Services We Offer
We offer consultations at our Bright Street Practice in Somerset West. We also offer online consultations avia Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet and we can also do a call on WhatsApp.
As we are a dispensing practice, we are able to dispense a range of supplements and bio-identical hormone treatments not commonly available.
- We will arrange for home delivery of your scripts via the Courier Guy
- We will arrange to obtain your blood results from the labs.
THE PRACTICE OFFERS SUPPORT ON A WIDE RANGE OF HEALTH ISSUES, INCLUDING:
Hormonal and menopausal symptoms
Thyroid disorders
Auto immune disorders
Weight loss and digestive related issues
DNA testing and analysis
Lingering covid symptoms
Bio-identical hormone treatment
HASHIMOTO'S DISEASE
Services
Nutrigenomics
We provide healthcare practitioners with an unparalleled depth of insight into your personal dietary needs through the study of the interaction between nutrition and your genes.
We see how this effects your overall health, sports performance and recovery, skin and mind.
Diet
Weight management and healthy eating are integral to long-term health and can prevent poor health and various chronic diseases. There is no one diet or way of eating that is correct for everyone, but DNA Diet will identify the best choices for you.
DNA Diet tests several gene variations that impact metabolism, absorption and storage of fats and carbohydrates, as well as eating behaviour to understand how your genetic profile will impact your response to our most effective healthy eating plans.
Health
DNA Health is designed to identify any potential lifestyle diseases and to optimise your well-being and health by personalising your lifestyle and diet choices.
We test for 36 gene variants to identify any precursors to lifestyle diseases such as:
Cholesterol metabolism and risk for heart disease | Bone Health & risk for osteoporosis | Methylation and B Vitamin requirements | Detoxification, inflammation and oxidative stress | Insulin Sensitivity and risk for diabetes | Food Responsiveness; lactose intolerance, caffeine processing, salt sensitivity, and blood pressure and iron overload disorders.
Sport
The effectiveness of training and sporting performance is affected by key biological areas, and with DNA Sport, we can help personalise a training strategy that optimises your genetic potential, and identify the right lifestyle, nutrition and environmental interactions to optimally express your genetic potential.
Ultimately, DNA Sport can determine the best way to maximise sporting potential, prevent injury and optimise recovery to reach peak levels of conditioning.
Skin
The DNA Skin test can help you mitigate destructive exposure to UV rays by testing 19 gene variations in the following areas:
firmness and elasticity | sun sensitivity and damage, pigmentation, protection and repair | antioxidant status and inflammation
We recommend personalised lifestyle, nutrition, nutraceutical and cosmeceutical choices for improved skin care and to decrease the visible signs of ageing.
We test for 36 gene variants to identify any precursors to lifestyle diseases such as:
Cholesterol metabolism and risk for heart disease | Bone Health & risk for osteoporosis | Methylation and B Vitamin requirements | Detoxification, inflammation and oxidative stress | Insulin Sensitivity and risk for diabetes | Food Responsiveness; lactose intolerance, caffeine processing, salt sensitivity, and blood pressure and iron overload disorders.
MinD
We analyse 30 genes which have been shown to have significant associations with key mental health disorders. Taking this test may help you understand how to avoid the onset of a range of neurological disorders in the following areas:
neurodegenerative disorders | addictive behaviour | adrenaline-seeking | mood regulation
The DNA Oestrogen test guides the personalisation of diet, hormone and nutritional supplement recommendations to improve oestrogen metabolism.
Oestrogen
The majority of breast cancer occurs in women with no family history of it, but oestrogen gene testing can assist in identifying at-risk individuals and thereby lessen the risk of undetected cancers. Research shows that an increased lifetime exposure to oestrogen is a strong risk factor in the development of breast cancer.
The DNA Oestrogen test guides the personalisation of diet, hormone and nutritional supplement recommendations to improve oestrogen metabolism.
General Practitioner (GP) Consultations
FIMC general surgery provides a wide range of family health services, including: advice on health problems, vaccinations, examinations and treatment, prescriptions for medicines, referrals to other health services and social services.
Unlock the best version of YOU by decoding your unique genetic makeup. GENEWAY™ offers a range of genetic tests that will teach you more about your unique genetic makeup and how you can adapt your lifestyle, diet and environment to live your best life.
