Interview with Valérie Espinasse, micronutritionist to the stars

Author of several books on detox and weight loss, Valérie Espinasse has established herself as an expert in micronutrition, treating the figure of numerous celebrities in Paris and London. She now leads several retreats on the theme of intestinal well-being, including regular Masterclasses at Lily of the Valley in 2021. So it was only natural to find her on the pages of Luxe Wellness Club to talk to us about detox and health cures. Meet a woman who wants to pamper your gut!

What is micronutrition?

Micronutrition is a personalized approach to nutrition for each patient, based on his or her state of health. Concretely, in my practice, this means closely examining the gut microbiota profile of each of my patients, and then establishing a tailor-made program to help them resolve their discomfort, weight or health problems. I do a food intolerance test to determine which foods to avoid, and in some cases additional tests such as oxidative stress.

Today, we have a much better understanding of the role of the intestines in our health, beyond simple digestive comfort. The intestines are the center of our immunity, and are even referred to as our second brain, since they also secrete neurotransmitters, essential for our well-being.

There’s a lot of talk these days about diets for good health. What do you think is the key to good nutrition?

Eating well is essential, and I don’t think you should follow a general diet! This is what my practice is all about: each person has different needs depending on their intestinal microbiota, their general state of health and their intolerances, and these needs evolve over time. I can help my clients lose or gain weight, by creating a diet tailored to their real needs.

I think we have to stop with the dictates that say “you mustn’t eat meat, you mustn’t drink coffee”... You can eat everything, but in moderation, by varying the foods and above all by favoring fresh, quality products. That’s the most important thing.

Should we also opt for organic products?

Yes and no. Organic produce from France, yes, but organic produce from Eastern Europe, for example, I have my doubts. These are often polluted sites that have recently been redeveloped… The most important thing is to choose local products from small producers, even if they’re not organic.

What do you think of the different types of detox cures on offer these days, particularly as part of wellness breaks?

In general, I recommend avoiding fasting. If your goal is to lose weight, there’s no worse way to put it back on when you get home! If it’s done over 2 or 3 days maximum, why not, otherwise I think it can be harmful. As for detox stays that involve correcting your diet, in addition to draining treatments, yes of course they can be beneficial. I’m thinking in particular of the Chenot method, which has proved its worth over the last few decades.

In general, I recommend avoiding fasting, as it’s the best way to regain weight…
Valérie Espinasse

Do you have an opinion on colon hydrotherapy, a treatment now offered in many medical spas?

Here again, it all depends on why it’s done, and by whom. In the type of high-end establishments you offer on Luxe Wellness Club, such as SHA Wellness Clinic, I think there’s no danger and it can be useful. On the other hand, I’d be wary of an Ayurvedic cure in the depths of India… In any case, you need a doctor’s advice. This care must respond to a problem and not be done at random, in my opinion.

Can you tell us about a typical wellness retreat?

The weekends or wellness weeks I run include anindividual consultation on arrival and a blood test to test for food intolerances. I usually have the results within 2-3 days, which then enables me to write a micronutrition prescription. Every day, I give a talk on my method and on intestinal microbiota. Of course, I’m also involved in creating adapted menus.

So much for my part. These retreats also offer massages, pressotherapy, and yoga sessions…not to mention exceptional surroundings, like at Lily of the Valley or the Royal Mansour in Marrakech where I was recently.