Frequently Asked Questions

Support and repair your digestive system—from stomach acid to gut lining—using targeted nutrition, lifestyle shifts, and natural support to reduce symptoms and restore healthy function

Reduce inflammation, strengthen your immune system, and address root causes with targeted nutrition strategies tailored to your condition.

Discover which foods work for your body. I can help you identify intolerances so you can eat with confidence, without fear of flare-ups or discomfort.

Support your metabolism, reduce inflammation, and reach a healthy weight—without extreme diets. It's about balance, not restriction.

Identify key nutrient gaps affecting your energy, immunity, and overall health. We’ll work to correct imbalances so your body gets what it needs.

Improve energy, mood, and metabolism by addressing thyroid imbalances with nutrition support designed to bring your body back into balance.

Symptoms like gas, bloating, reflux (GERD or LPR), indigestion, burping, stomach cramping, or an H. pylori infection are signs that something’s not quite right at the top end of your digestive system. This includes the mouth, stomach, pancreas, liver, and gallbladder—all of which play a critical role in breaking down your food and getting your digestion off to the right start. When this early stage of digestion is out of sync, it can create a ripple effect further down the digestive tract.

This refers to imbalances or damage in the small and large intestines—where your body digests food, absorbs nutrients, and regulates much of your immune system. Issues like flatulence, constipation, diarrhea, IBS, IBD, food intolerances, parasites, SIBO, candida, leaky gut, and histamine intolerance are signs that your gut lining or microbiome may be compromised. When this part of your digestive system is out of balance, it can lead to chronic inflammation and immune dysfunction—often contributing to autoimmune conditions, fatigue, skin issues, mood changes, and more. Supporting gut health at this level is key to restoring overall well-being from the inside out.

These issues often stem from an overactive or confused immune system—and can show up in many ways throughout the body. Think immune-driven conditions like Epstein-Barr virus, hay fever, sinus infections, Hashimoto’s, Graves’ disease, rheumatoid arthritis, coeliac disease, alopecia, and more. Whether it’s recurring infections or long-term autoimmune conditions, these challenges often have underlying triggers in the gut, immune system, or hormonal balance. Identifying and reducing these triggers, calming inflammation, and supporting immune resilience is key to managing flares and restoring balance.

Feeling wired but tired? Waking through the night or struggling to get through the day despite a full night’s sleep? These symptoms often point to imbalances in the nervous system, adrenal function, and nutrient stores—especially when paired with high stress, poor sleep quality, or fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest. Think: low energy, nutrient deficiencies, high stress, insomnia, sleep apnea, restless legs, or waking tired. We work to identify what’s disrupting your energy and sleep—whether it’s blood sugar imbalances, inflammation, nutrient gaps, or stress overload—so you can start to restore deep rest, recharge your energy, and feel like yourself again.

Struggling with weight that won’t budge, elevated cholesterol, or high blood pressure? These symptoms often stem from imbalances in the metabolic and cardiovascular systems—where hormones like insulin and cortisol, and factors like inflammation and diet, play a big role. Think: weight management challenges, insulin resistance, type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, or cardiovascular disease. Together, we work to understand your unique metabolic picture, uncover underlying drivers, and support your body with practical nutrition and lifestyle shifts that promote balanced blood sugar, healthy weight, and long-term heart health.

Your thyroid plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism, energy, and overall hormonal balance. Whether you're dealing with hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroiditis, or goitre, these conditions can impact how you feel day-to-day—think fatigue, weight changes, mood shifts, and temperature sensitivity. This part of the body sits at the front of the neck, but its effects ripple throughout your whole system. At Paula Grubb Nutrition, we help identify what’s driving your thyroid imbalance and support you with targeted nutrition, lifestyle strategies, and a root-cause approach to restore better thyroid function and overall well-being.

Yes, I work with clients managing autoimmune conditions by using nutrition to reduce inflammation, support gut health, and improve immune function. A tailored dietary approach can help manage symptoms and promote long-term well-being.

