Certified Clinical Nutritionist London
“The doctor of the future will no longer treat the human frame with drugs, but will rather cure and prevent disease with nutrition”.
Madelena Tapliga
Certified Clinical Nutritionist London
Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition Roehampton University London with Distinction and Clinical Nutritionist registered with Association for Nutrition London UK 2020. Nutritionist London
Herbal Medicine Blackford Centre 2018.
Registered Nurse (NMC) graduate Middlesex University 2017
Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage therapist- London School of Massage 2017
About me
Clinical Nutritionist
Madelena Tapliga
Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition Roehampton University London with Distinction and Clinical Nutritionist registered with Association for Nutrition London UK 2020. Nutritionist London
Herbal Medicine Blackford Centre 2018.
Registered Nurse (NMC) graduate Middlesex University 2017
Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage therapist- London School of Massage 2017
Welcome to the Holistic Health and Nutrition
When did you move to the UK?
I moved to the UK from Romania in 2009. It has been an exciting journey so far, filled with new experiences and opportunities. The decision to move was primarily driven by my passion for exploring different cultures and broadening my horizons. I was drawn to the UK’s rich history, diverse population, and renowned educational institutions. It was a leap of faith, but one that I am grateful for as it has shaped my personal and professional growth
What motivated you to embark on a career in nursing and nutrition?
This is a great questions. This decision changed my life completely.
Back in 2014, I had zero knowledge about nutrition, cellular nutrition, health, diseases, or even human biology and biochemistry. During my studies in Access to Nursing, I had the opportunity to explore my passion for Science.
Biology and Psychology played pivotal roles in shaping my future career.
Interestingly, my Biology’s lecturer, who was also a registered nurse, strongly encouraged me to consider a career in the field of Nutrition. And let’s not forget, this was back in 2014 when Nutrition was like Cinderella in the Health Care Field. Despite the abundance of studies, focused on the link between Nutrition and the gastrointestinal system, mental health issues (such as depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia), and other chronic conditions.
She was so passionate talking about mitochondria, lysosomes, and other organelles that make up the incredible universe inside us. My lecturer insisted that once we grasp how cells function, we’ll have the power to heal any ailment. She strongly encouraged me to explore the exciting field of Nutrition Science, stating that Nutrition is the Future. She told me that cellular nutrition holds the key to managing symptoms and even reversing diseases.
Nearly a decade has passed, and it is now widely recognized that Nutrition is a complex Science, and plays a substantial role in addressing the majority of chronic issues.
I decided to pursue nutrition and nursing because of a personal experience that deeply impacted me. It all started when my Biology Lecturer, shared her heartbreaking story. Her husband, who was a doctor, tragically passed away from cancer.
When her husband, a respected doctor himself, was diagnosed with cancer, it felt like the ground was crumbling beneath her feet. She had spent years nursing oncology patients, witnessing the struggles they faced with traditional treatments like chemotherapy. She didn’t want to see her husband endure the same pain, side effects, and uncertainties.
She shared stories of patients who had chosen a different path, embracing changes in their environment, nutrition, stress management, and more. They experienced remission, leading fulfilling lives. She passionately pleaded with her husband, advising him to carefully contemplate these options before embarking on the daunting journey of surgery and chemotherapy. Unfortunately, he dismissed her suggestions, believing that as a nurse, she couldn’t possibly understand the complexities of cancer and medical treatments.
It was incredibly difficult. She knew the potential side effects and the toll it could take on his body. However he trusted his colleagues and the established medical system, leaving her advice unheard. They proceeded with surgery, and very soon he realised he was failed by the system, and the cancer spread rapidly
As the conventional treatments failed, her husband began researching nutritional studies focused on cancer. It was a moment of realization for him, acknowledging how wrong he had been in dismissing the role of nutrition. He admitted to misjudging her knowledge and experience as a nurse. It was a heart breaking moment, but he sought forgiveness for not trusting in the insights she had gained through years of nursing and caring for cancer patients.
Sadly, it was too late. By the time he recognized the importance of nutrition, the cancer had spread extensively. He started making changes in his diet, but the impact was limited. It’s a regret they both carried, realizing that exploring these alternatives earlier might have made a significant difference.
Her message was to approach any diseases treatment with an open mind. While conventional medicine has its merits, don’t underestimate the power of Nutrition and other complementary approaches that will be suitable for the patients needs. It’s not about dismissing one for the other but finding a balance that works for the individual. Educate ourself, consider all options, and most importantly, trust the instincts and experiences of those who care for you. In her case, it was a painful lesson learned too late.
It's clear that you took a proactive approach to integrate nursing and nutrition into your studies. Can you share more about what motivated you to pursue both fields simultaneously?
I made the decision to study nursing while also taking a rigorous nutrition course because I had a strong desire to fully understand patient care. I didn’t want to just scratch the surface, but really get into the nitty-gritty of what goes on behind those hospital walls. This included everything from different types of surgeries to the potential side effects of medications.
By pursuing nursing, I was able to gain firsthand experience and develop valuable skills like drawing blood, performing physical exams, and evaluating mental health. Studying nursing help me to become a high skilled clinical nutritionist, being able to do an complex assessment as soon as the client enter to the clinic room. I can talk with the client and doing a skins assessment to check the level of hydration, critical thinking and many more.
