Food Intolerance Case Study

Subject: Food intolerance
Therapy: Nutritional Therapy
Client: T.H – Female – Age 38

This is an interesting and challenging study that I am presently working on in my capacity as a nutritional therapist (nutritionist) in Sheffield. This case study aims to highlights how a wide range of health problems can have a common link, that is, food (food intolerance).

Once the offending foods are identified and removed, the body can start to heal. I will regularly update the food intolerance case study, so you can follow this lady’s progress.

There are 3 main reasons that I have chosen her:
1. She has a very healthy diet and lifestyle but despite this has many long term health concerns- so it indicates that ‘ her healthy diet’ may not be so healthy for her.

2. We had eliminated the usual food culprits such as wheat and dairy with no difference in symptoms

3. The client has had thorough investigation by the NHS which was inconclusive. They said it was definitely NOT linked to food or any food intolerance or allergy.

The case indicates to me that you are NOT what you eat, but you are what you digest and absorb.

Food Intolerance – The Client’s Story

Below is the story in her own words which she wants to tell.

“I have not felt well for many, many years and have suspected food problems for the past 10 years or so and have tried to eat a healthy diet within this time. I have felt really unwell for the past 18 months but the last few months have been the worst.

Food Intolerance Symptoms:
- Constant urinary tract infections
- Severe menstrual/ hormonal imbalance problems ( physically and emotionally)
- Constant cold sores
- Chronic fatigue/ Tiredness
- Muscle pain & joint pain
- Depression
- Poor concentration levels
- Memory, brain fog
- Ear & eye problems

Plus many other personal symptoms.

My condition affected life considerably. I had no energy for work / socially and found myself missing out on many things. All my energy was taken up with just getting up and going to work, I had nothing left after this. No vitality/ zest for life. I would sometimes cry to my partner and told him I felt like I had been taken over by aliens… he used to say he did not know where I had gone and that he wanted the old me back.

I have found that I have been ill around Xmas and have spent many a year curled up on the sofa feeling sick. The doctor sent me to the Tropical Medicines and Infectious Diseases Clinic, where they did millions of blood tests which all came back negative.

I told them about my symptoms and was considering food intolerances. The Dr categorically denied that ANY of my symptoms and the way I was feeling could have anything whatsoever to do with food or food intolerance. He just offered me antibiotics for cold sores.

I have visited various other hospital departments for my ongoing problems where I was offered various types of invasive medication, strong pain killers, pills to stop blood clotting and for my severe breast problems- which cause side effects similar to the symptoms I was experiencing.

I have tried various remedies and dietary changes and although I have felt relief for a short time my symptoms have always come back.

I sought professional help from a nutritionist in Sheffield & found Wendy Ayers who has given me nutritional help and advice.

I was at the end of my tether and I felt I had been let down so many times by the medical profession. I felt so sure that ALL my problems were connected and from the same boiling pot, but nobody apart from Wendy would recognise this. Sometimes I felt like I was going mad.”

Testing and treating food intolerance

28- 10-08
Food intolerance test indicated that T.H. has intolerances related to cow’s milk, pork, duck, turkey,
lamb, salmon, tuna, coconut and yeast.

7-11-08
T.H. came for a follow up consultation to discuss the outcome of the food intolerance test. She was advised which foods to eliminate from her diet, whilst at the same time having a nutritionally balanced diet. A programme of supplements to aid healing of the gut and aid food digestion was commenced.

14-11-08
Saw T.H. today who reports feeling irritable since excluding the ‘forbidden foods’. I explained that her body is going through a detoxification stage, it is early days yet, and to feel like this is normal.

She commented that she is feeling a little more alert and I noted that she did look more vibrant.

17-11-08
T.H. was away this weekend, how did she manage?
“Its great how helpful restaurants can be when you explain things to them, only drank champagne and had a few vodkas and fresh orange so am doing well. I haven’t had any hormonal symptoms yet this month and that should be happening right now…oh and my stomach feels really flat with no bloating! I have only been on the diet 16 days now so could all this really be happening so soon?”

24-11-08
It’s over 3 weeks into the new nutritional regime and only a few days before her next menstrual period is due. T.H. is only getting mild breast tenderness, not the severe symptoms experienced prior to excluding the ‘forbidden foods’. This is excellent news!

29-11-08
The ‘alien’ foods have been eliminated which were the root of her food intolerance and her body is healing. No horrible ‘monthly’ misery, increased energy. It’s working! There is sunshine at the end of the long tunnel. I am so proud of you, TH!

Article submitted by
Wendy Ayers IIR MAR AMGNI ITEC
Nutritional Therapy, Sheffield

Date published
12/10/08

To learn more about nutrition and find a local nutritionist click here