How do we order supplements at Nourishing Insights? 

We order supplements for our clients via 2 main wholesale companies. Most of ours come from The Natural Dispensary and a small number from Amrita. Occasionally we direct clients to independent herbalists for specialist herbal supplies or more tailored options. 

Is there a discount scheme for the supplements bought via Nourishing Insights?  

Yes there is a discount scheme on  The Natural Dispensary. All of our clients receive 10% on supplements ordered. 

Can we order ourselves via the dispensary?

Yes, once you are registered as a client you can order your own repeat supplements. Not all supplements will need repeating so always check with us how long you need to be taking something. Some clients prefer if we add the supplements for them to save searching for the right ones. Also if you go to your past order you can click repeat order at the bottom and simply add or remove any as appropriate to save time starting from scratch. 

Can I make a phone order via the dispensary? 

If you prefer to confirm your order by phone we can simply add your recommended supplements to your cart, give you an order number and then you can phone the dispensary to confirm the purchase by phone. If you have any issues with online ordering this is an easy way around it. 

Can I add items to the cart which are not supplements? 

Yes you can order a whole variety of natural health products via the dispensary using your discount.  There are a range of products which you would expect to see in a health store such as …..

• Organic skincare
• Skincare for acne
• Natural toothpaste
• Organic shampoos, conditioners etc
• Organic soaps and other toiletries
• Food items such as protein powders, protein bars (e.g. Pulsin)  collagen, clean greens and even Keto and other GF bread can be purchased via the dispensary.

If you are looking for something in particular and are not sure if you can find it just let us know and we will find something suitable for you. 


Can I use my discount for family supplements?

Yes you can. We only ask that regarding supplements if your family member is taking medications you let us know first so we can check for any drug interactions. Otherwise you can go ahead. Equally if you want to pop over an email to ask for advice for a family member we can make any recommendations as appropriate. This is probably the wisest option as often people think they need something but there is a better alternative which is more relevant or we may refer you for further support.

Testing services

How do I order tests after my appointment? 

Tests will be recommended and agreed at your appointments. These will be ordered by your clinician Beverley or Neleta. Each lab has a different process but this will be explained to you at the appointment. 

Can I do testing without an appointment? 

No. Testing must be done in conjunction with a full consultation. We need to understand  the full medical history prior to making an appropriate recommendation. Equally we can not make a clinical judgement regarding the relevance of a particular test for any individual without a full history.

Where do test results go when the results are available?

All results come to Nourishing Insights  directly to assess properly before calling you back for a follow up. In order to properly interpret the results we have to read back through your medical history to fully understand the clinical relevance of your results and next steps before we see you. Follow ups after a test will be half an hour for Thriva blood tests and any small tests. Larger tests such as stool testing or full hormone screens eg the DUTCH test etc will be an hour. 

 Can I receive the results before the appointment? 

This is not something we recommend as in practice we find people can get confused and misinterpret information so it’s always better to wait for your appointment and go through them with your clinician when you can ask any questions. This is our preferred policy. All results are monitored as they come through so that we can organise your follow up as quickly as possible. You will then have access to them via the living matrix when your clinician has added a summary of key areas to address and released them via this secure password protected tool.

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 There are many things that can contribute to feelings of anxiety other than the stresses of our lives. In fact we can present with symptoms of anxiety even when external stress appears to be low. So why might that be? 

Did you know that symptoms of magnesium deficiency can result in feelings of anxiety,
fatigue and irritability? Magnesium reduces epinephrine and nor- epinephrine synthesis and release, in fact even mild Magnesium deficiency can increase your susceptibility to various types of neurological and psychological stressors. In clinical practice this is the one we take very seriously as deficiency is so common and stress is a cause of depletion. Symptoms of deficiency are twitchy eyes, restless legs, headaches, insomnia. palpitations, arrhythmias and anxiety. We use different types of magnesium and varying doses so it is always best to check with us to identify the best option for you. We can also test red blood cell magnesium although symptoms are a significant clue.

Omega 3, particularly DHA is essential for brain health. Our brain is made up of 60% fats
and studies have shown that low levels of omega 3 fatty acids can manifest as symptoms of anxiety. Omega 3 fatty acids are neuroprotective and are effective in stabilising mood. Again deficiencies are extremely common since oily fish is the main source os this essential fatty acid. We also get some in flax seeds, chia and walnuts. 

Hormonal imbalances particularly low levels of progesterone, our natural antidepressant can cause symptoms of anxiety. Progesterone has a calming effect on the brain and stimulates the brain’s GABA receptors, the feel-good, calming neurotransmitters. If you have oestrogen dominance (symptoms being PMS, heavy periods, cramping, cystic breasts, fibroids)  progesterone may be low and contributing to anxiety. Progesterone is commonly low in PCOS and at the start of menopause. Dietary factors such as magnesium, B6, omega 3 and other healthy fats can help boost progesterone as can managing stress. 

Our thyroid is also important, the thyroid hormone T3 affects the ways that serotonin and
noradrenaline work. These are two very important neurotransmitters involved in how we feel. Often under diagnosed and poorly managed thyroid health can be behind anxiety symptoms. Testing involves a comprehensive test to include antibodies to properly assess thyroid status. This is something we offer routinely in our clinical  practice. 

Symptoms of poor blood sugar regulation have been shown to create symptoms such as
irritability, anxiety, and worry. When your blood sugar levels drop, your body produces
epinephrine (adrenaline),and cortisol, the “fight or flight” hormones that tells your liver to
make more glucose (blood sugar). This raises stress hormones that can cause symptoms of anxiety and mood swings. Blood sugar level drops don't just occur from missing meals but also from higher sugar foods from refined carbohydrates, cakes, so called healthy protein bars, fizzy drinks and processed foods.

Histamine is not just needed to modulate the immune response and inflammation, but it also acts as a neurotransmitter in the brain. Excess production of histamine or the inability to break down histamine can interfere with the neuromodulatory system contributing to anxiety symptoms. High histamine can contribute to sweating, insomnia, period pain, migraine, hives and more.

Did you know that our gut microbiome has an impact on the production of mood-promoting and calming compounds including serotonin, dopamine and GABA. The microbiome also communicates with the brain using the vagus nerve. The microbiome affects the activity of the vagus nerve. The vagus nerve is the main component of the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps to regulate many critical systems within the body including mood. We also know that Inflammation within the body can interfere with this communication and contribute to anxiety.

Gut microbiome imbalances can lead to increased inflammation leaving the gut wall
vulnerable to structural damage which can often lead to an immune response resulting in
food intolerances creating more inflammation with studies showing that low grade
inflammation/chronic inflammation and food intolerances causing symptoms of anxiety. This is something we see very commonly in practice. 

Nutrient deficiencies such as low B Vitamins can cause symptoms of anxiety. Vitamin B12 is important for red blood cell production, nerve functioning, and DNA production, all of which are related to our moods. Vitamin B6 helps the body produce a specific chemical messenger that inhibits impulses in the brain, which can have a calming effect. Low B vitamins can disrupt the nervous system as well as the circulatory system.

Anxiety sufferers may be dealing with a range of the above and this can lead to treatment resistance from standard approaches as we are shooting at the wrong target. Understanding and uncovering any physiological imbalance is critical to full recovery and management. 

To learn more about the functional medicine approach read on here. www.nourishinginsights.com/nutritional-therapy.html