Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about what naturopathy or clinical nutrition can do for you? You’re in the right place. I’m Lynda, a Registered Clinical Nutritionist, Naturopath, and Medical Herbalist based in Cambridge, New Zealand. My work focuses on helping you restore balance, energy, and calm through holistic nutrition, herbal medicine, and lifestyle support. Whether you’re navigating hormone changes, digestive issues, burnout, or nervous-system dysregulation, this page will help you understand how naturopathic care can support your health naturally. Below are some of the most common questions clients ask about how natural health approaches can support your energy, hormones, digestion, and nervous system.

Nutrition and Naturopathy

What does a Naturopath do?

A naturopath looks at your whole picture, not just your symptoms. Rather than treating illness in isolation, I take the time to understand the root causes behind what’s happening in your body. Using natural, evidence-based tools like nutrition, herbal medicine, and lifestyle strategies, we work together to bring your body back into balance.

Naturopathy can support many areas of health, including:

– Hormone and adrenal balance
– Gut and digestive function
– Energy and stress recovery
– Autoimmune and inflammatory conditions
– Nervous-system regulation and emotional wellbeing

Every treatment plan is personalised to your needs, values, and goals, because no two bodies or journeys are the same.

How do nutrition and naturopathy work together?

Nutrition and naturopathy go hand in hand. While nutrition focuses on using food to nourish and rebalance the body, naturopathy takes a broader look at what’s driving your symptoms, from stress and hormones to digestion and sleep. By combining both, I address the root causes rather than just the surface issues. You’ll learn how to use food as medicine, support your body’s natural healing systems, and create long-term, sustainable changes that truly work for you.

What’s the difference between a naturopath and a nutritionist?

A nutritionist focuses mainly on food and nutrients, while a naturopath looks at the whole picture (including stress, lifestyle, environment, and emotional health) to create a complete plan for wellbeing. So with me you get the best of both worlds.

What is a medical herbalist, and how can herbs help me?

A medical herbalist uses plant-based medicine to restore balance and support the body’s natural processes. Herbs can calm the nervous system, support hormones, improve digestion, and help you adapt to stress.

Is naturopathy evidence-based?

Yes, modern naturopathy blends traditional knowledge with current research in nutrition, herbal medicine, and physiology to provide safe, effective, and evidence-informed care.

How long does it take to see results?

Everyone’s healing journey is different. It depends on your health goals, how long you’ve had your symptoms, and how consistent you can be with your plan. Some people start feeling better within a few weeks, while others notice gradual changes over a few months. My goal is always long-term healing, not quick fixes, so we focus on progress that’s sustainable and continues to build over time.

Can I work with a Naturopath alongside my Doctor or Specialist?

Yes, absolutely. Naturopathy complements conventional medicine beautifully. You don’t have to choose one or the other, it’s about creating an integrated approach that supports your whole health. I regularly work with clients who are under medical care, helping them use nutrition, herbs, and lifestyle changes to support their treatment and improve overall wellbeing.

Do you offer online or virtual consultations?

Yes. I offer online consultations so you can access care in a way that fits around your life, no matter where you are in New Zealand.

Consultations

What do I need to do before the initial consultation?

Once you have booked an appointment you will be sent a client registration form to complete. This asks for information about your current health concern and for your health history. There is a five day food and eliminations diary to complete. This information helps to provide the best nutritional advice for your optimal health and is very valuable in giving an insight into your bodies digestive and detoxification pathways. These forms need to be completed one week prior to your consultation.

What is involved in the initial consultation?

This is an in depth consultation where I get to know you, your current health concerns, health history and your health goals. This is the foundation of your personalised health plan, and it helps me understand how I can best support you in achieving optimal wellbeing. In addition to this I look at your lifestyle, and have a comprehensive assessment of your body systems to complete a holistic assessment of your health. The main goal of the first consultation is to gather all the information I need to create a comprehensive, individualised health plan that works for you.

What is in a personalised health plan?

The health plan will provide you with a clearer understanding of your health, your options for treatment, and a roadmap for your wellness journey. I am here to guide, support, and empower you as we work together to bring your body into balance and help you achieve lasting health. There may be nutritional, lifestyle, supplements and herbal medicine recommendations.

If you have more questions or want to learn how naturopathy and nutrition can support your health, feel free to get in touch or schedule a consultation. I’m here to help you take control of your health and wellbeing!

How do I receive my personalised health plan?

We will meet via zoom to present and discuss your personalised health plan. During this time you will have the opportunity to ask any questions and we will work together to ensure that the recommendations made are achievable for you. The personalised health plan will be emailed to you after this meeting.

I don’t feel comfortable sharing some personal health information

It is always helpful to have as much information as possible about your health condition, history and current lifestyle. However, if you do not feel comfortable disclosing information then we will work with the information you do provide to best support you with your health and wellbeing.

Booking Appointments

I haven’t received an email confirming my appointment

Please check your junk or spam folder in your email incase the appointment confirmation has gone there. If not, then please contact me on 020 458 5828.

