What Happens During a Gut Health Consultation?
Quick answer: A gut health consultation with me starts with a free 15-minute discovery call. If we decide to work together, you fill in an intake form and send any previous test results before your first session, which lasts about an hour, in person in Lisbon or Estoril or online. We go through your full history, symptoms, digestion, diet, sleep, stress and medication. Afterwards you receive a personalised written plan, and we meet for follow-up sessions, usually every four to six weeks.
- It starts with a free, no-obligation 15-minute call.
- The first session takes about an hour and looks at your whole history, not just your symptoms.
- You receive a written, personalised plan with food, lifestyle and, only where needed, supplements.
- Testing is suggested only when the result would change what we do.
Booking help for your gut can feel like a big step, especially if you have already seen several people, tried diets and supplements, and still do not have answers. Not knowing what will happen in the room (or on the screen) makes it harder. So here is exactly how I work, step by step.
If you would like an overview of my services first, you can see how I work and what's included, or take my short gut health quiz to see which pattern your symptoms may fit.
Who is a gut health consultation for?
Most people who come to me have one or more of these: bloating, IBS, suspected or confirmed SIBO, reflux and heartburn, constipation or loose stools, food reactions they cannot pin down, or symptoms that started after an infection, antibiotics or a stressful period. Many have already seen their doctor and been told their tests are "normal", but they still do not feel well.
I work alongside your doctor, not instead of them. My role is to look at nutrition, digestion and lifestyle in detail, and to help you put together a plan that fits your life.
Step 1: The free 15-minute discovery call
This is a short call to hear what is going on, answer your questions and see whether my approach is a good fit for you. There is no cost and no obligation. If it is not the right fit, or if I think you should see your doctor first, I will tell you. You can book the discovery call here.
Step 2: Booking your first session
If we decide to go ahead, we book your initial session. It lasts about an hour and can be:
- In person in Lisbon (city centre) or Estoril.
- Online by Google Meet, wherever you are.
Sessions are available in English, Portuguese, Spanish and French.
Step 3: Before the session — intake form and previous tests
After booking you receive a confirmation email with an intake form. It covers your symptoms, history, diet, medication and supplements. Please also send any previous test results you have: blood tests, stool tests, breath tests, endoscopy or colonoscopy reports. If you have kept a food and symptom diary, bring that too; it is one of the most useful things you can share.
I read everything before we meet, so the session time is spent on the things that matter.
Step 4: What happens during the first session?
This is a conversation, not an interrogation. We look at the full picture, because gut symptoms rarely have a single cause. Typically we cover:
| Area | What we look at |
|---|---|
| Your story and timeline | When symptoms started and what was happening then: infections, antibiotics, travel, stress, pregnancy, surgery, medication changes |
| Symptoms | Bloating, pain, reflux, nausea, fatigue, skin, mood; when they happen and what makes them better or worse |
| Digestion and stools | Appetite, fullness, bowel frequency and form, urgency, wind |
| Diet and eating pattern | What you eat, how much, when, how quickly, and what you have already tried |
| Sleep and stress | How you sleep, workload, nervous system patterns |
| Menstrual cycle and hormones | Cycle-related changes in symptoms, where relevant |
| Medication and supplements | What you take, for how long, and any interactions to be aware of |
| Previous tests | What your results suggest, and what has not yet been looked at |
By the end we will have a clearer view of the patterns behind your symptoms and the priorities to work on first. If anything you describe needs medical attention, I will say so clearly and suggest you see your doctor.
Step 5: Your personalised written plan
After the session you receive a written plan tailored to you. It usually includes:
- Food: practical changes, meal ideas and what to adjust, rather than a long list of banned foods. Where a structured approach such as a short-term low-FODMAP phase makes sense, it comes with a clear plan for reintroduction.
- How you eat: meal timing, spacing and eating habits.
- Lifestyle: sleep, movement and nervous system support. Stress has a direct effect on digestion, as I explain in can stress affect digestion?
- Supplements, only where they earn their place, with doses, timing and brand options. I prefer short, focused lists to a cupboard full of bottles.
Step 6: Testing, only when it changes decisions
I do not suggest tests by default. Sometimes a functional test, such as a stool microbiome test, may add information about digestion, inflammation markers or the balance of gut bacteria, although the evidence for these tests is still limited. I suggest it when the result would genuinely change what we do, and I explain what it can and cannot tell us before you decide. Some investigations belong with your doctor, and I will point you there when that is the case.
Step 7: Follow-up sessions
Follow-up sessions last about 50 minutes and usually happen every four to six weeks. We review what has changed, adjust the plan, interpret any test results and move to the next phase. Gut health is rarely a straight line, and the follow-ups are where much of the real progress happens. How many sessions you need depends on your situation; we discuss this openly as we go.
Working alongside your doctor
Nutritional therapy complements medical care; it does not replace it. If you have blood in your stool, unintentional weight loss, persistent vomiting, difficulty swallowing, anaemia, or new persistent symptoms after the age of 50, please see your GP first. These are signs that UK guidelines ask doctors to investigate promptly [1, 2]. Symptoms that regularly wake you at night are also worth discussing with your doctor. If any of these come up during our work together, I will refer you back to your doctor.
Ready to understand what is going on with your gut?
Start with a free 15-minute call — no cost, no obligation.
Book your free 15-minute call →You can also book a session directly or read more about me and my training.
Frequently asked questions
How long is a gut health consultation?
The first session lasts about an hour. Follow-up sessions last about 50 minutes. Before either, there is a free 15-minute discovery call.
Can I have a gut health consultation online?
Yes. Sessions are available online by Google Meet, as well as in person in Lisbon and Estoril, in English, Portuguese, Spanish and French.
What should I bring to my first session?
Your completed intake form, any previous test results (blood, stool, breath tests, endoscopy or colonoscopy reports), a list of medication and supplements, and a food and symptom diary if you have one.
Will I need to do a stool test?
Not necessarily. Testing is suggested only when the result would change what we do, and you will know what it can and cannot show before you decide.
Do I need to stop my medication?
No. Never stop or change medication without speaking to your doctor. I work alongside your medical care.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on your situation. Most people have follow-up sessions every four to six weeks while working through their plan; we discuss what makes sense for you as we go.
References
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Suspected cancer: recognition and referral (NG12). 2015, last updated 15 April 2026. nice.org.uk/guidance/ng12
- Vasant DH, Paine PA, Black CJ, et al. British Society of Gastroenterology guidelines on the management of irritable bowel syndrome. Gut. 2021;70(7):1214–1240. PubMed
This article is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always work with your doctor for diagnosis and before making changes to your care.