I strongly believe that proper nutrition is essential for preventing diseases and promoting overall well-being. Nursing allowed me to directly impact people’s lives through compassionate care and support during their most vulnerable moments. I’ve spent countless hours in the surgical acute ward and intensive care, learning from patients about their health problems, lack of nutrients, dehydration, and poor management of diabetes, among other issues. I dearly love my patients, and I did everything to help and protect them
It was eye-opening when I administered medication to a young woman in her 30s who had a stoma bag and required insulin injections. Spending more than 40 minutes only to administer the morning medication made me realize the extent of the medication she was taking and her lack of awareness regarding side effects of medication, and what could be the reason of her being so sick. Despite not feeling well and her condition worsening, she never received any advice on nutrition, weight loss, or which foods to eat or avoid.
Unfortunately, she wasn’t the only patient lacking this vital knowledge on how food can affect health, happiness, and healing. One of my patients with esophagus cancer told me he never ate a fruit or vegetable, or even tried a strawberry or an apple.
How did this dual focus impact your ability to care for patients?
It made a significant difference. I believed that by understanding the medical aspects of patient care, I could provide more comprehensive support. This included not only addressing immediate health concerns but also looking at the bigger picture, considering the role of nutrition in the healing process. I wanted to be involved in studies, audits, and continuously learn from patients and their relatives to enhance the quality of care I could provide.
I learned how nutrition could impact the body’s ability to heal, manage illnesses, and cope with treatments.
This is when I decided to start Holistic Health and Nutrition to help people learn more about their bodies, nutrition and personalize their healing journey with personlised advice from qualified professional.
Did your unique perspective on the intersection of nursing and nutrition bring about any challenges or opportunities in your professional journey?
It presented both challenges and opportunities. While some colleagues may not have initially understood the dual focus, it opened doors to interdisciplinary collaboration. I found myself uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between medical and nutritional aspects of patient care. This allowed for a more holistic approach, addressing not just the symptoms but also the underlying factors that nutrition could influence.
In conclusion, my departure from NHS and private hospitals was a result of my disagreement with their approach towards healthcare. I firmly believe in holistic health care that focuses on overall well-being rather than just treating sickness. While the A&E department may excel in providing immediate care, it falls short when it comes to addressing chronic conditions. It is my hope that we can continue advocating for a more comprehensive and effective healthcare system for all individuals.
My passion is deeply rooted in the areas of gastrointestinal diseases, weight management, type 2 diabetes, epigenetics. microbiome , food allergies and sensitivities, and wound management. These areas have always fascinated me because they directly impact a person’s overall health and well-being.
Gastrointestinal diseases encompass a wide range of conditions that affect the digestive system.
Weight management is another area that I am deeply interested in. With obesity rates on the rise globally, it is crucial to understand the underlying causes and develop effective strategies for weight loss and maintenance. As someone who has struggled with weight issues myself, I am committed to helping others achieve their weight goals through proper nutrition and exercise.
Type 2 Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects millions of people worldwide. This disease requires constant monitoring and careful management to prevent serious complications.
The microbiome refers to the trillions of microorganisms that live in our bodies, particularly in our gut. Emerging research suggests that these microorganisms play a significant role in our overall health, including digestion, metabolism, immunity and mental health.
Food allergies and sensitivities are becoming increasingly prevalent, yet they are often misunderstood or overlooked.
Lastly, wound management is an essential aspect of healthcare that often goes unnoticed until we experience an injury or surgical procedure. Proper wound care can prevent infection and promote quicker healing, which is crucial for patients’ overall recovery.
Because of my own suffering: being diagnosed with osteoarthritis and weight issues, I know that it is possible to walk through the darkness and into the light. During my own journey of healing, I discovered Herbal Medicine and the healing properties of plants.
I believe that nutrition is essential for optimal health and I enjoy teaching people about the importance of incorporating wholesome, nutritious foods into their diet. I also love herbal medicine and the way that it can be used to support the body’s natural healing process
Psychology and my counseling skills allow me to understand my clients and their healing journey on a deeper level.
I have seen firsthand how suffering can lead to healing. I have learned that it is possible to walk through the suffering to some sense of peace and understanding. I believe that healing is more than just the absence of physical pain. It is also about the presence of love, compassion, and hope. I believe that herbal medicine, dietary advice, and lifestyle choices can play an important role in the healing process.
My holistic approach allows me to tailor my treatments to the individual taking into account the whole person – mind, body, and spirit providing them with the best possible care and support, providing realistic and helpful advice.
However, I think it’s important to remember that we are not the real healers- our role is simply to facilitate healing within another person. My aim is to empower people with knowledge and skills that will help them regain their optimal health and enjoy every moment of their life. I believe that we are all capable of healing ourselves, but sometimes we need a little help remembering how. That is where I come in. As a reflection of what is possible, I can show others the path to healing. But ultimately it is up to them to decide what to do with that information. I am simply a guide on the journey back to wellness
I believe that everyone has the potential to heal from their suffering and lead a fulfilling life.
GET IN TOUCH
It’s about recognizing the interconnectedness of various aspects of health and wellness, and how a multidisciplinary approach can lead to more effective and compassionate care.
This unique combination of clinical expertise, transferable skills, and a compassionate approach positions me as a dedicated professional ready to revolutionize the landscape of healthcare. Join me on this transformative journey that promises not just quality care, but a genuine commitment to holistic well-being.
Please get in touch using email: office@foodbodyfit.com. I will respond to you as soon as possible. Alternatively, feel free to use the chat or call