Food Intolerance (including Histamine Intolerance) 

More about Food Intolerances

Dietary Management

Food intolerance occurs when the digestive system struggles to break down certain foods, often due to enzyme insufficiency or sensitivities to naturally occurring chemicals or additives. This can lead to symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea, headaches, or fatigue. Unlike allergies, food intolerances typically do not involve the immune system and are not life-threatening, though they can be uncomfortable. For example, lactose intolerance results from a deficiency in lactase, the enzyme needed to digest lactose, the sugar in milk. Similarly, fructose intolerance may stem from enzyme deficiencies or heightened gut sensitivity, as seen in conditions like IBS. Histamine intolerance arises when the body cannot effectively break down histamine found in various foods, leading to symptoms like hives, headaches, or nasal congestion. Non-coeliac gluten sensitivity is also a type of food intolerance where people experience gut symptoms after eating gluten intake but do not have coeliac disease. 

At Help Yourself, we work together to manage symptoms without placing unnecessary restrictions on your diet, aiming to maintain variety, enjoyment, and balance. When appropriate, we guide each other through a structured elimination and reintroduction process, using diet history and symptoms to identify potential food triggers and understand personal thresholds. Our focus is on creating a personalised, long-term plan that supports symptom control while aligning with your health and lifestyle goals. With a foundation in clinical experience and the latest research, we offer each other clear, practical advice to feel confident and in control of your food choices.