There has never ever been a person quite like you on planet Earth. From your head to your toes, you are a brand-new story being told by intricate strings of DNA locked away in your unique genetic code. Technology is at a point where we can easily provide the valuable information* you require making decisions that will lead to a happier, healthier, more vital life. It’s time to get curious about your genes and what they mean.
Improve your health and longevity by unlocking the mysteries of your genetic code today. Learn more about our range of tailored DNA tests that allow forward-thinking individuals to make slight changes in their environment, diet, medications and more to give their bodies exactly what it needs to thrive.
WHAT CAN I DO TODAY TO CHANGE MY TOMORROW?
This question has been the driving factor behind ongoing research into genetic testing and its many applications. We live in a world that now believes in prevention ahead of cure, and genetic testing gives us the tools we need to safeguard our vitality by implementing subtle (and sometimes substantial) lifestyle changes.
Life experiences have shown us that our reaction to certain foods, medication and diets, differ quite substantially in comparison to our friends and family, and this is likely due to our differences in our genetic makeup and their interaction with the environment. One size does not fit all! Human are 99.5% the same, and that 0.5% can make a difference.
But how does it work?
Here’s a look the science behind GENEWAY™ tests.
What is SNP genotyping? SNP genotyping is the technology we use to gain understanding of person’s genetic makeup. SNP stands for single nucleotide polymorphisms. These are the DNA sequence variations that make you different from everyone else you know. Once you have a breakdown of your SNPs, a trained technician can interpret the data to tell you which diseases you are likely to get, and how you can change your lifestyle to prevent it.
Why are we only hearing about this now?
The technology took some time to develop to the point where it could be made available to the public. The United States government, for one, invested millions of dollars into the Precision Medicine Initiative Cohort Program with the National Institutes of Health (NIH). These groups studied the link between genes, environment and lifestyle. Their research now underpins the lifestyle management plans we prepare for our clients. How do you extract the DNA? With the use of a cheek swab, also known as a buccal swab. It can also be done using whole blood, but the swab is sufficient to supply us with DNA cells and can easily be done in the comfort of your own home.
What can I expect once you’ve analysed my DNA?
A comprehensive health and wellness report*, along with a precision nutrition plan, tailored to your genetic needs, enabling you to manage and develop your lifestyle that will be effective in reducing your health risks.
The GENEWAY™ Science
Our genes and their expression can influence:
- Nutrient deficiencies or excesses
- Dietary components
- Metabolism
- Vitamin D and B levels
- Toxin detoxification
- Exercise and Activity
- Alcohol and drugs metabolism
- Circadian rhythms
How does this help me?
With the help of GENEWAY™ test results, you’ll be able to:
- Choose effective lifestyle interventions such as a change in diet and/or taking supplements.
- Know which diseases you are predisposed to, e.g. cholesterol, type II diabetes.
- Learn of current conditions you may have, e.g. lactose intolerance.
- Find out more about your athletic potential.
- Be warned of addictive behavioural traits, etc.
Although we cannot change our genes, we can control their expression, which is strongly influenced by our environment. Therefore, by making minor adjustments to your lifestyle now, you will be able to lower the risk of certain diseases and live healthier. If you knew your predisposition to common diseases, such as obesity and heart disease today, would you change your lifestyle to ensure your health and wellbeing tomorrow?
GENEWAY™ Disclaimer: All risk indicators are limited to only the genes tested by GENEWAY™. Your results are for informational purposes only and should not be used for making medical, health or any other decisions without consulting a Health Care Professional. Copyright© GENEWAY™- All Rights Reserved.
So where does one have their DNA tested, and what does it entail?
GENEWAY™ provides the following screening tests; GENEWELL ™, GENEDIET ™, GENESPORT ™ and GENERENEW ™
The GENEWAY™ screening test covers the following areas:
- Cholesterol and lipid metabolism
- Dementia
- Detoxification
- Dietary carbohydrate sensitivity
- Dietary fat sensitivity
- Exercise responsiveness
- Heart disease
- Homocysteine metabolism
- Hypertension
- Inflammation
- Insulin sensitivity and risk for diabetes
- Iron metabolism
- Drug metabolism
- Cancer
- Oxidative Stress
- Overweight and obesity risk
- Circadian rhythms (sleep disorders)
- Vitamin-B metabolism
- Athletic Potential
- Injury risk and rate of recovery
- Anti-ageing and derma genetics
At The Family Integrative Practice, we focus on the Root causes of Weight Gain.