I need to reschedule my appointment

Please use the client portal to reschedule your appointment if it is more than one week prior to your appointment. If it is less than one week until your appointment then please contact me on 020 458 5828 or hello@plantnutritionandnaturopathy.co.nz

I need to cancel my appointment

Please use the client portal to cancel your appointment. If the cancellation is made less than 48 hours before your appointment then a cancellation fee applies. Please see our cancellation policy for more information.

Practitioner-Only Supplements

What are practitioner-only supplements?

Practitioner-only supplements are high-quality, professional-grade products available only through qualified health practitioners. They’re formulated with precise doses, clean ingredients, and proven bioavailability to ensure results you can trust.

Why are practitioner-only supplements better?

Unlike many store-bought options, practitioner-only supplements are backed by clinical research, tested for purity, and free from unnecessary fillers or additives. This ensures the nutrients are well absorbed and targeted to your individual needs.

Can I buy practitioner-only supplements without a consultation?

These supplements are prescribed specifically for your body and health goals, so they require a consultation. This ensures you’re taking what’s safe, effective, and truly necessary for you.

Will I always need to take supplements?

Not necessarily. Supplements are often short-term tools to correct imbalances while you restore health through nutrition and lifestyle. Over time, food becomes your main form of nourishment again.

Functional Testing

What is functional testing?

Functional testing looks deeper than standard blood work to assess how your body is functioning, not just if something is “normal.” It can help uncover the root causes of fatigue, hormone imbalances, gut issues, and more.

What types of functional tests do you offer?

I offer hormone, thyroid, adrenal, DNA, nutrient, and gut microbiome tests depending on your symptoms and goals.

Why would I need functional testing?

If you’ve been told your blood tests are “normal” but still don’t feel right, functional testing can reveal patterns like nutrient deficiencies, stress hormone dysregulation, or hidden inflammation that standard testing often misses.

How are functional tests done?

Most tests are simple and done at home with saliva, hair, urine, or stool samples. Results are interpreted during a follow-up consultation where I explain what they mean and how to address any imbalances.

Is functional testing worth it?

For many clients, yes. It provides insight into the why behind your symptoms so we can take a targeted, personalised approach to healing instead of guessing.

Women’s Health and Hormones

Can naturopathy help with perimenopause or menopause symptoms?

Yes, natural support can help ease hot flushes, mood swings, sleep issues, and fatigue by balancing hormones, supporting adrenal health, and improving resilience to stress.

What can I do naturally for PMS, painful periods, or irregular cycles?

Addressing inflammation, blood sugar balance, and nutrient support can make a huge difference. Herbs and nutrients often help restore balance.

How do I know if my hormones are out of balance?

Symptoms like fatigue, mood swings, low libido, irregular cycles, or poor sleep can be clues. Testing can help confirm what’s going on and guide treatment.

Can herbal medicine really help with mood swings and anxiety?

Yes, many herbs can help regulate stress hormones and calm the nervous system.

How do nutrition and lifestyle affect hormone health?

Your hormones are influenced by blood sugar, stress, gut health, and even sleep. A nutrient-dense diet, balanced meals, and restorative habits can help your hormones function optimally.

Is it safe to take herbs with hormone therapy or medication?

Yes, when prescribed by a qualified practitioner. I always check for interactions and adjust your herbal plan to safely complement any prescribed treatments.

Stress, Nervous System and Trauma Support

Can naturopathy help with stress or hormones?

Absolutely. Chronic stress and hormone imbalances are some of the most common reasons women seek naturopathic support, and with good reason. Stress affects everything from your nervous system and digestion to your menstrual cycle and energy levels. Through targeted nutrition, herbal medicine, and nervous system regulation, naturopathy helps your body find balance again. You’ll learn how to calm stress responses, support adrenal function, and bring your hormones back into rhythm naturally.

What about anxiety and burnout?

Yes, this is one of the most common areas I support. Many symptoms like fatigue, sleep issues, digestive problems, and hormone changes are linked to stress and nervous system dysregulation. My approach combines nutrition, herbal medicine, and nervous system support to help you feel calmer, more energised, and grounded again.

What does “nervous system regulation” mean?

It means helping your body shift out of chronic stress responses. When your nervous system feels safe, healing, digestion, and hormone balance all improve.

How do herbs or nutrition help with trauma recovery?

Trauma impacts the brain, gut, and hormones. Calming herbs, nutrient support, and gentle lifestyle changes can help repair the stress response and restore balance over time.

I’ve been through long-term stress or abuse, where do I start?

Start small. Healing begins by creating safety in your body again, with nourishment, rest, herbal support, and compassionate care at your own pace.

Can I heal my body even if I’ve felt dysregulated for years?

Yes. The nervous system is capable of repair at any age. With consistent, gentle support, you can rebuild resilience and feel grounded again.

Gut Health and Digestion

Can naturopathy help with bloating, IBS, or reflux?

Yes. We’ll look at food triggers, gut bacteria balance, and stress patterns that affect digestion. Healing your gut often improves energy, mood, and immunity too.

How do I know if my gut health is affecting my mood or hormones?

