Well Bean Nutrition 2024: Listen to Your Gut

DeliveryRank chats with Isobel Weller, founder of Well Bean Nutrition, a Clinical Functional Nutritionist and Recipe Developer with over a decade of experience in professional kitchens. After witnessing the growing impact of gut health issues on those around her, she pursued advanced studies at the College of Naturopathic Medicine (CNM). Now, she empowers clients to manage and improve their gut health through personalized protocols and functional testing, addressing a range of conditions like IBS and IBD with practical, evidence-based solutions.

Izzy, what motivated you to specialize in gut health, and how has your experience as a chef influenced your approach as a clinical functional nutritionist?

I've been a chef for over 10 years, and my passion for food naturally led me to develop a deep interest in nutrition. As a chef, I often witnessed friends, family, and clients struggling with various health issues, which sometimes forced them to avoid certain foods or adhere to restrictive diets recommended by online sources and media outlets. This sparked a desire in me to understand nutrition better. I wanted to find ways to help people enjoy food without unnecessary restrictions, so I pursued knowledge in nutrition to bridge the gap between delicious food and healthy living.

Can you share some common misconceptions about gut health that you've encountered in your practice, and how do you address them with your clients?

It's so common nowadays to encounter both valuable information and misinformation in the media, especially when it comes to nutrition. The idea of a "one-size-fits-all" approach simply doesn't work. For instance, some people thrive on a raw food diet, while others might find it completely disruptive to their digestive system, potentially leading to inflammation. People's individual lifestyles, stress levels, and unique physiological makeup play a significant role in how they respond to different diets.

When you come across advice online, such as avoiding certain foods, it’s important to remember that what works for one person might not be suitable for another. Additionally, issues in the gut can have far-reaching effects beyond just digestion; they can impact the musculoskeletal system, the nervous system, and even hormonal balance. It's a complex science, and understanding that nutrition needs to be personalized is key. What might seem like common sense to one person could be a misconception to another, highlighting just how individualized our nutritional needs truly are.

How do you determine the right functional tests for your clients, and how do these tests inform the personalized nutrition plans you create?

Functional testing is a cornerstone of how I approach nutrition consultations. Before we even begin, I ask my clients to provide any recent test results they have from their GP, such as blood or saliva tests. This allows me to start with a comprehensive view of their current health status. During the consultation, I conduct a thorough questionnaire, asking about various aspects of their health and lifestyle. While some questions might seem unrelated to the client, they help me build a detailed picture of their case history and identify potential underlying causes of their symptoms.

Based on this information, I may suggest additional tests to further inform my approach. This method really supports my belief that a "one-size-fits-all" approach doesn’t work. It’s crucial for me to understand someone’s lifestyle and ensure that any protocol I recommend is practical and realistic for them. No one benefits from being told to follow a plan that simply doesn’t fit into their life. Functional tests also offer a tangible way for clients to track their progress, which can be incredibly motivating and affirming for them.

What are some practical dietary changes or lifestyle adjustments that you commonly recommend to clients struggling with IBS or IBD symptoms?

Stress is incredibly influential on various health issues, from gut health to hormonal imbalances. It’s become almost a cliché to say so, but stress truly does drive processes like cortisol production and inflammation, which can significantly impact overall well-being. Understanding the sources of your stress and taking steps to address them is crucial, as is making time for activities you love, which can serve as a powerful counterbalance to stress.

Another important aspect is being mindful of environmental toxins and pollutants, particularly in our food. A great resource I often recommend to clients is the "Clean 15" and "Dirty Dozen" lists, which you can easily find online. These lists provide guidance on which fruits and vegetables have higher or lower levels of chemical residues, helping you make informed decisions about when to buy organic. For instance, strawberries, with their soft and porous skin, tend to absorb pesticides more readily, making them a better candidate for organic purchasing compared to something like broccoli, which is more protected by its outer leaves.

Additionally, developing basic cooking skills and familiarizing yourself with simple, go-to recipes can be incredibly empowering, especially if you’re following specific dietary protocols. Delivery services can also be a helpful tool, particularly for those who might feel overwhelmed by the idea of cooking within the constraints of a new diet. These practical steps can make a significant difference in both reducing stress and maintaining a healthy, balanced lifestyle.

How do you support clients who feel overwhelmed by conflicting information about gut health and nutrition, especially those who have tried multiple approaches without success?

Navigating through conflicting information, especially in the realm of nutrition, can indeed feel like hitting a brick wall. The FODMAP Diet, for example, is a well-known approach for managing certain digestive issues, yet even within that framework, there are varying opinions on how to implement it correctly. This can be confusing and frustrating, but it's also somewhat inevitable because each person's needs are unique.

For me, educating my clients is paramount. I want them to understand not just what they should be doing, but why. This knowledge empowers them to make informed decisions and stay committed to their health journey. Functional testing also plays a crucial role here; when clients can see tangible results from their efforts, it reinforces that what they’re doing is working. Despite the challenges, it’s truly incredible the value that can be gained by understanding your individual nutritional needs. It is important to approach this process ideally with an informed professional, patience and an individualized mindset, as there is no one-size-fits-all solution in nutrition.

If you would like to find out more about Well Bean Nutrition, please visit https://wellbeannutrition.co.uk/