Yes, I work with weight loss and metabolic health, but my approach isn’t about restrictive dieting or calorie counting. Instead, I focus on nourishing your body with the right foods to support metabolism, balance hormones, and achieve sustainable weight management. Since everyone's body is different, your plan will be completely tailored to your unique needs, goals, and lifestyle, ensuring that what works for you is personalized and effective.

Yes! Nutrition plays a key role in balancing hormones, supporting metabolism, and easing symptoms like fatigue, mood swings, and weight gain. I help women navigate hormonal changes, including menopause, through targeted food and lifestyle strategies.

Absolutely. I specialize in gut health and can help identify trigger foods, improve digestion, and restore gut balance. Whether you're dealing with bloating, reflux, IBS, or food sensitivities, I take a root-cause approach to address these issues naturally.

If you're struggling with digestive discomfort, bloating, fatigue, hormonal imbalances, or food intolerances, a nutritionist can help. Even if you feel generally well but want to optimize your health, improve energy, or prevent future issues, working with a nutritionist can provide valuable, science-backed guidance.

No, you don’t! Many of my clients come to see me without a formal diagnosis. If you're experiencing symptoms or just want to improve your health, I’m here to help you find the best approach for your body.

To make the most of your consultation, please fill out the pre-consultation questionnaire that will be sent to you in advance. This helps me understand your current eating habits, health history, and goals, so we can focus on creating a plan tailored to you. If you have any recent lab work or medical reports, feel free to bring them along as well.

During your first consultation, we’ll go over your health history, current symptoms, dietary habits, and wellness goals. I take a whole-body approach to assess how your digestive, immune, and hormonal systems are working together. From there, we create a personalized nutrition plan with practical, sustainable changes to support your long-term health.

The first consultation usually lasts around 45-60 minutes. This session allows us to dive into your health and nutrition history, giving us a clear picture of your needs, and from there, I’ll provide personalized recommendations. Follow-up consultations typically last 30 to 45 minutes, depending on your progress and what adjustments may be needed

For most clients, sessions are held every 2–3 weeks initially, then move to monthly as progress is made. Some clients achieve their goals in just 3–4 sessions, while those with chronic or more complex health concerns may need around 8–10 sessions. The number of sessions can vary depending on your individual needs and your plan. Your schedule will be personalised to give you the best chance of success.

My approach is about balance, not restriction. I help you make food choices that support your health while still allowing room for foods you enjoy. It’s all about finding what works best for your body and lifestyle.

No, you don’t! You can book an appointment directly—no referral needed. If you’re unsure whether my services are the right fit for your health concerns, I offer a free clarity call to help you decide.

No problem! I carefully check for any interactions before recommending supplements or even specific foods. My goal is to support your health safely, and I will never ask you to stop taking prescribed medication. If a review is needed, I’ll encourage you to discuss it with your GP.

A nutritionist takes a holistic approach to health, using food and lifestyle strategies to support the body’s natural balance. I focus on how different systems work together, helping you optimize health through personalized nutrition plans based on science and whole-body well-being.

I’ll keep track of your progress through regular follow-ups, where we’ll discuss how you’re feeling, any changes you’ve noticed, and any challenges you’re encountering. We’ll monitor key factors like energy levels, digestion, mood, sleep, and any specific symptoms you’re working on. If necessary, we can adjust your plan based on your feedback to ensure that your body is responding positively and you’re getting closer to your health goals.

Life happens, and if you need to reschedule or cancel your appointment, please let me know at least 24 hours in advance. This allows me to offer the time slot to someone else. If you cancel within 24 hours, there may be a cancellation fee. If you're unable to attend in person, you can opt for an online consultation as well

I understand that not everyone enjoys the same foods. My approach is all about finding what works for you. If there are certain foods you don’t like or can’t tolerate, we can find alternatives that provide similar benefits. There are always plenty of nutritious options to choose from, and my goal is to help you enjoy your meals while still nourishing your body. It’s all about creating a plan that works for your tastes and preferences.