If you feel anxious, tired, or moody after meals, it could be your gut–brain connection at play. Poor gut health can disrupt hormones and neurotransmitters like serotonin.

What is the connection between gut health and the nervous system?

Your gut and brain constantly communicate. Stress can slow digestion, while gut inflammation can increase anxiety, supporting both creates lasting change.

Do you recommend probiotics or gut-healing supplements?

Yes, when appropriate. I select specific strains or herbs to reduce inflammation and restore balance.

What foods are best for a healthy digestive system?

Whole, unprocessed foods, fibre-rich plants, and fermented foods like sauerkraut or kefir can help nurture beneficial bacteria and support digestion.

Lifestyle, Habits and Healing

What simple lifestyle changes make the biggest difference?

Prioritising sleep, eating regular meals, and daily sunlight can make a huge impact on energy, hormones, and mood. Small steps add up.

How long does it take to feel better naturally?

Every person is different, but most notice improvements within a few weeks. Deeper healing usually takes a few months of consistent care.

Do you use lab testing to track progress?

Yes, blood work or functional tests can show nutrient levels, hormone patterns, and gut health changes to guide your plan over time.

How can I support my healing between appointments?

Keep it simple. Eat balanced meals, rest, hydrate, move gently, and practice self-compassion. Healing thrives on consistency, not perfection.

What if I’ve tried everything and nothing has worked?

That’s often when people find the most relief with naturopathic care. We go beyond symptoms to uncover the why, combining evidence-based care with deep listening and support.

Whole Food Plant-Based Nutrition

What does “whole food plant-based” actually mean?

A whole food plant-based (WFPB) way of eating focuses on foods as close to their natural form as possible (vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, and herbs). It’s about adding more plants, not perfection or restriction.

Do I have to be vegan or vegetarian to eat this way?

Not at all. You don’t have to give up all animal products to benefit. Many people eat mostly plant-based while still including some fish, eggs, or ethically sourced animal foods that suit their body and values.

Why is a plant-based diet good for you?

Whole plant foods are rich in fibre, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support gut health, hormone balance, energy, and inflammation levels. They also help regulate blood sugar and nourish the nervous system.

Can a plant-based diet give me enough protein?

Yes, when it’s well balanced. Foods like lentils, quinoa, beans, tofu, tempeh, nuts, and seeds provide excellent protein and essential amino acids, especially when combined across the day.

Will a plant-based diet help balance hormones?

Definitely. Fibre and phytonutrients in plant foods help the body process and clear hormones efficiently, reducing symptoms like PMS, bloating, and mood swings. Supporting gut and liver health is key here too.

Can eating more plants improve digestion?

Yes, fibre feeds your gut bacteria, helping reduce bloating, constipation, and inflammation over time. If your digestion feels sensitive, I’ll guide you through gradual changes to help your gut adjust comfortably.

Can a plant-based diet help with weight loss or energy?

Many people find they have more energy, steadier moods, and better weight balance on a whole food plant-based diet. The focus on nutrient-dense foods supports your metabolism naturally without restriction.

Do you help clients transition to a plant-based lifestyle?

Yes, I create personalised nutrition plans that meet your nutrient needs, taste preferences, and lifestyle. My approach is gentle, sustainable, and focused on nourishment, not deprivation.

Common Myths About Plant-Based Eating

You can’t get enough protein without meat

You absolutely can. Plants like lentils, tofu, quinoa, beans, and nuts are packed with protein. When you eat a variety of plant foods, your body easily gets all the essential amino acids it needs, no complicated food combining required.

Plant-based diets don’t provide enough iron or vitamin B12

Plant-based eaters can get plenty of iron from foods like lentils, spinach, pumpkin seeds, and black beans especially when paired with vitamin C. Vitamin B12 is one nutrient that does need attention, but it’s easily supported with a high-quality supplement or fortified foods. A large number of people who consume animal products are still vitamin B12 deficient, so this is not exclusive to a plant-based diet.

Carbs make you gain weight

It’s not the carbs, it’s the kind of carbs. Whole food carbs like oats, sweet potatoes, and brown rice provide long-lasting energy and fibre that stabilise blood sugar and support hormone balance. Processed carbs like white bread, cakes, biscuits and bakery items can contribute to weight gain.

It’s too hard or time-consuming to eat plant-based

It doesn’t have to be! A few easy swaps (like fruit and nuts instead of a muesli bar, adding beans to meals, or prepping roasted veggies) make a big difference. Small, consistent changes are more powerful than perfection.

Plant-based diets are only for vegans or vegetarians

Nope. Plant-based simply means plants form the foundation of your meals. It’s flexible, sustainable, and can work for anyone wanting more energy, better digestion, and improved overall health.

You’ll miss out on flavour or satisfaction

Quite the opposite! When you start using herbs, spices, nuts, seeds, and fresh produce, your meals become more vibrant and satisfying. Eating this way reconnects you with real, nourishing food that supports both body and mind.

Still have questions? I’d love to help. Send me a message to find out how naturopathy and nutrition can support your wellbeing.