Testimonials

Nutritional Therapy and Personalised Lifestyle Advice

Testimonials

"Mark’s expertise works. No higher praise than that!"

"difficult to imagine returning to my old diet now that I feel so much healthier in body and mind".

" My NHS doctor has asked for details of parts of the plan to recommend them to her patients!"

I went to see Mark some months after chemotherapy and surgery for oesophageal cancer because I was concerned about sustained weight loss and bowel function.

After eating what I thought of as a normal breakfast I would go straight to the bathroom, within minutes, and lose instantly whatever I had eaten for breakfast. Although the NHS medical team were excellent they seemed to have no time to listen to my particular aftercare issues, I felt that the hospital dietician wasn't interested in doing much more than giving me a leaflet.

After an initial consultation with Mark I booked a trio of appointments and a comprehensive stool test. Mark then made a number of diet, lifestyle and supplemental recommendations which quite quickly resulted in stabilising my bowels and my weight.

Now, six months later, bar the odd day when I have ignored Mark's advice, my bowel function is normal, my weight has stabilised and I consider myself fit and well. Even my oncologist thought the degree of personal support from Mark had made me a real difference in my recovery and all my family and friends say how well I now look. Of course most of the credit for this goes to the brilliant surgeons and oncologists, but after they had ‘done their bit’ Mark provided the icing on the cake.

I was very sceptical about anything outside of the NHS, but since January 2020 his results speak volumes: Mark’s expertise works. No higher praise than that!

K, 72

October 2020

" My NHS doctor has asked for details of parts of the plan to recommend them to her patients!"

"difficult to imagine returning to my old diet now that I feel so much healthier in body and mind".

" My NHS doctor has asked for details of parts of the plan to recommend them to her patients!"

Having suffered with Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) and serious GORD (Gastro-oesophageal reflux disorder/Barrett's oesophagus) for many years, I had begun to lose hope of a pain free life. I'd been on very strong anti-inflammatory painkillers for more than 10 years and to counter the side effects, had to take PPI's, such as omeprazole, on a daily basis.

Being in my 30s and considering the side effects of those drugs, the outlook for my future health wasn't great. I'd had multiple MRI's, seen specialists and tried, without success, all sorts of intense diets, physiotherapy, internet research, vitamins and exercise to reduce the pain. Finally, the doctors had offered me a medication with potentially fatal side effects as a last resort, so after talking to Mark I decided to give him a chance to help me out before I committed myself to a lifetime of medication.

After a comprehensive initial assessment, Mark suggested a combination of diet and lifestyle changes and provided a comprehensive and accessible manual which I still turn to on a regular basis. Alongside the changes to my diet and lifestyle Mark recommended a course of potent natural antifungals, antimicrobials and other anti-inflammatory supplements, to concentrate on healing my gut, rebalancing my immune system and supporting my liver after years of alcohol and PPI abuse.

Previous lab test results had shown that I had some problems in these areas which Mark explained can be a common trigger for my autoimmune disease. Everything made sense talking to Mark; the history of my health and how one thing led to another. It was like unravelling a puzzle as Mark could explain what had happened along the way to cause these changes and why they led to the development of my symptoms.

Mark has an incredibly thorough understanding of the mind and body and the care/knowledge that he put into my plan would never and could never have been replicated by any doctor, nor by scouring the internet for help.

It has now been 4 months since my initial consultation and I am continuing to reap the rewards. My ankylosing spondylitis for now is in remission and as such I no longer require any medication/drugs to manage the pain. I no longer have acid reflux, I haven't had a cold or virus (which I used to get every other week) since I started the protocol. I've had blood and stool tests from the doctor showing that my gut is in perfect condition, my liver is 100% functional and my health is as good as it can get. Even my NHS doctor has asked for details of parts of the plan as she wants to recommend them to her patients!

I went to Mark for help with my autoimmune disease but came away with a resolution for not only that, but for so many areas of my life from how to relax, enjoy good foods and live a happy, sober, pain free life. I still take the supplements religiously and have trialled not taking them and can see how effective they are. My quality of life has greatly improved, my wife has noticed the difference and is hugely grateful to Mark and to me for seeking his help.

I can't recommend Mark highly enough for any issue you may have, he is friendly, professional and communicative in a way that immediately puts you at ease. He is passionate about health and helping others and offers incredible value for a service that, in my opinion, is just not available from any other professional source or otherwise.

Thankyou Mark!!

Ed, 33

September 2020

"difficult to imagine returning to my old diet now that I feel so much healthier in body and mind".

"he has been able to identify the root cause of, and resolve, what was a very unpleasant chronic sto

"I have long suffered from digestive problems which originated from a serious bout of food poisoning when I was travelling in South America. While I spent the next decade accepting or ignoring the symptoms - unpredictable loose stool movements and unpleasant gas after meals - things took a turn last summer, when my usual diet backfired and the irregularities in my gut became more unpredictable. I lost confidence in eating food that others had prepared, and I grew frustrated about how one bad passing could derail my plans for the morning and day ahead. It was then that I contacted Mark.

