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Meet the team!

With so many new subscribers, we thought we would take the opportunity to tell you a bit more about the work that we do at You Nutrition Clinic and a bit about each of our practitioners.


Interested in working with us? Please reach out to Magdalena, our Clinic Manager, at admin@younutritionclinic.com to arrange a free 20-minute chat with the appropriate practitioner to find out how we can support you.



What impacts neurological health?


There is a wealth of research indicating that diet and lifestyle changes can have a positive impact on symptoms of a wide range of health conditions. However, when it comes to brain health, diet is only one piece of a complex puzzle. Our neurological health outcomes are determined by a number of factors, including:

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  • Our genetics

  • Our familial health history

  • In utero development

  • Our method and timing of birth

  • Our own health history

  • Life events including adverse childhood events (ACE's) 

  • Previous or current stress and/or trauma

  • Lack of sleep

  • Use of medications

  • The effectiveness of our detoxification pathways

  • The effectiveness of our immune function

  • Our hormonal balance

 

In addition to this, the food and drink we consume, the balance of our microbiome and our ability to break down and absorb nutrients, and our ability to utilise these nutrients effectively at a biochemical level, all contribute to our neurological health outcomes. 

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Our neurological health can also be greatly impinged by ingestion of any number of environmental toxins, including heavy metals, plastics, pesticides, fumes from perfumes, fragrances and petrol, and exposure to various pathogens, such as viruses, parasites and moulds. We aren't only what we eat, we are what we ingest.

 


The long and winding road to a nourished brain.


With such a complex web of potential root causes of a health condition, it's important that a multi-factorial approach is considered. We have to take into consideration all of the biochemical pathways, how they intertwine, and how to best support these pathways so that they function optimally. 


This often involves running multiple complex functional tests and diving into your life and health history, looking for clues, correcting one pathway at a time. There is no quick fix for brain health issues. We work closely and regularly with clients for a minimum of six months.

 

Neurological health and gastrointestinal health are interlinked via the gut-brain axis, and so neurological symptoms can be greatly impacted by an imbalance in the gastrointestinal tract. Without optimal gut health, we can't digest and absorb the nutrients in our diet, so this is always our starting point.


When supporting any number of neurological conditions, a deep understanding of both the bodies' nutrient status and nutritional needs, and of the genetic SNPs that may prevent optimum nutrient function, is also essential. 

 

Lifestyle support, including dietary intake, exercise, and management of stress and sleep are key to improvement in symptoms so these are essential areas of focus. Often, diet alone isn't enough to correct imbalances, so therapeutic nutraceuticals can be utilised to optimise nutrient status and balance biochemical pathways. Ensuring you have the ability to detoxify is fundamental. This requires optimised cell, lymph, liver, kidney and gut detoxification.


One these pathways are optimised, we then determine what else is driving your symptoms. This might be pathogens such as mould and yeast, Lyme, viruses or bacteria, metals or environmental toxins, trauma or stress. Cellular health, and particularly endoplasmic reticulum, membrane and mitochondrial health, are a key area focus.

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Medications and other medical interventions can support those with a diagnosis. The aim of integrative functional nutrition is to work synergistically with your primary health care provider while addressing the root cause of your health condition.

 


Conditions we work with:


At you Nutrition Clinic we support a variety of neurological health conditions and symptoms, including neurodegenerative and neuroimmune conditions. We also work preventatively with those who are at risk of neurological or neurodegenerative health conditions to optimise nutritional status and biochemical pathways. Here are the conditions we currently work with:


  • Motor neurone disease (MND)/Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

  • Primary Lateral Sclerosis (PLS) 

  • Parkinson's Disease

  • Alzheimer's disease

  • Dementia

  • Huntington's Disease

  • Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) 

  • Brain and spine injury

  • Stroke

  • Epilepsy and seizure disorders 

  • Neuro-immune conditions, including Lyme Disease, PANS/PANDAS

  • Symptoms of pathogen overload, including viruses, bacteria and mould

  • Neural autoimmune conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Inclusion body myositis (IBM) and myasthenia gravis (MG)

  • Autistic Spectrum Disorders, including ADD and ADHD

  • OCD

  • Dyslexia and dyspraxia 

  • ARFID


If your condition isn't on this list, reach out anyway.




Meet the team


At You Nutrition Clinic, we pride ourselves on academic integrity and evidence-based support. We are a research clinic, affiliated with two academic institutes in the UK.


Teamwork makes the dream work, and what a dream we have with our incredible team, who are highly qualified, experienced, kind and empathic, to ensure that you are getting the best service available.