Yes, it’s generally safe to follow my nutritional recommendations alongside medications or supplements. I take your full health picture into account and tailor your plan accordingly. However, it’s important to inform me about any medications or supplements you’re taking so we can ensure that they don’t interfere with your nutrition plan. In some cases, we may adjust your diet to enhance the effectiveness of your current medications or supplements.

No, you don’t have to make drastic changes all at once. I believe in gradual, sustainable changes that fit your life. We’ll start with small, manageable steps, such as incorporating more nutrient-dense foods or reducing specific triggers, and build from there. This approach makes the transition smoother and sets you up for long-term success without feeling deprived or overwhelmed.

Staying motivated is key to long-term success, and I’ll be with you every step of the way. I’ll help you set realistic goals and celebrate your progress, no matter how big or small. By focusing on how you feel, rather than just the numbers, you can stay motivated by seeing the positive changes in your energy, mood, and health. Plus, we’ll make sure the plan feels doable for your lifestyle, so it doesn’t feel overwhelming

Life can get hectic, and I understand it’s not always easy to stick to a nutrition plan. That’s why I create flexible plans that fit into your lifestyle. We can focus on simple, quick meals, and I’ll offer strategies to make healthy eating easier, even with a busy schedule. You won’t be expected to make drastic changes overnight. We'll take it step by step, focusing on small, manageable goals to help you stay on track.

You’ll start to see progress as you feel improvements in your energy, digestion, mood, and overall well-being. We’ll track your progress together during follow-up consultations, where we can assess any changes, discuss how you're feeling, and adjust your plan if necessary. It's important to note that results may vary, and sometimes, progress can take time. It’s all about building sustainable habits that work for your body.

I provide personalized nutrition plans tailored to your needs, including meal suggestions, food swaps, and portion guidance. My goal is to help you create sustainable eating habits rather than following a rigid plan.

I prioritize whole foods first, but in some cases, targeted supplements can provide additional support. I only recommend supplements when necessary and ensure they are high-quality and appropriate for your needs.

Every person is different, but many clients start noticing improvements in digestion, energy, and overall well-being within a few weeks. Long-term results depend on consistency, your health history, and how your body responds to dietary adjustments.

Nutrition plays a key role in whole-body healing by supporting digestion, hormone balance, immune function, and energy levels. By nourishing your body with the right foods, you can reduce inflammation, restore gut health, and improve overall well-being. A personalized nutrition approach helps align your body’s systems, addressing the root cause of symptoms rather than just masking them—so you can feel stronger, more energized, and in balance.

Yes! I offer both in-person consultations at my clinic in Palmerston, Otago, and online consultations via Zoom, so you can access support no matter where you are.

15 minutes @ $0.00, By phone A 15 minute phone chat to discuss your health goals and how nutritional medicine can help your health concerns. ​​​​

Initial Consultation - Online/In Clinic - 100% Prepaid 75 minutes @ $220.00 - Split over your first 2 appointments Children under 12 - $200.00 Your first appointment is information gathering and is 45 minutes. Your second appointment is one week later (30 minutes) for discussion about your personalized plan. Access to practitioner only testing and supplements Follow up Consultation - Online/In Clinic - 100% Prepaid 30 minutes @ $80.00 Children under 12 - $70.00 For existing clients to monitor progress, review test results and make changes to treatment plans.