I was immediately impressed by Mark's insight and passion for the subject. My previous hospital investigations (including a colonoscopy and endoscopy) revealed inconclusive causes, but during my initial consultation Mark suggested what he thought could be contributing to my problems. He advised me that my diet was high in high-histamine foods such as processed meat and cheese, and that an acquired intolerance to histamine and dairy may be contributing to my issues. It was time to cut out bad habits.

After a comprehensive stool test, Mark recommended a targeted course of probiotics to increase the gut bacteria which were severely lacking in my results, along with dietary changes and supplements to support my digestion and encourage my gut to heal. Initially, I adhered to the supplement and probiotic plan but didn’t make all of the dietary changes that Mark had recommended (old habits die hard!). I experienced some improvement in my symptoms but not a complete resolution. However, through regular contact and support, Mark persisted with his advice about me avoiding my trigger foods and I finally bit the bullet and started new meal plans.

Over the next few months, I noticed dramatic changes in my bowel movements: my loose stools improved and I no longer worried about those unpredictable reactions which left me frustrated and despondent. I learned to be disciplined, cutting out the histamine foods which I had over-eaten for so long and finding joy in using new ingredients. While Mark's aim was to attend to my intolerance to certain foods and ultimately reintroduce them to my diet, it is difficult to imagine ever returning to my old diet now that I feel so much healthier in body and mind.

It has now been 5 months since I contacted Mark and I am hugely grateful to him for his expertise and encouragement. The diet and lifestyle plan that he devised has greatly improved my health and wellbeing and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend him to anyone else who has suffered from my previous symptoms. His knowledge and patient manner make him an excellent choice.

William, 36

September 2020

"he has been able to identify the root cause of, and resolve, what was a very unpleasant chronic sto

"Prior to seeing Mark, I had been suffering with unpleasant stomach symptoms for four years, and a previous stool test had revealed that I had low stomach acid. I had worked with two other professionals without success.

I decided to work with Mark as he had experience of working with clients with low stomach acid and IBS.

As expected, Mark recommended a comprehensive stool test and following a detailed analysis of the results along with my symptoms, he was able to advise on some further simple tests.

He then designed a plan of dietary and lifestyle changes alongside a supplement protocol.

Mark's approach is holistic and science based. I have been very impressed by his attention to both the biochemical and symptomatic detail involved in resolving my condition.

I have now been symptom free for approximately six months.

I am so pleased I have worked with Mark. I believe that he has been able to identify the root cause of, and resolve, what was a very unpleasant chronic stomach condition.

Dave, 66

June 2022

" I no longer wake every night with stomach problems, which is such a relief "

"he has been able to identify the root cause of, and resolve, what was a very unpleasant chronic sto

"My condition has improved enormously, through subtle changes rather than medication"

I started seeing Mark in March 2022. At the time, I was feeling quite frustrated and a bit desperate after many years of struggling with IBS and acid reflux.

I had been prescribed several medications and tried many things myself, but not been able to find a resolution. I felt that my digestion was not working properly at all, and this was causing me to have many disturbed nights.

Just prior to seeking Mark’s help I had been tested for cholesterol. The test showed it was too high and my doctor was suggesting that I started to take statins. As I was already taking 2 drugs to control acid reflux and another 2 for high blood pressure, I was not very keen on this idea!

Following some diagnostic testing to isolate possible trigger foods, he recommended some diet and lifestyle changes and a supplement programme to help my IBS and acid reflux. He also recommended some behavioural changes to help with my fitness and general well-being.

With Mark's help, I no longer wake every night with stomach problems, which is such a relief, and I now feel I have the tools at my disposal to manage my reflux and control any flare up in symptoms so much better.

I have been able to start reducing my long-standing medications and hope to be able to continue to do this over time. My cholesterol has reduced significantly to an acceptable level so that statins are no longer being recommended by my GP and I have lost some weight, which has helped to reduce my blood pressure.

I have found Mark to be very knowledgeable, understanding and pleasant to deal with and would not hesitate to recommend him to anyone else.

Shirley, 67

October 2022

"My condition has improved enormously, through subtle changes rather than medication"

"he has been able to identify the root cause of, and resolve, what was a very unpleasant chronic sto

"My condition has improved enormously, through subtle changes rather than medication"

I have known Mark personally for many years and have always been aware of his interest in diet and lifestyle as key factors in our personal health.

I had suffered with IBS symptoms for 20+ years, involving loose and frequent bowel movements, and had resigned myself to living with the condition after multiple unsatisfactory visits to my GP.

When Mark qualified as a Nutritional Therapist I decided to approach him to ask his advice.

He was extremely professional, knowledgeable, and discreet. He spent time to build a picture of my lifestyle and diet, made changes and suggestions, and recommended a comprehensive stool test.

He followed up, listened and made further changes and suggestions as required.