Motor Neurone Disease (MND)/Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS):


Dr Kirstie Lawton, PhD, Clinic Director. CNHC Registered Nutritional Therapy Practitioner (RNTP) and AfN/BANT Registered Nutritionist


Dr Kirstie Lawton has a PhD in Nutrition and a BSc in Public Health Nutrition, both from Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh and a 3-year DipION from the renowned Institute for Optimum Nutrition in London. She is also a qualified academic (PGCE in Higher Education) and is currently completing a Master's degree at the University of Sheffield in Neuroscience and Neurodegeneration.


Kirstie's specialism is adults who have been diagnosed with or are at risk of developing Motor Neurone Disease (MND/ALS).

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For the last 25 years, she has also worked in the field of child and young adult nutrition, with a focus on gastrointestinal health, neurological health including neurodivergence and mental wellness, and immune health conditions. She has also completed several modules on Psychiatry Redefined's Fellowship in Nutritional Psychiatry. 

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​In addition to her clinical work, she was integral to the development of the UK's first Graduate Diploma in Integrative and Functional Nutrition, delivered by the Institute for Optimum Nutrition (ION), in collaboration with the University of Portsmouth (UoP). She is also a member of the Editorial Board for the Nutritional Medicine Institute and Journal. She is also a member of the Medical Committee at Healing ALS.

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She has a PGCE in Higher Education from the University of London. She has taught various nutrition-related topics at several institutes in the UK, including ION/UoP, Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh, the University of Worcester and the University of Northampton. 

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When not working or studying, Kirstie can typically be found in her garden or on a country path with her dog. She has a passion for creating recipes and preparing nutritious and delicious meals. She also has a passion for music, and co-runs a choir in her local area. 



Deborah Allen, HCPC Registered Dietitian and BANT registered Nutritionist.


Deborah has an MSc in Nutrition from the University of Ulster and a Post Graduate Diploma in Dietetics at Cardiff University. She has completed FODMAP training through Monash University in Australia. She is also trained in Nutrigenomics, and Sports Nutrition and Performance. Deborah is part of the MND/ALS team at You Nutrition Clinic.


Deborah works with the MND/ALS team. She has been in clinical practice for over 20 years, specialising in weight management and metabolic health conditions. Metabolic imbalance can lead to multiple health concerns, including neurological and neurodegenerative health conditions, as well as infertility, PCOS, hormonal imbalance, thyroid imbalance, insulin resistance and diabetes type II, hypertension, high blood cholesterol, fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and weight gain. She also has an interest in optimising performance.

 

More recently, Deborah has been integral in the development and delivery of a programme providing nutrition and lifestyle support to those taking GLP-1 medication, and offers guidance and support for those who would like to consider more natural GLP-1 options.​

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In addition to practising dietetics and nutritional therapy, Deborah is a qualified yoga teacher, having completed 500 hours of teacher training and additional training in restorative and prenatal yoga. She is also an avid CrossFitter. 



Kerry Fugard, Registered Nutritional Therapy Practitioner (RNTP) and BANT registered Nutritionist


Kerry has a BSc in Nutrition from the University of Middlesex, a Post Graduate Diploma in Clinical Nutrition and a BA in Psychology. She has also completed additional comprehensive training in a number of areas of functional nutrition through providers including the Kharrazian Institute and Dr Jason Hawrelak.Kerry has been in the health industry for over 20 years, over which time she has specialised in neurodegenerative health, mental health and wellness, neurodevelopment, autoimmunity and gut disorders, creating personalised plans and assisting her clients in navigating their health journey. Her main focus is now those who have been diagnosed with or have a predisposition to MND/ALS. She has a keen interest in the microbiome and genetics, and their effects on health overall. 

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She also consults as a clinical specialist for a large functional testing and genetics laboratory, supporting practitioners in test interpretation and assisting with the creation of mentorship programmes, along with developing and presenting Functional Nutrition programmes for post graduate training institutions.

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In her spare time Kerry can be found outdoors enjoying nature, and actively supporting The Lost Food Project - a local community food redistribution programme, her firm belief being that communities are healthier and better nourished when joined through sharing.



Rachael Marsden, Consultant Nurse


Rachael Marsden is an Independent Practitioner and Consultant Nurse with more than two decades of specialist experience in Motor Neurone Disease (MND)/Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Her role at You Nutrition Clinic is Patient Advocate. 

 

Her career began in a Young Disabled Unit, where she developed extensive expertise in supporting young adults with highly complex disabilities and gained deep insight into the importance of holistic, person-centred care.​ 

 

In 2002, Rachael became the Coordinator for the Oxford MND Care Centre, which has since grown into one of the UK’s leading MND care and research centres. She has played a major role in shaping high-quality, multidisciplinary care for people living with MND. She was a member of the 2016 NICE Guideline Development Group for MND.

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With a Degree and Master’s in Rehabilitation, Rachael now works independently, advocating for patients and helping individuals and families navigate the complexities of living with MND.

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Outside her professional life, Rachael is an enthusiastic long-distance cyclist and holds the world record as the fastest woman to circumnavigate the globe on a tandem bicycle (TandemWOW).



