Hi, and welcome to my website!
I am Kirsten, a Consultant Gastroenterology and PCOS Registered Dietitian and founder of The Food Treatment Clinic.
I originally became interested in nutrition as a teenager – being a typical teenage girl, at the time, I was keen to get my then acne under control. Little did I know, that the underlying cause was Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Needless to say, after following the questionable advice online and spending £100’s on skin products, nothing changed. After the doctor dismissing me for several years, I FINALLY got my diagnosis BUT there was no further support. This spurred me on to find out more information and I soon became fascinated with the body and nutrition relationship. This then led me on to become a dietitian where I was able to use my own experience, coupled with professional expertise to help other women like me.
Throughout my University years I has been constantly tired and often bloated. Again, I went to the Doctor and AGAIN I was dismissed within minutes. I found the experience rather embarrassing, as though I was being a hypochondriac. This experience stuck with me so much so that even when I started having quite awful symptoms of nausea, loose stools, and stomach pain regularly in later years I just put it down to stress. Luckily, as I become more confident in my own dietetic practise, I eventually picked up the courage to go and push for the correct testing and was diagnosed with Coeliac Disease. 10 days after diagnosis – not a single symptom.
Having had these experiences and talking to others who are going through similar issues made me realise that there was a huge need to provide individuals with a more supportive and specialised service. These symptoms are really quite personal and it takes a lot of courage to share them with others. In order to get help, individuals need to be able to trust that they will get the support and outcomes that they need – not be judged or made to feel an inconvenience.
In 2015 I founded The Food Treatment Clinic – a practise where my number 1 priority is that clients, not only get the result that they need, but feel 110% supported throughout. I feel it is important to provide clients with the tools to understand and control their own conditions with confidence.
In my spare time I love to cook (I know – typical dietitian). You can see some of my recipes which are all either low GI or low FODMAP dishes on the blog page as I feel it is important to share these to help others.
If you would like to discuss how working with me, I am now proud to say that my tried and tested ‘IBS Relief Process’ has been brought to you in the format of an online course. To sign up to the waiting list, please contact me.
Qualifications / Training
The Management of Pancreatic Enzyme Insufficiency – Mylan – 2018
Diets for diagnosis and management across the spectrum of IgE & Non-IgE mediated food allergies – BDA Freelance Group – 2018
Probiotics In Practise – Study Day – Yakult & BDA – 2017
MSc Advanced Dietetics – The University of Nottingham – current.
Low FODMAP Trained – Kings College University London – 2016.
Advanced Media Trained – The British Dietetic Association – 2015.
Chronic Kidney Disease Stages 1-3 -The British Dietetic Association – 2015.
Liver Disease Trained – The British Dietetic Association – 2014.
Total Parenteral Nutrition Trained – The British Dietetic Association – 2014.
Clinical Supervision Course – The University of Chester – 2013.
BSc Hons Dietetics – The University of Hertfordshire – 2012.
Registrations
Full Member of The British Dietetic Association – 2012 – present.
Full Member of The Freelance Dietitian Group – 2015 – present.
HCPC Registered Dietitian (DT26581) – 2012 – present.
Experience
Specialist Board Advisor for the IBS Network – January 2017 – Present.
Media Spokesperson for The British Dietetic Experience – 2015 – Present.
Managing Director of The Food Treatment Clinic – 2015 – Present.
Specialist Dietitian – NHS – working in surgical gastroenterology, gastroenterology, pancreatic cancer, enteral tube feeding, total parenteral nutrition, refractory coeliac disease, coeliac disease, IBS, IBD, gastro-esophageal reflux disorder, general oncology, stroke, diverticular disease, pancreatitis, liver disease, mental health, alcohol-detox and eating disorders – 2012 – 2017.
As Seen In
Kirsten has worked with a number of publications to provide expert comments for the public.
Cosmopolitan UK: This Instagram blogger has highlighted how severe and life-affecting bloating can be
The Independent: Am I Coeliac? The symptoms to look out for if your body can’t handle gluten and why you should never ignore them.