My condition has improved enormously, through subtle changes rather than medication, and I cannot recommend Mark highly enough.

Rusty 53

October 2021

" improvements in general well-being, energy, fitness, weight loss and my mental health."

I visited Mark in January because I was overweight, had very low energy levels, high levels of stress and poor mental health. Following years of self abuse through inactivity, alcohol & substance abuse, poor dietary habits, and a stressful work life, I needed to re-evaluate.

Mark took me through a detailed process and devised a personalised nutrition and lifestyle plan for me. This plan consisted, not only of individually targeted nutritional advice but also manageable lifestyle changes. His explanations were clear and thorough, and the scientific and holistic insight from Mark has left me with a better understanding of the interaction between my mind and body. I am now much more aware of the nutritional and therapeutic requirements that will enable me to achieve my goals and lead a happier and fulfilling life.

It has been nearly 2 months since I saw Mark and I have seen an improvement in general well-being, energy, fitness, weight loss and my mental health. I do not feel like I am on a diet plan, the changes that I have made under Mark's guidance are changing my life and I am staggered by the impact it has had in such a short space of time.

I can’t recommend him highly enough!

Richard, 37

April 2020

"significant improvement in my acne"

" improvements in general well-being, energy, fitness, weight loss and my mental health."

I decided to see Mark due to a long-term problem with acne, and a period of low energy following a serious infection.

After a thorough consultation, Mark provided a series of suggestions for diet and lifestyle changes, accompanied by a detailed and informative explanation of each. He also provided helpful recipes and other relevant resources.

After a couple of months, I had noticed a significant improvement in my acne, to the point that I decided to stop taking the acne medication that I had been taking for 4 years. This was accompanied by an increase in my energy levels.

I'm very grateful to Mark, he provided an excellent service and was kind, considerate and informative throughout. I highly recommend him.

GH, 18.

November 2020

"helped me to keep on track, lose weight and gain more energy."

" improvements in general well-being, energy, fitness, weight loss and my mental health."

"provided me with invaluable guidance and advice with sleep and anxiety issues"

Like so many people starting the New Year, I had made a decision to lose weight, become fitter and eat a healthy diet.

I decided that I needed proper advice and support from a qualified person to enable me to make the correct choices and reach my goal.

I contacted East Devon Nutrition and having given medical and lifestyle information in advance, I had a consultation with Mark to discuss my objectives .

I received my personalised nutrition & lifestyle plan with recommendations and guidelines for me to follow.

The information Mark provided and suggestions on how to change my eating habits & lifestyle choices, alongside exercise routines to help me maximise my efforts, have helped me to keep on track, lose weight and gain more energy.

I recommend Mark to anybody wishing to improve their lifestyle.

Lawrence, 65

March, 2020

"provided me with invaluable guidance and advice with sleep and anxiety issues"

We cannot overestimate the importance of nutrition in maintaining a balanced, healthy gut and general well-being, and never more so than in the current climate.

In the brief time that I have known Mark, he has provided me with
invaluable guidance and advice, following my request for help with sleep and anxiety issues.

I recommend him unreservedly

Ian, 62

March 2020

"help me to regain my zest for life."

"provided me with invaluable guidance and advice with sleep and anxiety issues"

"the most worthwhile time and money that I've ever spent investing into my life"

"I went to see Mark in 2018 while he was in his student clinic to seek help for lack of stamina, fatigue, insomnia and mild depression. I am retired, aged 68 and should have been enjoying life, but wasn’t. He had already received my medical history from me and was aware of any medication.

Mark gently drew out from me how I was feeling, my diet and daily routine without any feeling of intrusiveness. After a short time he then took me through some dietary suggestions, all of which were very sensible and which did not mean I had to buy a whole new store cupboard. He recommended supplements to support my medication and to help me to regain my zest for life.

The advice and supplements were both very successful and a slight change in routine helped me to lose weight. I would highly recommend Mark."

JH, East Devon

"the most worthwhile time and money that I've ever spent investing into my life"

"provided me with invaluable guidance and advice with sleep and anxiety issues"

"the most worthwhile time and money that I've ever spent investing into my life"

"I contacted Mark in February 2020 soon after he started his clinic at The Beacon Medical Centre.

After losing my husband, I knew I wasn't eating a well balanced diet, so jumped at the opportunity to receive some advice on a healthier diet and lifestyle.

After an initial consultation, Mark devised a diet and lifestyle plan that still included many of the things that I like, but also suggested alternatives where necessary, e.g. foods to avoid for arthritis etc.

It is now 8 months since I saw him and after about 4 months, I was in a completely new rhythm. I now eat a much wider variety of dishes and have learned a lot by following Mark’s suggestions and being more experimental in the kitchen.

Mark is so thorough in every detail. He listens well and is very understanding of personal circumstances. He is always available for me to email him.

It’s the most worthwhile time and money that I've ever spent investing into my life, and I would not hesitate to highly recommend him."

DW, 75

June 2020