Cognitive function:


Nicolle Appleton, NMC Registered Nurse, CNHC Registered Nutritional Therapy Practitioner (RNTP) and BANT Registered Nutritionist


Nicolle studied Nursing at the University of the West of England, completing her clinical placements at the Royal United Hospital in Bath and surrounding areas, and qualified in Nutritional Therapy from the renowned Institute for Optimum Nutrition. She is currently training in the ReCODE Bredesen Protocol for Alzheimer’s disease support.

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Nicolle specialises in supporting adults with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. She also works with individuals who are concerned about memory changes or wish to reduce their risk of developing dementia.

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With over 20 years of experience as a memory clinic nurse and Alzheimer’s disease clinical trial nurse, Nicolle continues to work in research, administering the Clinical Dementia Rating Scale and preparing clinical trial medications. A confident phlebotomist, she is able to take and process blood samples at her clinic in Bath.

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Outside of her clinical work, Nicolle enjoys cooking. She prepares and delivers Friday lunches for her husband and his team - a weekly ritual that also reflects her mission of promoting nutrition as the foundation of a healthy and fulfilling life, lasting through to old age.



Parkinson's Disease:


Melody Mackeown, CNHC Registered Nutritional Therapy Practitioner (RNTP) and BANT Registered Nutritionist


Melody has a BSc in Psychology from the University of Bristol, an MSc in Personalised Nutrition from CNELM, Middlesex University, and a 3-year DipION from the renowned Institute for Optimum Nutrition in London.  

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Melody is You Nutrition Clinic's Parkinson's Disease specialist. She works with individuals presenting with symptoms, diagnosed with or a risk of developing Parkinsonism, including Parkinson's Disease. 

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With a background in clinical nutrition, and a focus on gastrointestinal health and the gut-brain axis, she works with clients to optimise nutrient intake around medication use, support neurological function, improve quality of life, and help clients to understand and navigate the complex relationship between diet, digestion, and brain chemistry.

 

Her approach integrates the latest research in neuroinflammation, mitochondrial function, oxidative stress and microbiome diversity to create tailored strategies that support motor and non-motor symptoms.

 

When not working with clients, Melody enjoys experimenting with recipes - especially those that support cognitive and gut health, spending time outdoors on walks, and going to the theatre and musicals and with friends and family.



Brain Injury and Neuroinflammation:


Becki Drewett, CNHC Registered Nutritional Therapy Practitioner (RNTP) and BANT Registered Nutritionist, HCPC and MCSP registered Physiotherapist and Exercise Medicine Prescriber.


Becki brings nearly two decades of clinical experience across NHS, private, charitable and specialist neurorehabilitation services in the UK and USA.

 

She graduated from the University of Birmingham in 2006 with a BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy, later also completing her MSc. She also has a Graduate Diploma in Integrative Functional Nutrition from the University of Portsmouth/ION. 

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At You Nutrition Clinic, Becki works as a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner specialising in conditions affecting the brain and spinal cord, including acquired and traumatic brain injury, strokes and TIA's, spinal cord injury, Transverse Myelitis, Multiple Sclerosis and Guillain-Barré syndrome. She is also available for Exercise Medicine consultations. 

 

Her integrative, functional approach is grounded in systems biology and biochemical individuality, addressing cognition, neuroplasticity, pain, energy metabolism, inflammatory pathways and the gut-brain axis. She integrates evidence-informed nutritional therapy with movement science to support neurological recovery, functional capacity and long-term health. 

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When Becki is not working, she enjoys running, strength training, and long walks with family and dog. She also enjoys cooking and is partial to a good quality bar of dark chocolate.



Paediatric including Neurological and Neuro-Immune:


Jess Oldfield, CNHC Registered Nutritional Therapy Practitioner (RNTP) and BANT Registered Nutritionist


in addition to her RNTP qualification, Jess has undertaken further professional training in paediatric nutrition and through NEDDE, gaining specialist knowledge to support children with conditions such as ARFID (Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder), PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) and PICA. She has a special interest in PANS/PANDAS also.

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Jess is passionate about children’s health, with a particular interest in neurodiversity and how nutrition and lifestyle changes can help each child feel and function at their best. She supports children and young people with conditions such as autism, ADHD and dyslexia, using a functional medicine approach to explore root causes by looking at nutrition, gut health, detoxification and biochemistry to help them thrive both physically and emotionally.

 

Stemming from her work in fertility, Jess has seen how early nutrition shapes long-term wellbeing and the health of future generations. As a busy mum of two boys she fully understands the realities of family life and brings a compassionate, practical approach to every consultation.

 

You’ll often find Jess out in nature with her boys and the dog, with a coffee in hand.



