot better, reduced headaches more energy and a general feeling of well-being. I also lost some weight which was an unexpected bonus. I also had more confidence to tackle work and modern day living in general, I also looked a lot better, enough for other people to notice. I have had ME before in 1996 and I was on a strict diet but with none of the techniques or supplements. Barbara’s plan worked quicker in de-toxifying my body with more support, so I would definitely have no hesitation in recommending Barbara’s methods, to any one with similar complaints.
Testimonial no. 15
Depression, fatigue and frequent headaches
Melissa Mundy July 03
When I first came to see Barbara I was very depressed and tired and suffered from frequent headaches. I’d been taking anti-depressant drugs for a year, the side effects of which made me quite ill and saw me in hospital twice with extreme dehydration.
Having stopped taking these I felt very low and decided to look for alternative treatment. Barbara planned a detoxifying and rehydrating diet for me which was based on rice, lots of vegetables, salad, fruit, pulses, tofu (I am a vegan), four pints of water daily, flax seed oil, etc. all designed to cleanse the colon, liver and kidneys, increase my energy levels and improve my mood.
I also took various supplements as advised and applied several suggested techniques to aid the healing process.
Now after three months I feel a lot better, I have more energy, I sleep well and my outlook is brighter, I enjoy the diet, which was easy for me to adapt to as I was already a vegan and have reduced my wheat intake to a minimum, so I plan to stick to it as a continuing lifestyle as I know how healthy it is.
It is easy too, with the shops so full of delicious alternatives to the usual wheat and dairy based fare, to create a very varied and attractive diet. I recommend it to everyone for healing and for general good health and digestion,
Many thanks Barbara!
Testimonial no. 16
Suicidal depression, food intolerances, anger and cannabis addiction
My son Craig age 18
23rd January 2003
I have known Barbara Nash since September 1999, when I first consulted her regarding my son who has been suffering from clinical depression and who had become dependent on cannabis.
Craig had been ill for two years and had been treated by his Doctor, had a short stay in a special unit for adolescents suffering from various illnesses e.g. anorexia nervosa, depression, dependency on drugs etc. and had been taking anti-depressants for over a year with little positive results.
My whole family was being affected by this awful illness which was enveloping him to the point where he did not want to live anymore and could find no reasons to do anything, even to get out of his bed. This led him to take two overdoses in a cry for help.
My son was only 17 when he was diagnosed as having clinical depression. I could do nothing to help lift him out of the blackness, the desperation he felt. He turned to drugs and alcohol to blot it all out and so the downward spiral began.
I had read quite a lot of literature about the various theories that may cause depression and one of them was diet. When I consulted Barbara I was already convinced that if we could determine whether or not Craig had food allergies or intolerances we may be able to help him fight the depression. Nothing else had helped alleviate this terrible illness. The medication he had been prescribed only suppressed the problem, it did nothing to alleviate his mental state which was unbearable for him.
He wanted so much to feel happy again and agreed to talk to Barbara about the possibility that his diet may hold the key to his illness. Barbara questioned him in great detail about his diet, his general health, state of mind, sleeping patterns, moods, etc. I was very impressed in the time she spent ascertaining as much information she could about him, both mentally and physically. I was impressed too with her sincerity and genuine interest in Craig and desire to help him as much as she could. But what I was most grateful for was her honesty and the fact that she made a point of saying that she could not say that she could cure Craig but that she could advise him and myself on the best course of action to try to help him fight depression. The idea being to get his physical being into the optimum state in order to fight the illness i.e. to put him on to a healthy nutritional diet by cutting out all processed foods containing preservatives etc. in other words to eat only food which was prepared at home with the best ingredients, and also to help him stop taking drugs.
For our family, the diet has meant simply to eat healthily, to include more vegetables and fruit, to eat less red meat, more fish and chicken, to include more pulses, lentils, nuts; to use olive oil instead of other animal fats, to try alternative recipes cutting out animal fats, sugars, any foods containing preservatives or artificial flavourings etc. This sort of diet is hailed by many health gurus as the way to eat.
Our modern day diets, as professed in many good reputable books, are full of foods which are causing digestive problems, skin problems, mental problems to name but a few and much of what Barbara said to both Craig and I during the sessions we had with her was borne out by all that I have read over the years and heard through various channels of the media. My only fault was putting my total faith in conventional medicine first.
Many years ago I saw a statement in a Doctor’s surgery. The surgery was that of a Homeopathic Doctor for whom I worked. It stated ‘’you are what you eat’’.
Since we first saw Barbara and Craig started his diet and also a course of vitamin supplements which she recommended, many of my friends who witnessed Craig at his worst, and my family, cannot believe the change in both his appearance and his general state of mind. We have Craig back and I cannot tell you how that feels. Unless you have experienced someone you love suffer the terribly debilitating effects of clinical depression and drug dependency, I cannot make you understand how that feels. He now lives his life to the full without the need for drugs which probably contributed to the yo-yo of mood swings which he experienced.
Barbara, through her sensible advice and genuine wish to help Craig, had helped him take control of his life and fight the depression and addiction to cannabis. He attended a college course for car mechanics and now works full time for one of the main car dealers and is much more positive about the future.
