What are the common signs of food intolerances?
Food intolerances can cause a wide range of symptoms, which often develop gradually. Common signs include bloating, gas, diarrhoea, constipation, reflux, abdominal pain, headaches, fatigue, joint pain, and skin issues like eczema. If you suspect you have a food intolerance, it's important to address it, as chronic inflammation can disrupt your digestion and overall health.

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How is a food intolerance different from a food allergy?
A food intolerance is a digestive system response where the body has difficulty processing certain foods, leading to symptoms like bloating or discomfort. A food allergy, on the other hand, involves the immune system and can trigger more severe reactions, such as hives, swelling, or even anaphylaxis. While intolerances are usually less life-threatening, they can still have a big impact on your quality of life.

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Can digestive problems be linked to stress?
Absolutely. Stress has a direct effect on the digestive system. It can slow digestion, increase gut permeability (leaky gut), reflux and exacerbate symptoms of conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Chronic stress can also impact your microbiome—the balance of good and bad bacteria in your gut—leading to further digestive issues. Managing stress is a key part of any gut health plan.

 

What is leaky gut, and how does it affect digestion?
Leaky gut, or increased intestinal permeability, occurs when the lining of the gut becomes damaged, allowing undigested food particles, toxins, and bacteria to leak into the bloodstream. This can trigger inflammation and immune responses, potentially leading to symptoms like bloating, reflux, food sensitivities, fatigue, and even autoimmune conditions. Healing the gut lining is essential for improving digestion and overall health.

 

Can food intolerances cause other health problems?
Yes. Left untreated, food intolerances can contribute to chronic inflammation, which may lead to a range of health issues, including weight gain, fatigue, headaches, joint pain, reflux, hormonal imbalances and also skin problems. Over time, they can also weaken the immune system and disrupt hormone balance, which is especially important for midlife women.

 

How do you test for food intolerances?
I use a combination of food diaries, symptom tracking, and functional tests, such as food sensitivity tests or gut health testing. This comprehensive approach helps identify specific foods or ingredients that are causing digestive issues. For more complex cases, stool analysis or SIBO breath testing may be used to investigate further gut imbalances.

 

What’s the difference between IBS and food intolerances?
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder that can cause symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel movements. While food intolerances may trigger or worsen IBS symptoms, they are not the same condition. Addressing food intolerances, managing stress, and improving gut health can help reduce IBS symptoms.

 

Can I heal my gut on my own with diet changes?
While diet is a key part of gut healing, it can be difficult to address gut health problems without expert guidance. Everyone’s gut microbiome and intolerances are different, and healing requires a personalised approach. Working with a nutritionist ensures that you’re addressing the root causes of your symptoms, rather than just managing them. I provide tailored support, including testing, therapeutic diets, and a personalised meal plan to make sure you're on the right path to long-term healing.

 

What role does the gut microbiome play in food intolerances and digestion?
Your gut microbiome consists of trillions of bacteria that play a critical role in digestion, nutrient absorption, immune function, and even mental health. An imbalance in gut bacteria, known as dysbiosis, can lead to poor digestion, food intolerances, reflux and inflammation. Supporting a healthy, balanced microbiome is crucial for resolving digestive issues and intolerances.

 

How long does it take to heal digestive problems and food intolerances?
The time it takes to heal depends on the severity of your symptoms and the underlying issues. For some people, relief can be felt within a few weeks of eliminating problem foods and supporting gut healing. For others with more complex or chronic conditions like reflux, it may take several months. With a personalised protocol and consistent support, you can achieve lasting improvements in gut health and overall wellbeing.

 

What can I expect from working with you to improve my gut health?
I offer an 8 week personalised approach that includes a detailed assessment of your symptoms, comprehensive gut health or food intolerance testing, and a customised therapeutic diet plan. You’ll receive a done-for-you meal plan, easy recipes, and ongoing support to ensure you're on track to healing. With a nutritionist by your side, you can speed up recovery, avoid trial and error, and achieve long-term results.

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Note: This programme is suitable for individuals seeking to manage functional digestive symptoms through nutrition and lifestyle interventions. It is not intended to replace medical treatment but to complement it. If you’re experiencing persistent digestive problems, it’s important to rule out underlying medical conditions first.

 

A visit to your GP can help identify or exclude issues like infections, coeliac disease, or other serious concerns that may require medical treatment. Once these have been addressed, working with a qualified nutritionist can help resolve functional gut issues like bloating, IBS, or food intolerances. Together, we can develop a personalised plan to support your digestion, reduce symptoms, and restore balance to your gut health.