Practitioner Q&A – Jacqui Mayes
Get to know Jacqui, our Fibromyalgia and auto-immunity specialist
Jacqui has always had a love of food and cooking, having originally qualified as a chef. She is now a qualified Nutritional Therapist having completed a BSc (Hons) in Nutritional Therapy at Middlesex University.
What brought you to nutrition?
I became a Nutritional Therapist after many years of having Fibromyalgia and not finding a solution to help me relieve my symptoms. I saw a Nutritional Therapist on the advice of a friend, followed their advice and started to feel better within a matter of weeks. It literally gave me my life back and I realised that it was something that I would like to help other people with. As soon as I was completely better, I did a BSc (Hons) in Nutritional Therapy and haven’t looked back!
What are your areas of interest in health and nutrition?
I work with a variety of conditions, but because of my own history, I particularly enjoy working with people who have autoimmune conditions. The difference that we can make with dietary and lifestyle changes to modulate the immune system allows people to take control of their health in a profound way.
What can clients expect from a consultation with you?
Because I work with the Functional Medicine Model and am looking for underlying causes, I will do a very full health history and very often will use functional testing to identify triggers. I usually provide an interim protocol while we wait for test results and then alter that protocol to address what we find. I like to work in partnership with my patients, supporting them and offering feedback throughout the process.
What is your favourite health and nutrition book?
I have 2 favourites. My long term favourite is ‘The Brain Maker’ by Dr David Perlmutter which explains the link that our gut bacterial microbiome has on the brain and its effect on depression, anxiety, learning difficulties and ASD’s and my second favourite is ‘Toxic’ by Neil Nathan which gives amazing insights into chronic illness and triggers like mycotoxins.
Favourite on-the-go snack?
An apple or pear and a handful of almonds.
Favourite form of movement?
I do Pilates and Yoga weekly and because I have always fancied myself as a prima ballerina in my dreams, I absolutely love Barre classes. I also have 2 dogs and really love walking them through the fields near my house.
When you feel a cold coming on you….
I reach for the Vitamin D, Vitamin C and Zinc. I also up my fluid intake and try to each much more vegetables. I also like adding in echinacea and elderberry if I have some.
One lesson you will take from the covid-19 pandemic?
Life can be short, so love wholly, laugh as much as you can, spend time with the people who make you happy, eat well and move as much as you can… and of course, make sure you have good levels of Vitamin D, eat lots of veg, support your beneficial gut bacteria and don’t eat too much sugar.
Get in touch to book a consultation with Jacqui.