Back on Track Package - Online/In Clinic - 100% Prepaid 2.25 hours @ $360.00 - 4 Appointments Children under 12 - $320.00 This is made up of your initial consultation (as above) and a further 2 follow up appointments. Follow up Bundle - Online/In Clinic - 100% Prepaid 90 minutes @ $210.00 - 3 Appointments Children under 12 $180.00 To be used after your initial consultation or back on track package. Comprises of 3 x 30 minute appointments

1 hour @ Carb Choice$450.00 - 100% Prepaid Health & Wellbeing $680.00 100% Prepaid Split over 2 appointments​​ This includes your initial appointment and follow up at 30 minutes each, genetic test, lab fees, report and recommendations based on results, with access to practitioner only products ​ More information

Remedy Assist 100% Prepaid 20 minutes @ Adults - $47.00 Children under 12 - $37.00 Remedy included ​ From the practitioner only Homeobotanical dispensary, a custom made 1 month homeobotancial remedy to directly target your health concerns. Read more here

30 minutes @ $80.00 ​​100% Prepaid This includes your appointment, medication compatibility review, personalised supplement script and access to practitioner only products (purchased separately) More information ​

Add on $10.00 each Stand alone service - $120.00 ​Nails, tongue, face & sclera examinations Individually selected options can be added to your initial consultation or a complete audit used as a stand alone appointment Find out what's involved here

30 minutes @ $40.00 - $99.00​ - 100% Prepaid Add on to an initial appointment or use as a stand alone appointments. Includes a report on findings, recommendations based on findings and access to practitioner only products. More information

POA ​- 100% Prepaid There are a variety of testing options available. These will be discussed at your appointment. Food intolerances, vitamin/minerals, blood pathology, hormone testing, microbiome, genetic testing, heavy metals & more

DNA testing focuses on understanding the genetic factors that influence your health. While traditional health tests, such as blood work or scans, provide a snapshot of your current health, DNA tests offer deeper insights into how your genetic makeup affects your long-term health and wellness. It helps you take a proactive, personalized approach to your health rather than a reactive one.

Yes, DNA testing can offer personalized insights into how your body processes different types of food and responds to various diets. By identifying specific genetic markers, we can help you understand your body's ability to burn fat, absorb nutrients, and manage appetite. This knowledge can guide you in making better choices to reach and maintain a healthy weight.

Not at all! DNA health testing is a tool to help you make more informed choices, but it doesn’t mean you need to drastically change your entire lifestyle. Instead, you can use the insights to tweak your diet, exercise, and wellness habits to better suit your body’s genetic needs and goals. Small adjustments can make a big difference in optimizing your health.

DNA testing can identify genetic factors that influence your body’s response to certain foods, such as lactose, gluten, or certain types of carbohydrates. Understanding these genetic predispositions can help you make more informed dietary choices and reduce uncomfortable symptoms associated with food sensitivities or allergies.

our genetic makeup remains the same throughout your life, so the results of your DNA health test will not change. However, as science and research advance, new insights may emerge that could provide you with additional information or more refined recommendations. Revisiting your test results with updated research can help you continue optimizing your health.

Once you've had a DNA health test, there’s no immediate need for frequent re-testing, as your genetic makeup doesn’t change over time. However, it can be beneficial to revisit the results if you experience significant health changes or decide to adjust your diet or lifestyle, as this can provide additional insights into how your body is responding.

Yes, DNA health reports can provide valuable insights for managing conditions such as weight management, hormonal imbalances, food sensitivities, and immune health. By understanding your genetic predispositions, you can make better-informed decisions about diet, supplements, and lifestyle habits to improve your health outcomes.

Yes, DNA health testing is based on robust scientific research and cutting-edge technology. We use advanced methods to analyze your genetic code and identify variations that influence health outcomes. While lifestyle factors still play a role in health, genetic testing provides personalized insights into your body's predispositions and how it may respond to various factors.

DNA testing helps you understand how your genetics influence key areas of your health, from nutrient absorption and hormone regulation to fitness performance and immune function. By identifying genetic variations, you can tailor your lifestyle choices, nutrition, and exercise routines to optimize your health and reduce the risk of developing chronic conditions.

DNA health testing analyzes specific genes that influence various aspects of your health, including nutrition, fitness, immune system function, and hormonal balance. By examining your genetic makeup, we can provide insights into your body's unique needs and how it responds to different environmental factors. This empowers you to make informed decisions about your diet, lifestyle, and wellness practices.