A nutritional therapist and a dietician both work to improve health through food, however their qualifications, regulation, and areas of work differ.

In the UK, registered dieticians are statutorily regulated healthcare professionals, registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). A dietician would typically work in a clinical setting, such as the NHS, providing support and specialised nutrition advice, often as part of a hospital or multidisciplinary team.

Nutritional therapists (NT) are food and nutrition experts who can work with both groups and individuals in a clinical setting. Unlike dieticians, they do not diagnose or treat diseases. Instead, they use a functional medicine evidence-based approach to assess the root causes of an individual’s symptoms, health concerns or diseases, while supporting clients in optimising overall health. Nutritional Therapy practitioners who have completed accredited training can register with the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC) or the British Association for Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine (BANT).

Yes. Many clients come to us with "normal" blood test results yet continue to experience symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, low energy, weight fluctuations, skin breakouts, mood swings, digestive issues, or hormonal imbalances. Conventional tests offered by GPs are primarily designed to diagnose disease, with reference ranges based on statistical averages across the general population — meaning results are often only flagged once a condition has already developed.

At Wellness with Ruchi, we take a more preventative, functional medicine approach, interpreting blood tests through optimal (rather than merely normal) ranges to identify subtle imbalances and early warning signs before they develop into adverse health conditions.

By combining detailed case analysis, clinical symptoms, and functional testing (where appropriate), we are able to uncover underlying biochemical imbalances and nutrient deficiencies — addressing issues at their root and supporting long-term health and wellbeing.

This varies by individual, as there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Most clients with PCOS or underactive thyroid begin to notice improvements between 12 and 16 weeks. Sustainable, long-term change typically takes a few months, as we address the underlying causes and work with you to restore the body’s natural hormonal balance.

Our approach combines clinical experience and the science of functional medicine with practical, evidence-based nutrition and lifestyle strategies. We also take a holistic perspective, recognising the interconnectedness of PCOS, thyroid health, metabolic function, gut health, stress, and immune system imbalances.

Ruchi brings deep empathy and first-hand insight into the challenges of maintaining balance and wellbeing amidst competing demands, drawing on her personal experience of navigating hormonal challenges alongside a demanding corporate career spanning two decades. This experience shapes how she designs nutritional and lifestyle programmes that are bespoke, evidence-based and realistic - all while preserving the joy of eating.

While both conditions involve hormonal disruption, the underlying causes, biochemical pathways, and symptom profiles may differ significantly.

For underactive thyroid, the focus is on supporting the thyroid gland and optimising thyroid hormone production through key nutrients (iodine, selenium, zinc, vitamin D), improving gut health, and managing inflammation or autoimmune triggers.

For sex hormone imbalances such as PCOS, oestrogen dominance, or low progesterone or male hormone imbalance, the approach targets hormonal regulation by supporting liver detoxification, balancing insulin and blood sugar, managing stress, and ensuring adequate intake of key nutrients like B vitamins and magnesium.

We personalise every plan based on functional testing, medical history, lifestyle, and goals, creating programmes that address the root causes rather than just the symptoms. This ensures interventions are effective, holistic, sustainable, and tailored to each client’s unique hormonal profile.

Yes. Our nutritional therapy programmes are specifically designed to help clients with PCOS or underactive thyroid navigate weight gain more effectively. By addressing inflammation, insulin resistance, nutrient imbalances, and lifestyle factors, we create personalised plans that holistically target the root causes of weight gain and support long term weight management.

Yes, absolutely. While our physical clinic is located in Marylebone, Central London, we work with clients from London, Inverness, and Cardiff in the UK to California, India and Dubai - via secure virtual consultations on Google Meet. Whether consultations take place in person in our London clinic or online, clients receive the same high standard of care and are able to access our expert, holistic hormonal health support wherever they may be.