Laila Charlesworth Nutrition

03/02/2026

February is Heart Month ❤️

Heart health isn’t just about the heart.

Your gut plays a role in inflammation, blood sugar balance and cholesterol handling — all important for long-term cardiovascular health.

This Heart Month, focusing on gut-supportive habits is one simple way to support your heart too.

19/01/2026

We’re often told to “just make better choices” when it comes to food. But most food decisions are made in seconds, in environments like this — busy, overwhelming, and dominated by ultra-processed options.

Nutrition science is increasingly recognising that obesity and diet-related health are shaped as much by food environments as by individual behaviour.

I’ve pulled the evidence together in a new blog — from food labelling to ultra-processed foods to lived experience in UK supermarkets.

👉 You can read my blog here: https://www.lailacharlesworth.co.uk/post/from-labels-to-lived-experience-what-nutrition-science-is-really-telling-us-about-obesity-upfs-and

06/01/2026

This January, for Love Your Liver Month, I’m sharing how small lifestyle habits can have a big impact on your liver health.

As a functional nutritionist, I help people improve their energy, digestion, skin, hormones and yes, liver function - by getting to the root cause, not chasing trends.

💻 My latest blog breaks it all down: signs your liver may be struggling, hidden stressors, and science-backed ways to nourish this essential organ.

📖 https://www.lailacharlesworth.co.uk/blog

Start the year strong—support your liver, support your life. 💚

05/01/2026

Folic acid isn’t the same as natural folate and that can matter for some people.

Folic acid is a synthetic form of folate added to bread and cereals. Most people can convert it into the active forms the body needs. However, some individuals (particularly those with reduced methylation capacity), certain genetic variants, or a history of hormone, fertility, neurological or inflammatory issues, may convert it less efficiently.

In these cases, unmetabolised folic acid can accumulate and may compete with active folate at the cellular level. This doesn’t mean fortified foods are “bad”, but it does mean that one-size-fits-all nutrition doesn’t always fit everyone.

If you’re curious whether this applies to you, I offer testing and personalised guidance to help identify the most supportive form and intake of folate for your body. You’re welcome to get in touch to explore this further.

There are a number of changes in bread legislation coming in 2026

05/01/2026

Hurrah!! 🥳

Ban on adverts for ‘less healthy food’ set to come into full effect

https://www.itv.com/news/2026-01-04/ban-on-adverts-for-less-healthy-food-set-to-come-into-full-effect

04/01/2026

As a nutritionist, I often see how small, intentional changes can create ripple effects across health and wellbeing. Dry January (taking a break from alcohol for the month) is more than a challenge - it’s an opportunity to notice how your body responds when you remove a common stressor.

Why Try Dry January?
- Liver support: Alcohol is processed by the liver, and even short breaks give this vital organ space to recover and rebalance.
- Sleep quality: Alcohol may help you fall asleep, but it disrupts deep restorative sleep cycles. Many people report better rest within weeks of abstaining.
- Mood and clarity: Without alcohol’s depressant effects, energy and focus often improve.
- Metabolic reset: Alcohol can affect blood sugar regulation and digestion. A pause allows you to observe how your body feels without it.

Nutrition Tips for Success
- Hydrate with purpose 💧: Replace alcohol with herbal teas, sparkling water, or infused water (think lemon, mint, ginger).
- Balance blood sugar 🍲: Prioritise protein and fibre-rich meals to reduce cravings and stabilise energy.
- Support detox pathways 🥦: Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage) and foods rich in antioxidants help the liver do its job more efficiently.
- Mindful rituals 🌙: If alcohol was part of your wind-down routine, swap it for breathing exercises or a calming tea.

Try to think of Dry January about curiosity rather than restriction. Notice how your body, mood and habits shift. At the end of the month, you’ll have valuable insights into what role alcohol plays in your life and whether you want to make longer-term changes...and a very happy and healthy new year to you!

30/12/2025

Need to wean off proton pump inhibitors? I can help!

The NHS has important guidance for anyone taking lansoprazole for three months or more

29/12/2025

'Drinking water from plastic bottles is fine in an emergency, but it isn’t something that should be used in daily life'

23/12/2025

God Jul & Merry Christmas ✨

A gentle reminder this festive season - nourishment isn’t just about what’s on your plate; it’s about rest, connection, joy and feeling safe enough to exhale.

Eat well, eat enough, savour the moments and let go of perfection.

Wishing you a Christmas filled with warmth, balance and good health 🤍

(P.S. God Jul is pronounced “Good Yule” 😉)

17/11/2025

Have time to help a PhD researcher? Please contact Leila if you do.

14/11/2025

This year’s theme is Diabetes and Wellbeing - a reminder that diabetes isn’t just about numbers, it’s about living fully at every stage of life.

💙 I’ve had the privilege of supporting people to:
- Reverse prediabetes through practical, sustainable changes
- Improve blood sugar management so they feel more in control
- Safely reduce insulin needs by combining nutrition and lifestyle
- Achieve healthy weight shifts that support long-term wellbeing

✨ Diabetes care is not one-size-fits-all. With the right tools, knowledge and support, people can thrive, not just survive.

👉 If you’re living with diabetes or prediabetes, or supporting someone who is, know that change is possible. I’m here to help you turn science into everyday strategies that work.

05/11/2025

Enjoyed presenting at this webinar today ❤️