Doctor-Led Functional Medicine for Gut, Hormone and Metabolic Health
For those ready to uncover what’s really driving their symptoms.
Dr Margarita Kitova-John
After more than a decade working on the frontline of NHS general practice, I began to see how many people with chronic symptoms were being offered quick fixes rather than real answers. Their list of medications was growing longer, and with it the complications.
When I became a patient myself and struggled to understand what was wrong with my own health, I discovered functional medicine, an approach that looks deeper at how hormones, gut health, metabolism and lifestyle interact. It regards the body as a complex system of interconnected organs, it looks for the root cause of the symptoms and aims to restore the natural balance. The human body is equipped to restore the balance and heal itself.
It changed the way I practise medicine. Today, I see my role as a doctor to help detect the underlying cause of disease and support the healing process using wider interventions than just pharmaceutical intervention: nutrition, lifestyle, botanicals, supplements and most of all, support.
If you are ready to understand what is truly driving your symptoms, you will find a different kind of medical partnership at Lantern Clinic. Our goal is to help you transform your health, not just to offer you an appointment and a prescription. We aim to enable you to understand your body and regain control.
What Our Patients Are Saying
Hear from patients who have transformed their health through our root-cause approach at Lantern Clinic.
Begin Your Journey With Us
We recommend starting here to get the most from your care.
Clarity and support at every step.
Book A Free
Discovery Call
Free consultation with a Doctor to identify your concerns and goals.
Comprehensive
Assessment
An initial consultation and physical assessment to map your current health needs
Personalised
Health Plan
Receive a clear, medical plan designed around you. Your biology, your lifestyle, and your unique circumstances.
Ongoing
Support
Continue your journey with regular follow-ups and flexible membership options that provide guidance and support.
What Makes
Functional Medicine Different?
From symptom management to root‑cause care.
Conventional Medicine
Functional Medicine
Symptom-Based: Focuses on identifying and treating specific symptoms
Focuses on the "Root Cause" and how body systems interact.
Reactive: Intervenes after symptoms or disease appear.
Restoring balance and long-term health optimisation.
Acute care, emergency response, and symptom management.
In-depth (60–90 mins); explores history, lifestyle, and triggers.
Pharmaceutical drugs, surgery, and standardised protocols.
Preventative: Intervenes early to optimise function before illness starts.
Specialised labs (Gut microbiome, hormones) to find suboptimal patterns
Brief (10–15 mins): focused on acute complaints.
Personalised nutrition, supplements, stress management, and detox.
Standard labs (Bloods, MRI) to find "red flags" or existing disease.
Out-of-pocket: consultations/speciality labs
Free NHS carem,same access for everybody
What Makes Us Different
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Instead of just managing symptoms, we ask why they’re happening. Root-cause medicine looks beneath the surface—exploring how your hormones, gut, stress, lifestyle, and environment are all connected. This allows us to create a personalised plan that supports lasting healing, not just quick fixes.
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We use food as medicine, alongside herbal remedies and lifestyle interventions to gently restore balance. From supporting blood sugar and inflammation to nourishing your hormones and gut, every recommendation is grounded in science—and tailored to you.
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We take time to listen, understand your story, and walk alongside you. You’ll receive ongoing support from a compassionate team who blends clinical expertise with real human connection—because healing happens best when you feel safe, seen, and supported.
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We believe knowledge is power. You’ll gain a clear understanding of your hormones and how your body works, so you can make informed choices with confidence. No generic advice—just tailored guidance that puts you back in control of your health.
Our Areas of Expertise
Healthcare designed for those seeking answers, not assumptions.
Autoimmune & Inflammatory
Hashimoto’s, Grave's Disease, Psoriasis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Eczma
Learn more →Cardiovascular & Brain Health
Blood Pressure, Iregular Heart Cholesterol, Dementia Risk
Learn more →
Start Your Journey to Better Health
Take the first step towards lasting health. At Lantern Clinic, you’ll find clarity, care, and structured path forward.
Book your consultation today and receive personalised care that addresses your body's unique needs.
Frequently
Asked
Questions
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Functional medicine, or intergrative medicine, is a personalised approach to healthcare that looks at why you’re unwell, not just what your symptoms are.
By exploring how your genetics, hormones, nutrition, and lifestyle interact, our doctors uncover the root causes of illness and create a clear plan for lasting health.It highlights how the body’s biological systems are interdependent and how genetics, environment, and lifestyle impact overall health. By applying evidence-based principles and interventions, it aims to restore balance and support optimal vitality and well-being.
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Traditional medicine focuses on treating immediate symptoms. Functional Medicine looks deeper identifying the underlying imbalances that cause them.
At Lantern Clinic, our doctors combine both conventional medical & functional medicine training with advanced diagnostics and integrative treatments to help you recover and stay well. -
At Lantern Clinic, our doctors help uncover and address the root causes behind a wide range of health concerns.
Rather than treating symptoms in isolation, we look at how your body’s systems connect, using advanced testing and personalised care to restore balance and long-term wellbeing.We commonly support patients experiencing:
Digestive & Gut Health
IBS · IBD · SIBO · Reflux (GERD) · Food sensitivities · Bloating · Gut microbiome imbalanceWomen’s Health & Hormones
Perimenopause · Menopause · PMS · PCOS · Endometriosis · Fertility challenges · Thyroid conditionsMen’s Health & Vitality
Low testosterone · Fatigue · Libido concerns · Prostate health · Weight and energy balanceAutoimmune & Inflammatory Conditions
Hashimoto’s · Psoriasis · Rheumatoid Arthritis · Asthma · Chronic inflammationMetabolic & Cardiovascular Health
Type 2 Diabetes · Insulin resistance · High cholesterol · Blood pressure · Liver health · Healthy weight metabolismSkin, Energy & Sleep
Acne · Eczema · Rosacea · Fatigue · Chronic tiredness · Sleep issues · FibromyalgiaBrain & Mood
Anxiety · Low mood · Brain fog · Migraines · ADHD/ADD · Cognitive decline -
Your first appointment is a detailed, hour-long consultation where your doctor takes time to understand your full health story, from symptoms and lifestyle to any previous test results.
If needed, we may recommend advanced diagnostics to uncover what’s really driving your symptoms.
You’ll leave with a clear, personalised plan focused on lasting improvement, not just short-term relief. -
Yes, our doctors are fully qualified UK medical professionals (MRCGP, MSc, IFMCP) with specialist training in Functional and Integrative Medicine.
You’ll receive expert, evidence-based care from experienced clinicians who take time to understand you. -
We currently don’t accept private medical insurance. Some insurance policies cover functional tests such as GI effects from Genova Diagnostics.
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Yes, Lantern Clinic provides care for both adults and children.
Our doctors take a gentle, family-focused approach and can support a range of childhood health concerns, from digestive and hormonal issues to skin and immune conditions.
Appointments for children are always tailored to their age and comfort level.
The Lantern Clinic Approach
Doctor-Led
Expertise
Work directly with NHS trained doctors experienced in Functional & Intergrative Medicine.
Personalised
Care
No one-size-fits-all plans. Every recommendation is built around you.
Advanced
Diagnostics
Access to world-leading testing to identify hidden imbalances.
Ongoing
Support
From follow up private consultations to nutrition & lifestyle coaching, support at every step.
