Chocolate gives you a migraine, wheat bloats you and dairy gives you skin rashes: these are the red flags of food intolerances.

Humble foods such as wheat, milk, cheese, eggs and chicken are just some of the foods behind intolerances. Food intolerances and allergies cause inflammation of the intestinal mucosa, interfering with the absorption of nutrients. Given the vast amounts of convenient, processed foods we eat that are full of additives and chemicals can eventually lead to a damaged intestinal lining. You could be eating a very healthy diet, consuming the best supplements and vitamins, but nothing is being absorbed if you happen to be allergic or sensitive to certain foods (some of which you may be unaware of).

Having food intolerances and allergies is a sign your gut is unhappy - another sign is hearing embarrassing and noisy gurguling in your stomach; an indication of bad bacteria growing or food which is proving difficult to digest.

Intolerances can cause a lot of discomfort; ranging from IBS, to gas, to respiratory probelsm, eczema and chronic fatigue to name a few. As well, you could be damaging the enzymes, intestinal lining and good bacteria, which are crucial for absorbing food and vitamins. 

So is there a cure for an unhappy gut?

1) Through blood and urine tests, I'll be able to establish your food intolerances, whether the intestine is permanently or temporarily damaged and which nutrients aren't being absorbed.

2) Once this is established, you'll start on a diet free from food that causing food allergies and intolerances.