Monika Bettney
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I have been working in the field of gastroenterology since 2012 and gut microbiome has always been of interest to me. It’s a subject that you can’t get bored of and the rate at which our knowledge is increasing about the significance of it (thanks to research) is mind-blowing.”
ABOUT MONIKA BETTNEY:
Monika has worked with private patients for over six years.
She has an extensive knowledge of the role of nutrition in disease, advising clients on dietary modifications to treat their condition whilst ensuring a balanced diet and preventing nutritional deficiency.
Monika is a member of the Bristish Dietetic Association and is registered with Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). She is also a member of the Gastroenterology Specialist Group, Food Allergy Specialist Group and Freelance Dietitians Specialist Group.
Monika is recognised by all major private health providers including; BUPA, Aviva and Cigna.
Monika Bettney, Dietitian, Bachelor of Clinical Nutrition, Masters in Nutrition & Dietetics & expert advisor for IBS Network
Clinic Name: MB Dietetics
Area of expertise: Gut Health and Dietary Intolerances - Dietary counselling for Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Constipation, Food Intolerances, Bile Acid Malabsorption, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Coeliac disease and Eosinophilic Oesophagitis.
Also, Women’s Health + Disordered Eating
Clinic Location: London (Canary Wharf) + Sheffield (city centre)
Remote consultations: Yes, face time or skype
Contact: monikabettney@gmail.com
What is your earliest memory?
I remember a very cold winter with lots of snow and me wearing this thick brown faux fur coat trying to run around, but struggling through the multiple layers of clothing. I remember thinking that I looked like a bear.
Where or when are you the happiest?
So many places and people make me happy and it is completely circumstantial... I tend to feel happy and content when I’m the mountains or by the sea. I think it’s something about being engulfed by nature that makes me appreciate life and the simple things.
What is the gutsiest thing you have ever done?
Moving to England when I was 18 leaving all of my friends and family behind.
What is your current life philosophy?
Be the reason someone believes in the goodness of people.
What 3 things do you treasure the most?
Sleep, good food (with friends) and a cold glass of rosé
How would your greatest friend describe you in 3 words?
Thoughtful, kind and funny. I would expect them to remember the good things!
How did you first become interested in Gut Health?
During my first degree in Clinical Nutrition I did a module in gastroenterology where I was introduced to the fascinating world of gut microbiome.
Where do you see the future for Gut Health awareness in the UK?
It’s apparent that more and more people are becoming interested in the importance of gut microbiome and its effect on health as a whole. I hope that this is going to be matched by reliable and engaging websites, social media and events.
What achievement are you most proud of in your career so far?
I have been extremely lucky to have been invited on a number of occasions to teach and present to gastroenterology registrars, doctors and medical students about the dietary management of IBS and the associated conditions. Every time I am invited to present or teach, it reminds me how far I’ve come and how much I’ve learnt over the years.
Who is your favourite person working in the field of gut health at the moment?
There are so many great doctors, nurses and dietitians working in the field of gut health that I respect and admire, but if I had to choose one, it would be my colleague and dear friend, Rani Nagarajah. Her expertise in gastroenterology combined with her genuine care for her patients makes her an excellent dietitian.
What is your favourite gut health fact or quote?
To those who claim that all this hype about the significance of gut microbiome is a trend, I point out that, in the past decade, there have been 11305 research papers published on gut microbiome (Pubmed). In comparison, in the decade before, there were only 50. I don’t see this field as a trend, it’s more like an avalanche of knowledge that has been released to us in the recent years and will keep growing.
Who inspires you most?
My husband (on his good days). He has infectious energy and creativity.
What tune gets you going?
I’ve got so many favourite songs and it completely depends on my mood at the time... Some examples..
She’s a Burglar by Howard Tate
There is a Light that Never Goes Out by the Smiths
It Girl by the Brian Jonestown Massacre
Went to War by Amason
All songs can be found on our GUTSY GETS YOU GOING playlist on Spotify
“Monika did an excellent job in planning my treatment for Chrohn’s disease and helping me stick to it. I spent six weeks on an exclusively liquid diet, at the beginning Monika explained everything very clearly and gave me excellent tips to make sticking to the plan easier. Monika was very diligent about checking my progress and liaising with my consultant gastroenterologist. Monika was always approachable and so I felt free to ask all my questions.”