Optimising Digestion

Food intolerances and Food allergies

Food intolerances and food allergies seem to be on the rise.  It is difficult to know whether we becoming more allergic and intolerant, or whether there something else behind the figures.  Perhaps part of the reason is the increased awareness of how the foods we eat can affect our health and wellbeing. 

A food intolerance is not the same as a food allergy.  Food allergies cause an instant reaction and can be life threatening.   Food intolerances are rarely life threatening but can cause uncomfortable symptoms, such as:

  •        Bloating
  •        Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
  •        Low energy
  •        Fluid retention
  •        Eczema
  •        Asthma
  •        Migraines
  •        Rhinitis
  •        Aches and pains

    

In addition, with food intolerances, the reaction to food can be delayed up to three days, making the culprit food difficult to detect. Either way, if you suspect a food intolerance or food allergy, it is important to see your doctor so he can make a diagnosis and rule out other more serious conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD.)

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a common gastrointestinal complaint with up to 20% of the population suffering from the condition at some point in their lives. The causes of I.B.S. vary from person to person, and there can often be a combination of factors that need addressing before improvement is seen. Symptoms of I.B.S. include:

  • bloating
  • flatulence
  • constipation and / or diarrhoea
  • spasms
  • nausea
  • anxiety

If you think you suffer from IBS, it is important to see your doctor so he can make a diagnosis, offer treatment and rule out more serious conditions.

The Role of Nutritional Therapy in Optimising Digestion

There is plenty that can be done with diet and lifestyle to help support digestive health. Within a consultation, tests are often recommended in order to measure digestive processes – this may be a stool test or a food tolerance test, or most likely, both.

We will then put together a bespoke diet. This may mean removing some foods from your diet but recommending alternatives so that you still have plenty of food choices and don’t feel deprived, and your nutrient intake remains balanced.  Depending on the results of the stool test, supplements may also be recommended to optimise the health and physiology of your digestive system.

Digestion is a complex thing, and so it often takes a 3 or 4 consultations over a 4 – 6 month period in order to perfect results.  Patience is needed, along with an open mind to try new foods and ways of eating in order to maximise effect.  However, the reward is a better understanding of how foods and lifestyle can positively impact on your digestive system, and, more importantly, how to implement changes in order to to optimise your digestive health.