Brenda Smith
Dietary Solutions
Not sure if it’s intolerance or allergy?
Allergy involves the immune system and intolerance does not. Whilst there may be an overlap in symptoms, an allergy specialist can differentiate between the two (and usually without tests).
Eating disorders can be distressing for you and loved ones. They manifest in different ways and for different reasons.
There are different types: Anorexia Nervosa (AN), Bulimia Nervosa (BN), Binge Eating Disorder (BED), Non-otherwise Specified (NOS) and Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID). Each has their own characteristics and informs me of the treatment approach.
The media is full of success stories about how weight was lost using special diets such as the blood group diet or low carb diets like Keto, Paleo and Atkins or with the use of supplements.
Have you ever thought why they worked? The answer is always the same – creating an energy deficit.
How can I help you?
I see infants, children and adults. I can help assess whether it is an allergy or intolerance or which eating disorder or whether it is simply picky eating. Once assessed, I will provide appropriate dietary treatment options and/or make referrals (for tests) as appropriate.
Using an allergy and intolerance focused history I can determine what kind of reaction it is: intolerance, IgE Allergy or Non IgE allergy. It’s important that (allergic) infants get the (expert) weaning advice as there may be an opportunity to promote tolerance in the first year of life for the rest of their life (especially if your baby has eczema).
For eating disorders, I practice in the spirit of the Maudsley Approach or CBT-E/CBT-T. I know it can be difficult to access appropriate services for different reasons. Depending on the type and severity of the eating disorder, we may need to work alongside a Psychiatrist or Psychologist and we may need help from your GP and Practice Nurse. I am happy to work alongside your existing health professionals; receive referrals and share communication with them. For children with eating disorders, family based therapy is the best approach. Therefore, depending on circumstance, I may be able to help. I try to involve significant others as much as possible. (Family) support is important and we work as a team.
My approach to weight management is mindful eating and using portion control to help you find peace with food and cope with your food environment. Life is too short to avoid and yes you can eat a little of what you fancy whilst basing your diet on nutritious foods.
About Me
Registered Dietician based in Sevenoaks
I am a Registered Dietitian and best described as a ‘dietary advocate’. I take your whole person into account and listen to your concerns. I look at what the evidence says, what has been done and if there is anything else we can do better.
“Brenda is a dietician whose approach is both skilful and empathetic; she keeps an open mind (leaving no stone unturned), ensuring I was diagnosed with histamine intolerance holistically. I was provided with a lot of help in managing the wide range of foods I can no longer eat, and a future that isn’t so bleak anymore!”
VO, Tunbridge Wells
“Thank you so much for your assistance with our daughter. As so many teenagers are bombarded with so many mixed messages about healthy eating and body image her eating patterns became too controlled and her idea of what “healthy eating”
NJ, Sevenoaks
“As I am physically disabled, I knew conventional weight loss methods were no good to me. So, I asked for Brenda’s help and she was able to find a successful diet plan that suited my unique situation. We even found effective exercises I could manage. I’m fitter, lighter and happier.”
LH, Sidcup