Master of Nutrition
Nutrition Consultant Peter Clark has a Masters
degree in Human Nutrition (with distinction) from
the Northern General Hospital, University of
Sheffield, which he completed in 1998.
Previously he worked for eight years in the
nutritional supplement industry, advising healthcare
practitioners about nutritional issues and supplements.
He also has a degree in biochemistry from the University
of Leeds. He works alongside professional and
semi-professional sports clubs, including Barnsley FC,
Huddersfield Town FC and Wakefield Wildcats RLFC. He
devises nutritional health checks and programmes for
people who want to lose weight or wish to eat in a more
healthy way, and gives advice on nutritional
supplements.
He said: “People come to see me for a number of
reasons. It may simply be that they want to lose weight.
Some want to know how to change their diet to limit
health problems, including poor skin, arthritis,
allergies, or fatigue. “Sports people are usually
looking to improve their energy levels, maintain or gain
muscle or lose excess body fat.”
After gathering health, medical history and lifestyle
information about his clients, Peter can give them a
programme containing dietary, supplement and lifestyle
strategies which help them to achieve their aims or
resolve a particular health problem.
fit for life Q&A
with Nutrition Consultant Peter Clark
Q I’m in my late 30’s and feel very tired
all the time, but my doctor says that there’s
nothing wrong. Can you help me? Mrs H., Sheffield
A Fatigue can be due to an underlying illness or medical
condition, so it is important that you have consulted
your GP. The most common cause of fatigue among young
women, however, is due to iron deficiency. This is
particularly likely if you are vegetarian or vegan, or
have heavy periods. Your doctor will have checked your
haemoglobin levels (your functional iron), but these can
be fine even when your body’s iron stores are depleted.
Check that your doctor has tested your serum ferritin as
this gives an indication of your body’s iron stores. If
these are low to start with, or are decreasing, then an
iron supplement would probably be beneficial.
Another common cause of fatigue is a poor diet. Not
eating enough carbohydrate foods such as potato, rice,
bread, and pasta can leave someone short of energy. This
is because carbohydrates are the primary ‘fuel’ our body
burns for energy. Other dietary causes of tiredness
include eating too much sugar, drinking too much
caffeine, and food allergies. If you suspect food
allergies you will need the help of a nutritionist or
allergy specialist to help you determine any problem
foods so that they can be eliminated from your diet.
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Q I have really bad arthritis in my left knee. Do you
think that glucosamine sulphate might help? Mrs F., LeedsA I have known people who have experienced significant
improvements while taking glucosamine sulphate.
Glucosamine is the building block of substances called
proteoglycans from which cartilage is made. Several
studies have demonstrated that glucosamine sulphate
relieves the joint pain, swelling and tenderness
associated with arthritis, often within a few weeks.
Q Every year after Christmas I diet and lose
weight, but it always goes back on again. How can I
keep the weight off? Mrs A., Leeds
A The first thing to do is to focus on fat loss rather
than weight loss. Although you can quickly lose water
and stored carbohydrate, they are just as quickly
replaced. You don’t want to lose any muscle, as it is
the best calorie burner your body will ever have.
To lose fat eat fewer fatty foods including biscuits,
cakes, fried foods, processed foods, and fatty meat.
Remember that alcohol is an unnecessary source of
additional calories. Do eat plenty of carbohydrates,
protein and essential fats. If you don’t eat enough of
these your metabolism will slow and you will lose lean
body tissue (including muscle) in addition to fat, which
sets you up for yo-yo dieting. Regular exercise, both
aerobic such as walking, jogging, and swimming, and
anaerobic (to build muscle) are also important. Aim to
lose about ˝lb of fat a week. This can easily be
measured using callipers or a Body Stat unit at your
local health club or gym.
Q My three year old daughter has really bad eczema is there anything you could suggest? Mrs M., Leeds
A Eczema in young children is often linked with food
sensitivities. The two most frequent offenders are dairy
products and eggs, but any food which provokes a rash
should be completely avoided.
Evening primrose oil has
been shown to be effective, particularly in reducing
itching. It can be taken orally and used as an ointment.
Fresh oily fish such as sardines, salmon, herring and
mackerel contain essential oils which have an
anti-inflammatory effect. Supplements (and ointments)
containing zinc and vitamin C can also be helpful. |