Clare, CNHC Registered Nutritional Therapy Practitioner (RNTP) and BANT Registered Nutritionist


Clare trained at the College of Naturopathic Medicine (CNM) and has undertaken further professional training in children’s health and through NEDDE, developing specialist expertise in supporting children with conditions such as ARFID (Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder), PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance), PICA, autism, ADHD and dyslexia. She is also a reflux-trained practitioner, with experience supporting children with digestive discomfort, reflux and feeding-related challenges.


Clare is also a qualified Fertility Practitioner and brings a strong clinical understanding of how preconception and pregnancy nutrition influence child health. Her work focuses on children’s brain development, gut health and immune function, with a particular interest in the importance of the first 1,000 days of life and how early nutrition shapes long-term wellbeing. She has extensive experience supporting children with digestive disorders, food intolerances and complex symptom presentations using a functional, evidence-informed approach.


Alongside her clinical work, Clare works collaboratively with local doulas and midwives, contributing to professional education through course content, training and talks in pregnancy and postnatal nutrition, with a focus on supporting families through early life stages.


As a mum, Clare brings a compassionate and practical understanding of the realities families face when supporting children with additional needs, alongside a calm, structured and clinically grounded approach.



Movement and Breath:


Rae Bird, Movement and Breath Practitioner.


Rae Bird is a 500 hr qualified yoga teacher, with training in the Chinese Medicine movement practice Qi Gong, the Indian medicine system Ayurveda, and varied forms of meditation and breathwork.

 

,Rae is passionate about using these practices as a means of reconnecting with the self to find balance and a sense of peace and likes to make them as accessible as possible to anyone including those with chronic illness and trauma. She delivers the free weekly Breathing for Healing session and offers 1:1 sessions to all You Nutrition Clinic clients

 

With a degree in horticulture, Rae likes to spend as much time in nature as possible; singing, dancing, and as an ex-book publisher, she enjoys immersing herself in a good book.



Research:


Richard Moore, ION Student and You Nutrition Clinic's Researcher.


After spending 20 years in the corporate world, Richard’s life took an unexpected turn when he was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. This experience became the catalyst for a deep exploration into Functional Medicine and nutritional science. Working alongside several Functional Medicine specialists, he developed a personalised, evidence-based protocol that supported his recovery and ignited a passion for helping others improve their health through integrative nutritional medicine.


Following his recovery, Richard decided to take a new career path, driven by a desire to help people manage complex health conditions and to share what he had learned about the body’s capacity to heal. He is currently studying for a BSc (Hons) in Nutritional Therapy at the Institute for Optimum Nutrition (ION). Alongside his studies, he is a BANT-registered Nutritional and Lifestyle Advisor and volunteers with Yes to Life, the UK’s leading integrative cancer charity. His role at You Nutrition is Researcher.


He works closely with Kirstie to ensure that the clinical team are up to date with the latest scientific developments in neurological and neurodegenerative disorders, and that our clinical work is evidence-based.Outside of his professional and academic work, Richard is enthusiastic about fitness and can often be found trying to beat his parkrun time on a Saturday morning. A keen traveller, he has lived and worked in New Zealand and Australia, and travelled extensively across Europe, Asia, Central America, and South America.



Administrative Support:


Magdalena Ciszewska, Clinic Manager


Magdalena is the clinic manager, overseeing the daily operations of the practice to ensure every client receives a seamless and supportive experience. She is committed to maintaining a well-structured and welcoming environment where both clients and team members feel valued and cared for. With a calm, focused approach, she ensures the clinic runs efficiently while upholding a professional and positive atmosphere.


Through her own experience, she discovered how a personalised approach to diet and lifestyle can have a powerful impact on symptom improvement and overall well-being. This understanding continues to shape how she supports others, both within the clinic and beyond.


Alongside managing the clinic, Magdalena practices as a nutritionist in her own time, supporting individuals in developing realistic, evidence-based strategies tailored to their goals. She is passionate about empowering individuals to reconnect with their bodies and make informed choices, using personalised guidance to help improve symptoms and maintain overall balance and vitality.


Outside of work, she enjoys walking in nature, exploring new places, from well-known landmarks to hidden natural spots rarely found on a map, and expressing herself through dance


Work with us.


If you want a plan that turns complex research into a clear, personalised strategy you can actually follow, contact the team at You Nutrition Clinic.


Book a free 20-minute initial chat: admin@younutritionclinic.com



🧩 Connect with us


You can find out more about the clinic at www.younutritionclinic.com


Listen to podcast recordings at www.nutritionandthebrain.com/about


Our blog 'Brain Bites' can be found on our educational hub, www.nutritionandthebrain.com/blog


For research updates, practical tips, and ongoing inspiration, follow us on Instagram: @nutritionandthebrain


Stay curious. Stay hopeful. Support your brain. 🧠

 
 
 
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