Nutritionist for food intolerances

Get advice from a specialist

What are food intolerances?

Being intolerant to a certain food means developing a reaction such as bloating, altered bowel function and pain when eating a certain food. Intolerances are different from food allergies, where reactions involve the whole immune system and can manifest in anaphylaxis, swelling of the airways and skin rashes.

It is believed that food intolerances affect around 15-20% of the population, with a far higher percentage amongst IBS sufferers.

Why is addressing food intolerances important?

Addressing food intolerances is key to improve digestion and manage symptoms which can be very uncomfortable and disruptive.

When addressing food intolerances it’s important to isolate the specific, offending food group; too often patients are told to adopt hugely restrictive diets where, in fact, only a single food type may be culpable. Addressing suspected or confirmed food intolerances with the help of a nutritionist will avoid unnecessary cut out of food groups, create a plan to improve digestion and understand alternatives to the foods that cause a reaction.

A registered nutritionist can also help you to determine whether the experienced reactions are due to an intolerance or part of a wider issue. Blood tests are useful in case a food allergy, celiac disease or lactose intolerance are suspected.

How does nutrition affect food intolerances?

Reactions are aggravated when eating foods a person is sensitive or intolerant to. Some intolerances can take time to develop and others might fade with time, as our gut microbiome, immune system and digestive enzyme production can also change over time.

A personalised nutrition plan can help manage the symptoms and restore gut integrity and health.

How can I successfully manage my food intolerances?

A registered nutritionist can help to identify the specific foods which are causing your reactions, through the use of a food diary where the patient logs their daily food intake and monitors their reactions.

Together you will work out how specific foods affect you using carefully staged elimination diets, where foods suspected of causing intolerance are eliminated for a period of time and the impact measured. A registered nutritionist will be able to monitor and assess how a patient is doing on an elimination diet to confirm suspected intolerances, to then start reintroducing foods and find appropriate substitutes where relevant.

It is important that this process is guided by a registered nutritionist, as prolonged elimination diets can cause nutritional deficiencies. Reintroducing foods can also be tricky, but a professional can establish the right order to reintroduce different foods and spot signs of intolerance. A nutritionist might also recommend digestive enzymes if necessary and suggest tests to confirm some suspected intolerances and/or rule out food allergies.

Why use an Odhealth nutritionist for food intolerances?

Monitor your symptoms

You and your nutritionist will establish what success looks like for you and set the metrics that you want to track. Together you’ll track your progress and constantly develop your plan to maximise your results.

Food fit for you

All recommendations are tailored to your tastes and dietary requirements. You will use a food diary to track your habits and inform your nutritionist of your likes and dislikes.

Your own specialist

Upon booking we’ll ask you specific questions to help us match you to the perfect specialist for you. You will be assigned a dedicated account manager who will manage the whole process and provide support throughout your journey.