There is absolutely no doubt in our minds that the advice Barbara gave us regarding the effects of diets lacking in essential nutrients and vitamins on or general health and well-being, was the major factor in getting Craig back to his normal self. In getting back to his normal self he found the dependency on drugs vanished.
I would not hesitate to recommend her to anyone I knew and cared for who needed similar help and advice
Yours faithfully
Jan Bunyan (Mrs) nee Jarvis
Testimonial no. 17
Bulimia
Jessica Thame
I first went to see Barbara several years ago with the pressing of bulimia.
My attitude towards and relationship with food was appalling, as was my inherited and personal health history.
Although my weight was normal, bulimia and related food issues had dominated my life every day for several years, and nothing was getting better. I was obsessive about calories, and also about exercise, and my diet was incredibly imbalanced and also contained no water (which I found tasteless and unappealing)
By this stage I had problems with energy, general health, depression and fertility.
When I saw Barbara for a nutritional consultation, I was impressed by how at last someone was able to explain what had been going on, and how things in the past fitted into the story of my current health situation. It all made sense.
With Barbara’s help, my attitude towards food, weight and health has completely changed.
I enjoy drinking plenty of water, and eating much more thoughtfully and creatively. In fact, for the first time in years I actually enjoy eating.
My health problems have subsided to the point where I now have a very healthy baby son, after the easiest pregnancy and labour ever, and my interest in the natural nutritional approach taught by Barbara has led me to become a student on the diploma course myself.
Testimonial no. 18
I.B.S. and fatigue
Ms Williams age 23
Life before Barbara’s help
I was getting near to the point of despair during October 2003. The doctors had me on six different medications and I still felt ill. Being only 23 I was concerned what I would be like when I was 25, let alone what I would be like in 10 –20 yrs. The constant swollen and aching stomach, feeling sick and putting on more weight; I was getting worse day be day. The discomfort and pain was becoming unbearable, I felt low, was suffering from fatigue and my self-confidence was disappearing. I have always been an active person, always swimming, playing netball, working in a challenging job. I dreaded meal times the pain after eating was horrible, it was easier to skip meals, but I had to keep up my strength and wellbeing.
I didn’t know what to do! The doctors recommended a dietician for which the NHS waiting list was three months; I couldn’t wait that long! I looked through the Yellow pages for a private nutritionist and I fortunately found Barbara. I rang her and arranged our first meeting, I was apprehensive but so glad someone could help me after the months of discomfort. I was almost willing to try anything! I just wanted to feel well again and enjoy living. I felt overwhelmed and exhausted from the meeting, after talking openly about the symptoms I had been experiencing. We discussed what was causing them and how to overcome them. She seemed to understand my problem and assured me she could help me.
Life after Barbara’s help
Barbara set up my programme pointing me in the right direction by looking at better techniques, supplements and my diet; especially trying to get me to enjoy food again! Barbara gave me hope to get through this. It would take time to cleanse my body and I needed to be very strict with my diet. I tried a lot of Barbara’s recipes, they were extremely useful as I got used to my new diet and I also liked the food!! It was hard giving up some foods, but I just needed to remind myself of the pain and discomfort, it had to be worth it!
After 5 consultations with Barbara I am so pleased where I have reached. I enjoy my food again, I love cooking and really enjoy Barbara’s cooking demonstrations. I am finally feeling better and my sparkle is coming back. I still have a little way to go but the past is behind me. I still have the odd bad day but nothing is painful. I can look forward to a happier and brighter future.
Sarah Williams March 2004
Testimonial no. 19
Alopecia
My client wishes to remain anonymous
My daughter aged 14
When my daughter was 14 years old she started to lose an excessive amount of hair and was diagnosed by the hospital’s dermatology department as having Alopecia Areata. Alopecia Areata is a condition which causes baldness - sometimes total and sometimes permanent. The hospital offered to prescribe steroid lotion for her scalp but we were not keen on this as she had been on steroid treatment for eczema, asthma and hay fever for most of her life and I feared that steroids were now part of the problem rather than the answer! Although the hospital did offer other forms of medication we did not use any of them.
I decided to look for an alternative treatment and found Barbara’s details in Yellow Pages, I spoke to her on the telephone and made an appointment for my daughter and I to meet her. At our first meeting we discussed my daughter’s health history from birth. It was Barbara’s opinion that the eczema, asthma, hay fever and alopecia were all interconnected and indicated a stressed liver and dehydration. Barbara wrote out a detailed nutritional diet and supplement plan for my daughter to follow, she also supplied us with recipes which we found very helpful.
My daughter was very keen to start the plan and we enjoyed visiting health food shops and discovering new things to eat. Unfortunately the novelty wore off very quickly and after the initial few weeks she found the diet very tedious. However she managed to stick with it for about 4 months which was enough to see a remarkable improvement.
In a very short space of time 80% of her hair had fallen out and we had had to make the painful decision to shave her head. After about 2 months on Barbara’s nutritional plan 100% of her hair had started to grow back. She now has a wonderful head of soft thick brown hair and we are very grateful to Barbara for her help and advice. The doctors at the hospital are amazed at how my daughter’s hair has re-grown and readily admit that it is not due to anything they have done.
It has been a pleasure visiting Barbara who has made a tremendous effort to encourage my daughter to stay with the nutritional plan and although my daughter no longer follows it completely she is eating a much healthier diet and can see the benefits.