Becoming a clinical nutritionist …my journey

Hello, my name is Charmaine

My journey to becoming a degree qualified Clinical Nutritionist started around 10 years ago. In my early 40’s I began to notice changes in my health and wellbeing. I was constantly tired, bloated and lacked motivation. I continued to “push through” these symptoms until my late 40’s when my health started to worsen, and my poor immune system was working overtime.

At this critical time, I started working with a Clinical Nutritionist who introduced me to the world of nutrition and its role in optimising health and wellbeing. Not only did we discuss dietary factors, but we explored how lifestyle factors such as sleep, work, family commitments, stress and environment may be affecting my health. I felt empowered to make dietary and lifestyle changes to support my health and wellbeing in the short-term but also create new foundations for the long-term.

During this time, I became fascinated by how food effects the gut and in turn, the role the gut has in immune health, mood and sleep. The more I started to learn, the more I wanted to know. This led to me returning to full-time study in 2021 when I enrolled in a three-year Bachelor of Health Science (Clinical Nutrition) at Endeavour College of Natural Health.

I am extremely proud to have completed my studies and grateful to be able to create a clinical nutrition service that is person-centred, science-led, evidence-informed and non-judgemental.

I want to create a safe and nurturing space that is designed to inspire, empower and encourage you to find your balance from a holistic nutritional perspective in a way that is authentic to you.

I look forward to connecting with you soon.

Cheers Charmaine

This photo is of me when my skin was at its worst. It was this experience that started my journey to becoming a clinical nutritionist.

Areas of Interest

Luna & Sol Clinical Nutrition has a special interest in the following areas:

  1. Heathy Aging, especially 40 to 65yrs (midlife phase)

  2. Prolong and chronic stress and the impacts on gut health

  3. Immune dysfunction

These areas of interest stem from my own personal and lived experiences. I understand now that the constant demands I was placing on myself to try and do everything was negatively impacting on my health and wellbeing.

I value the importance of a person staying as healthy as they can, for as long as they are able to do so. Along with factors such as regular physical movement, stress management, quality sleep and social connection, a well-balanced and diverse diet is a powerful tool in optimising your health and wellbeing as we age.

Educating clients about nutrition and disease empowers them to identify the skills, knowledge and resources they need to support healthy aging.

I would love to support you on your journey, empower you to learn more and encourage your motivation for sustainable, behavioural change.

- Luna & Sol Clinical Nutrition working with you to achieve your health goals

- Luna & Sol Clinical Nutrition working with you to achieve your health goals

How can a clinical nutritionist support you?

A clinical nutritionist can provide assistance on matters relating to how your health can be impacted by what you eat. They use evidenced-informed dietary and lifestyle strategies to support many health conditions including:

  • Gut-related health issues and digestive complaints

  • Skin conditions - Eczema, Psoriasis, Acne

  • Food intolerances

  • Fatigue

  • Stress management

  • Sleep quality

  • Weight management

  • Chronic health conditions

  • Autoimmune disorders

  • Thyroid imbalances

  • Hormone imbalances

  • Anxiety and depression

Clients can be referred for functional pathology and testing to gain a deeper understanding of a client’s symptoms. Examples include: Comprehensive Stool Analysis, SIBO Breath Test, Heavy Metal Analysis and Comprehensive Mould/Biotoxins.

A qualified clinical nutritionist is able to also prescribe practitioner-only supplements as part of a tailored plan once a detailed health assessment has been completed.

Disclaimer: It is recommended that you refer to your health care professional before commencing any changes to your diet/lifestyle and/or use of nutritional supplements. A clinical nutritionist cannot diagnose a medical condition.

Qualifications 

Bachelor of Health Science (Clinical Nutrition) - Endeavour College of Natural Health

Associations  

Australian Natural Therapist Association (ANTA)

Membership Number: 29725