Kat Bright is a naturopathic nutritionist whose interest in establishing and tackling the root causes of unwanted symptoms before offering natural solutions through diet and nutrition resonates strongly with our ethos here at Skin:Genius. Kat is one of our experts upon whom we can call for advice, insight and guidance. Not to mention some very tasty recipes! We’re delighted to have her on board and enjoyed catching up to find out more about her approach, inspiration and secrets for success.
Welcome to Skin:Genius Kat. Before we go any further, can you explain what exactly is a naturopathic nutritionist?
A naturopathic nutritionist treats the root cause of health issues rather than just the symptoms. We work on helping clients make changes to their diet through personalised plans, as well as lifestyle changes such as stress management, sleep improvement or exercise. Where necessary, we can recommend nutritional supplements to address specific health concerns.
What interests you about this line of work?
I love helping people make simple changes to their diet or lifestyle that have such a huge impact in how they feel. There’s usually an ‘ah ha’ moment when they realise the benefits of the changes and I know that they’ll never go back to what they were doing before. It could be supporting them with weight management, sleeping through the night, reversing their Type 2 diabetes or lowering their blood pressure without medication. I am a naturally nurturing being and genuinely want to help people to feel their best.
Why is it so relevant in today’s society?
Our healthcare is very much a pill for an ill, but it doesn’t get to the root cause of why someone is suffering. I am always striving to understand how people end up in less than optimal health. It’s a bit like being a health detective. At the moment our healthcare system doesn’t have time to deal with preventative medicine, which is where I see my role. I often work alongside GPs and other healthcare providers to support my clients’ health.
Tell us a little more about yourself
I live in Sevenoaks, Kent with my husband and three children (two boys and a girl) – although the boys are adults now! In my spare time I enjoy cooking, going to the gym and strength training, Nordic walking and reading.
What sort of people do you help?
Most of my clients are females over the age of 40 and I help support hormonal imbalance, low energy, fatigue, brain fog, insomnia, hair loss or difficulty losing weight.
Why is good nutrition so important for good skin?
We really are what we eat. Dry skin, acne, eczema, dermatitis or psoriasis are a good indication that you are either not eating optimally or your body is reacting to something in the environment it is in.
What are the most common skin conditions that people ask you to help them solve?
With my age group of clients, the most common conditions I see are dry skin or hormonal acne.
What store cupboard food essentials can you not live without?
Tinned sardines – they’re full of omega-3 fatty acids, calcium and protein. Perfect for a quick protein-packed lunch.
Which nutrients are most important for clear skin and why?
Vitamin C is essential for collagen production – no vitamin C, then no collagen. Vitamin A and essential fatty acids are important to avoid dry or rough skin. Zinc is important for the production of new skin cells and a lack of this mineral can lead to stretch marks or poor healing.
Which foods are best to help stabilise hormonal breakouts?
Hormonal breakouts are often linked to unbalanced or poor clearance of oestrogen in the body. This results in histamine, a neurotransmitter, becoming more excessive in the body resulting in more allergic or inflammatory reactions. My favourite foods to help support oestrogen clearance are the cruciferous vegetables – broccoli, cabbage, kale, watercress, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower and radish.
What’s the most common skincare food myth that you’d like to put straight?
Chocolate gives you spots! The underlying cause for acne is usually a result of many issues rather than just an excess of sugar.
What made you want to come on board as a Skin:Genius expert?
Skin is our largest organ and what we put on our skin is really important as toxic chemicals will be absorbed straight into our blood stream. I like that Skin:Genuis uses natural and chemical free ingredients.
Finally, what is your favourite Skin:Genius product and why?
I love the Oil Day Long. It’s not greasy or sticky and I have noticed a huge difference to my upper arms which can tend to be dry. I apply after my shower to my arms and chest and then use at night on my face to leave it replenished.