Marika Walker - Nutritional Therapist
Hope Valley Nutrition is run by Marika Walker (Dip CNM, mBANT), a Registered Nutritional Therapist. She is also the Director of Studies for the College of Naturopathic Medicine in Manchester, where she has graduated from. Marika is accredited by the Complementary & Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC) a government-sponsored registration body for complementary healthcare practitioners. She is also a registered member of the British Association for Applied Nutrition and Nutritional Therapy (BANT).
About me
I originally come from the country of midnight sun and berries, mushrooms and fish - Finland. I have been interested in healthy foods and lifestyle all my life, but a serious motorbike accident in my early 30's really changed the way I live and what I eat. My background before nutrition studies was in International Business and I have worked in Finland, Holland and France, and graduated from the Grenoble Graduate School of Business with an MBA (Masters of Business Administration). Now I enjoy helping people to feel better, and my magnificent Irish Wolfhound dog takes me on daily walks in the beautiful Peak District National Park.
I do not believe in following a restrictive diet and I truly believe that home cooked, whole, natural food is the most positive step you can make in taking control of your health. However, everyone’s body is unique and reacts in different ways to the foods we feed it. I aim to show you the link between your symptoms and the food you may be eating. I will show you alternatives and how to procure and produce healthy food. I will inspire you to make changes as you gain control and bring the body back into balance. I will work with you to create a new lifestyle, something that works for you. As one of my clients said:
The results of following your advice has been a marked and sustained improvement in my general health' and has considerably lessened the impact of IBS on my day to day activities. I have found your approach extremely helpful and would like to thank you again for coming up with an effective way of tackling my IBS that has translated into a notable improvement in my quality of life. – Tony H 
Areas of health in which Marika has a particular interest include
- ADHD children - I am at the moment taking part of a trial where I help ADHD kids to feel better via diet changes and appropriate supplements. This has been really satisfying as Nutritional Therapy can really make a difference on the behaviour of these children - alongside with concentional medicine.
- Thyroid function - Thyroid problems can have a massive impact on your health and your life. Diet and lifestyle changes can make a real difference on how you feel. Many people with thyroid problems are on medications, and still don't feel well. If this is you, I would recommend you to get in contact, as there is so much more than can be done to make you feel better.
- Digestive and bowel health - This is one of the most frequent concerns of people who come to see me and I find it very satisfying to help clients who have often suffered years of unpleasant and sometimes embarrasing symptoms to get these under control, which can really improve their quality of life. It is vital that symptoms are checked out with your doctor to rule out any underlying disease process such as bowel cancer. Doctors frequently recognise the importance of diet in controlling the symptoms of IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) and Nutritional Therapy can provide an individually tailored approach and support. There is a strong connection between the health of your gut and your mood. Nourishing your gut microbiome can make you happier and more relaxed. Looking after your gut health can have a positive impact on your mood and health.
- Fertility - I have gone through years of infertility, and many rounds of IVF. I have tried all the possible supplements, diet and lifestyle changes, and private tests. I know how hard the journey to pregnancy and beyond can be, and I am passionate to help you on your journey! The first step is to change your diet to include variety of vegetables, especially green leafy vegetables (source of folate), enough protein (in every meal), and exclude toxins from your life (alcohol, drugs, plastics, fizzy drinks, sweeteners, excess sugars, chemicals in beauty and cleaning products). Get in contact and we can get your body to a best possible place to start a healthy pregnancy, and have a healthy baby.