We take the time to understand each person individually. Understanding their medical background, Hormonal Imbalances and lifestyle as these are the common causes of stubborn weight loss.
With our Inbody test you will change the way you see your weight and understand your health by seeing how much muscle, fat and water you have.
You will be able to see how you diet and exercise are affecting your health, monitor your progress and reach your goals on your full-page result sheet.
Our Aim to give each of our patients’ individual attention and support as we help them achieve their weight loss goals, and make it their life style.
What does your weight really represent?
When you step on a scale, you can’t see how much muscle or fat you have. All you see is how heavy you weigh.
Go beyond the scale with the InBody Test, a non-invasive body composition analysis that provides a detailed breakdown of your weight in terms of muscle, fat, and water on an InBody Result Sheet.
An InBody Test can take anywhere from 15-120 seconds, depending on the model used. No more pinching. No more dunking. Get results you can trust so you can reach your health and fitness goals with precision and actionable objectives.
The body composition analysis includes:
- Weight
- % Body fat
- Body mass index
- Total body water
- Muscle and Fat distribution
- Basal metabolic rate
- Visceral fat
Book a Session With Us
Treatments
Restoring balance with bio identical hormones
As women and men age, they experience certain life conditions, such as stress, pregnancy or menopause, their hormonal balance can be disrupted. We can restore that balance by implementing a hormone restoration program, which may also include hormone supplementation.
Are you having difficulty sleeping at night? Do you have reduced muscle strength? Or are you dealing with fatigue and a lack of energy during the day?
These could all be signs that you could be a candidate for bioidentical hormone replacement therapy.
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy helps clients regain energy, improve muscle strength, increase mental clarity and lose weight more easily. The hormone pellets release all natural, bioidentical oestrogen and/or testosterone and are metabolized consistently into the body as needed. If you think you may be a candidate for hormone replacement therapy, talk to a BioTE provider today.
Signs you may benefit from hormone replacement therapy
Men and women are often taught as they grow older that the issues they’re dealing with are simply part of aging — decreased sex drive, menopause symptoms, weight gain, fatigue, loss of mental clarity. But many of these issues can be directly treated with bioidentical hormone replacement therapy.
For women, the advent of hormonal imbalance often accompanies menopause, and the loss of oestrogen can put them at risk of premature ovary failure, heart disease, colon cancer, osteoporosis, diabetes and other serious health consequences. Some signs for women that you could be a candidate for hormone replacement therapy include:
- Difficulty sleeping at night
- Decreased muscle strength
- Reduced sexual desire
- Exhaustion, low energy and fatigue
- Weight gain, particularly around the stomach and midsection area
- Thinning Hair
- Reduced mental clarity and difficulty concentrating
- Dryer skin
- Vaginal dryness
- Menstrual cycles gradually ending
- Moodiness, anxiety or depression
- Inability to lose weight despite a healthy diet and lifestyle
- Muscle and/or joint pain
- Decreased muscle strength
For men, there isn’t as clear a transition point in life as menopause, but they still are losing testosterone regularly after age 30. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can help boost their energy and prevent significant diseases. Some signs for men that you could be a candidate for hormone replacement therapy include:
- Fatigue, exhaustion or low energy
- Difficulty achieving or sustaining an erection
- Lack of mental clarity and difficulty concentrating
- Loss of libido
- Weight gain
- Thinning hair
- Dryer skin
- Moodiness, anxiety or depression
- Lost muscle mass
- Feeling sluggish and irritable
If you think you may be a candidate for hormone replacement therapy, talk to us today.
Thyroid Health
Do you suffer with Anxiety, Constipation, cold hands and feet, concentration difficulties, depression, insomnia, Dry hair and skin, fatigue, weakness, hair-loss, heavy menstrual flow, infertility, water retention, weight gain or difficulty losing weight?
The thyroid is known as the master gland of metabolism, it regulates metabolism by controlling the rate in which the body converts calories and oxygen into energy.
The most common thyroid problems involve abnormal production of the Thyroid Hormones. Thyroid disease is mostly found in women and usually after a hormone shift in the body like, after pregnancy or after menopause.
