Welcome to
Nurturing Life and Wellness
Evidence-Informed Naturopathy & Nutrition for Complex and Chronic Health Concerns
At Nurturing Life & Wellness, I work with people experiencing complex, chronic, persistent or unresolved health concerns who are looking for a more comprehensive approach to their health and wellbeing.
Whether you are dealing with digestive disorders, histamine intolerance, MCAS, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, dysautonomia, hormonal imbalances, chronic pain, arthritis, autoimmune-related symptoms, allergies, or recovery following neurological events such as stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA), I provide personalised naturopathic and clinical nutrition support based on your individual health picture.
Rather than focusing solely on individual symptoms, my approach considers the bigger picture of your health — including nutrition, digestion, immune function, inflammation, nervous system function, hormonal health, metabolism, lifestyle, emotional wellbeing, medications and previous investigations.
Your consultation may include a detailed health history, comprehensive case analysis, review of existing blood tests and medical investigations, and, where appropriate, recommendations for further functional or conventional testing to discuss with your healthcare provider. This allows us to build a clearer understanding of your health and identify areas that may warrant further investigation or support.
Many people I work with have already spent years searching for answers — consulting different practitioners, undergoing investigations and trying multiple approaches — yet continue to experience symptoms that affect their quality of life.
My approach combines evidence-informed clinical nutrition, naturopathic medicine and herbal medicine, with individualised support for digestive, nutritional, nervous-system, immune and hormonal health. Where appropriate, I may prescribe practitioner-grade nutritional supplements and herbal formulas as part of a broader treatment strategy.
A Plan Designed Around You
Every person receives an individualised plan based on their health history, symptoms, goals, circumstances and readiness for change.For some people, a single Express Consultation provides the clarity and direction they need. Others may benefit from a more comprehensive approach involving ongoing support, review of investigations, practitioner-grade prescriptions and regular adjustments as their health evolves.
My work is grounded in a systems-based perspective, recognising the interconnected relationship between the gut, immune system, hormones, nervous system, metabolism, nutrition and emotional wellbeing. Looking at these areas together allows recommendations to be developed that are evidence-informed while remaining practical for everyday life.
I also use SMART goals and structured, step-by-step strategies, helping you translate your health priorities into realistic actions that can be monitored and adjusted over time.
A Collaborative Approach to Your Health
Above all, I aim to provide a supportive, judgement-free and collaborative healthcare experience where you feel heard, understood and empowered to take an active role in your wellbeing. Your circumstances, needs and pace are respected.
There are no unrealistic expectations or pressure to make changes before you are ready. I believe healthcare should be practical and purposeful, with each consultation having a clear role in helping you move forward — rather than creating unnecessary dependence on ongoing appointments.Together, we work towards meaningful goals such as reducing the impact of symptoms, improving day-to-day function, supporting resilience and building sustainable health habits.
If you are looking for a personalised and evidence-informed approach that combines thorough assessment, appropriate testing and practical guidance, I welcome you to begin your journey with Nurturing Life & Wellness.
Meet Wanessa Sarmento
Wanessa Sarmento is dedicated to supporting individuals in restoring their health, rebuilding resilience, and reconnecting with a sense of vitality—particularly in moments when it may feel difficult to see a way forward. Now based in Tauranga, Wanessa works across both clinical and healthcare environments.
Wanessa’s academic background reflects a strong foundation in both science and clinical practice. She holds a Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics from Brazil, a Postgraduate Certificate in Health Sciences from the University of Auckland, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Research from Victoria University of Wellington. She has also completed professional training in naturopathy and herbal medicine and has undertaken further postgraduate study in health sciences at the University of Auckland.
She has over 10 years of experience working within hospital environments, including roles in administration and medical interpreting. She is currently involved in hospital administration support at Tauranga Hospital and continues to work as a Portuguese and Spanish interpreter across medical and legal settings, including for the New Zealand Ministry of Justice and hospitals in Tauranga and Auckland. This experience has given her a strong understanding of healthcare environments, patient care, and clinical systems, while reinforcing the importance of clear, compassionate, and respectful communication. These experiences complement her holistic approach to care and her commitment to creating a supportive experience where each person feels heard, understood, and respected.
Alongside her clinical work, Wanessa has contributed to health education at a tertiary level, teaching Level 7 Health Science courses and tutoring students at AUT and the University of Auckland. This experience has strengthened her ability to translate complex scientific concepts into clear, practical guidance that can be meaningfully applied in everyday life.
Her professional experience across both hospital and integrative settings has shaped a balanced and respectful approach to healthcare. Wanessa recognises the essential role of conventional medicine, including general practitioners and hospital-based care, and works in a complementary way by focusing on nutrition, lifestyle, and evidence-informed naturopathic support. She takes particular care in her clinical recommendations, ensuring that any supplements or herbal interventions are safe, appropriate, and aligned with each person's medical context.
What most deeply informs Wanessa’s work, however, is her own lived experience of illness and recovery. Having navigated serious health challenges herself, she understands the frustration of feeling unheard, the complexity of chronic symptoms, and the uncertainty that can accompany the search for answers. This experience brings a depth of empathy and attentiveness to her practice, allowing her to meet each person with genuine understanding while offering structured, clinically grounded and evidence-based naturopathic and nutritional support.
Her work is centred on providing thoughtful, individualised care that integrates scientific knowledge, clinical reasoning, and a holistic perspective. Through this approach, Wanessa supports her patients in moving toward greater clarity, stability, and long-term wellbeing.
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Enhancing Your Healing Through Personalised Care
Wanessa works in close collaboration with you to support and strengthen your current treatment plan. Her approach focuses on identifying the most appropriate nutritional, lifestyle, and herbal strategies to help optimise your body’s capacity to heal and maintain balance.
Each plan is thoughtfully tailored to your individual needs and designed to complement your existing medical care. By integrating targeted support with a deeper understanding of your unique health picture, this process aims to enhance resilience, improve overall wellbeing, and help you move through your health journey with greater clarity and confidence.
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Evidence-Informed Practice
At Nurturing Life and Wellness, care is grounded in an evidence-informed approach that integrates clinical nutrition, naturopathic principles, and current scientific research. Wanessa offers guidance on both conventional laboratory and functional testing, ensuring that each recommendation is clearly explained and directly relevant to your individual case.
Testing is approached with care and intention. As these services are not typically covered by public healthcare or insurance, Wanessa considers each recommendation thoughtfully, ensuring that any investigation represents a meaningful and appropriate investment in your health.
Committed to ongoing professional development, Wanessa continually engages with current research and advances in health sciences. This dedication ensures that her clinical recommendations remain up to date, practical, and aligned with the evolving understanding of complex health conditions.
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Patient-Centred Care
Your experience is central to the care process. Wanessa places strong emphasis on listening with attention and respect, recognising that your symptoms, concerns, and lived experience provide essential insight into your overall health.
Health challenges can often bring uncertainty, particularly when symptoms are ongoing or difficult to understand. Within this space, you are supported with compassion and clarity. Together, you will explore personalised strategies that align with your needs, complement your existing care, and support you in moving forward with greater confidence and a renewed sense of direction.
ADDRESS
Nurturing Life and Wellness
Tauranga
Zoom
Online Consultations Available
PHONE
02108289849