Two of types of thyroid disease are Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidism.
Hyperthyroidism (also called an overactive thyroid) is a result of too much thyroid hormone, this can increase metabolism. Usually hyperthyroidism is caused by Graves disease.
Hypothyroidism (also known as underactive thyroid) is a condition where the thyroid does not produce enough thyroid hormone this can cause every system in your body to slow down. The slower the metabolism gets the more obvious the signs and symptoms become. Hypothyroidism can also be misdiagnosed for depression or “normal aging, so it is important to find a Doctor who knows how to test for Thyroid disease.
Your Thyroid can affect almost every aspect of your health like:
- Hair and skin changes
- Bowel problems
- Muscle and Joint pains
- Cholesterol issues
- Menstrual irregularities
- Fertility Problems
- Depression and Anxiety
- Weight Changes
- Fatigue.
Exercising that are great to help some of the symptoms of Hypothyroidism:
- Walking
- Water Aerobics
- Strength training
These Exercises will help boost your mood, help you lose weight and increase your energy.
How do you test your Thyroid?
The standard test for thyroid doesn’t capture the happenings inside the thyroid which is referred to as : thyroid stimulating hormone :(TSH). You need to test TSH / T4 and T3 as well as thyroid antibodies to be able to get an evaluation of your thyroid.
Here at the Family Integrative Medical Centre we send our patients for a full blood test before treating the thyroid.
The reason we also test for antibodies in the thyroid is to evaluate the most common causes of Hypothyroidism: Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is a condition where the immune system attacks the thyroid tissue impairing the ability to make hormones.
About 80% of people with thyroid disease have some degree of an autoimmune attack.
Nutrients that support Thyroid health
Vitamin A: retinoic acid including retinol and beta-carotene is important for thyroid health.
Iodine: is required to synthesize thyroid hormone.
Selenium: deficiency of selenium decreases the synthesis of thyroid hormones and is a necessary component of the enzyme that convert T4 into T3. Selenium also suppress antibodies by up to 40%. Great for treating Hashimoto’s Disease.
Iron: deficiency of iron can hamper the production of thyroid hormone.
Zinc: May contribute to the conversion of T4 to T3.
DHEA and Pregnenolone: people with hypothyroidism show to have lower levels of DHEA and Pregnenolone.
Vitamin D: Regulates the immune system. Also good for treating Hashimoto’s Disease.
Low Dose Neltrexone: Can be used to treat Hashimoto’s Disease.
L-Glutamine: re-establishes the gut lining. Great for treating Hashimoto’s Disease.
Probiotics: Probiotics improve the amount of T4 to T3 conversion you get by 20%, so you will have more energy by result.
Tyrosine: is an amino acid that helps hormone producing organs. It is also essential for a health Thyroid production, both T3 and T4 are Tyrosine based. This is also the precursor to the “feel good “neurotransmitter dopamine.
Testosterone Replacement: When testosterone is too low it reduces T3 activation.
Foods that can heal your Thyroid:
Salt: your thyroid needs iodine to work well. Make sure you use idolized table salt.
Leafy Greens: Spinach, lettuce and other examples are great sources of magnesium which is a mineral that plays a huge role in your body processes.
Nuts: Almonds, cashew and pumpkin seeds are excellent sources of iron. Brazil nuts also help your thyroid with iron and selenium.
Seafood: Great sources of iodine.
Butternut, Sweet potato, butternut squash: contain vitamin A which make your thyroid work well. Zinc also works tandem with vitamin A, and both support thyroid health and vision.
Foods that can make you “Thyroid Sick”:
People with Hypothyroidism should avoid too much cruciferous vegetables. (Broccoli, cauliflower, and mustard greens) it is ok in moderation as long as you are not having them more than 5 times a week. Cruciferous vegetables may become a problem if consumed more than 5 times a week, because they are considered goitrogens, which means they interfere with the uptake of iodine by your thyroid.
Goitrogen foods include: Kale, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussel sprouts, etc if eaten in moderation it is considered fine. Goitrogens can also cause an enlargement of the Thyroid, called goiter by reducing iodine.
Medi-Lean Weight Loss Programme
The Medi-Lean Weight Loss Programme is based on the HCG diet developed by Dr. A.T.W Simeon. He found that HCG helps the body to release excess fat, hence releasing the calories for your body to use as energy.
Some of the benefits of HCG include not only fat loss but also a positive effect on mood, increased energy levels, relief of body pains, decreased migraines and resetting the metabolism.
By making lifestyle changes, following a healthy diet and supporting your body with the correct supplements, you will be able to maintain your healthy weight forever.
What is Medi-Lean all about
Every person is an individual with a unique composition. Not only will your genetic make-up determine what you look like, but also how your body produces hormones, absorbs nutrients, eliminates toxins and the likelihood of developing certain diseases.
Although your DNA cannot be altered, it can be supported through lifestyle changes, a healthy diet and certain nutrients and supplements. Your specific needs can be addressed, and advice regarding your diet, exercise, detoxification and supplements can be personalised, by your Medi-Lean doctor.
Environmental factors will also play a role in your ability to maintain a healthy weight, e.g. if you have to travel a lot, it is more difficult to always follow a healthy diet or to do daily exercises. Problems like insomnia, pain and stress can have a detrimental effect on your health, hormone secretion as well as your ability to absorb nutrients.
As you age, your hormone production changes and the hormone imbalances can affect your health as well as your weight. If these discrepancies are not dealt with, your weight loss will be slower and you will struggle to maintain your weight.
Lastly, you need to follow a healthy balanced diet to maintain a healthy weight. Your Medi-Lean practitioner will assist you in not only losing unwanted fat, but also to maintaining the weight loss by supporting your overall health.
History on the HCG protocol
The HCG Protocol is based on Dr A.T.W. Simeon’s research. The Medi-Lean programme has modified the original HCG Protocol to achieve maximum results, but also to incorporate the diet into your daily schedule as easily as possible. Our goal is also not only to lose the fat, but to establish healthy habits to maintain a healthy weight. For more information on the original HCG Protocol, you can read Dr. Simeon’s book “Pounds and Inches” (published in 1954). HCG not only assists you to lose fat fast, but also resets your metabolism for you to maintain your weight loss. The HCG Protocol or any modified versions should only be attempted under the supervision of a medical practitioner trained in weight loss to prevent health risks.
HCG and a very low-calorie diet assists the body to normalise abnormal Leptin levels (a hormone that plays a very important role in fat metabolism and satiety.) The added benefits are that HCG also helps to improve other moderate hormone imbalances.
With the modified Protocol, you should be able to lose between 6-10kg of fat per cycle. If it is difficult to stick to the protocol due to hunger or cravings or you tend to lose less than this whilst sticking to the protocol 100%, it may be an indication that further investigations need to be done to eliminate other metabolic imbalances or vitamin, nutritional or mineral deficiencies. Please discuss this with your weight loss doctor. The Modified Protocol consists of a course of HCG injections administered for a minimum of 4 weeks to a maximum of 6 weeks. Your body tends to develop a resistance against the HCG injections after this. A wash-out period of 2-6 weeks is necessary to rinse out all HCG from your system, after which another course can be administered.
When you’ve lost your excess fat, it is of utmost importance to teach your body how to cope with larger portions as well as a bigger variety of food. If you don’t, you will most probably regain the fat you lost. Your healthcare provider will assist you through this transition period as well as your maintenance period.
Your diet, injections and supplements will also be different during each phase of the Medi-Lean Weight Loss Programme.
Some people will benefit from a Detoxification Process as well. A specific regime will be discussed with you.
We focus on treating our patients from the inside out
Your skin is the window that reveals the stories of your life. From Acne in your teenage years, glowing skin during your pregnancy to aging skin as we get older. It is important for us to look after our skin as it is the largest organ. Hormones, Genetics, unprotected sun exposure, stress, unhealthy diets, dehydration, and a lack of sleep can all have impact on our skin.
We use a few different Peels that have helped our patients
The Enzyme Therapy is the treatment that gets results. Enzyme Therapy is DMK world renowned signature skin revision treatment designed to rapidly restore health and natural functioning of your skin enabling it to perform just as it did when it was younger.
How Enzyme therapy helps you look younger:
- It firms and tones.
- Provides an instant, natural lift.
- Reduces the appearances of fine lines.
- Smooths out scars and rough skin.
Consultation Pricing
In Person
- (30 to 60 min)
- (+-30 min)
Online
- (30 to 60 min)
- (+-30 min)