Need some advice on getting a COMPLETE food allergy/intolerance test. I have a distended stomach (although not particularly overweight) and feel sluggish. Plus, regularly have loose stools. I feel that changing my diet will help this and my Hiatus Hernia too. Any advice on where to go in the London area for a complete allergy/diet MOT?

P.s. I have just been looking at your website and have come across, for the first time, Leaky Gut Syndrome. I fit the profile perfectly. I have had hemorrhoids for along time (almost too young to have it), had CFS in my early 20's and never fully regained my strength, have a weak and bloated stomach and heartburn (also from a very young age). Recently my piles have been bleeding alot and have stomach discomfort with lots of gas. It's time to change my diet and lifestyle. Need advice!!!!

Hi Abe,

It does sound like you need a complete allergy/diet MOT. Incidentally, you are not the only one to have suffered with haemerroids from a young age. I too have had this problem for as long as I can remember - from my teens for sure, I am only 31 now!

To have a full digestive work up you want to be testing for both IgE and IgG type food allergies as well as for common intolerances (e.g. lactose, fructose), and for coeliac disease. I would also suggest a comprehensive digestive stool analysis might be something to think about to give you an idea of your digestion, absorption and levels of various microbes (both beneficial and potentially harmful). Finally, there is a simple urine test (cost £50-75) that can detect leaky gut syndrome (also referred to as "increased intestinal permeability").

This can all get pretty complex so you are right to seek professional help. A nutritional therapist will be able to order all of these tests for you and interpret the results. You can find one in your area by visiting the website of the British Association for Applied Nutrition and Nutritional Therapy (BANT) and using the practitioner search.

If you need any more help please just ask!

Someone recommended this allergy clinic to me a while ago

www.burghwoodclinic.co.uk/.

I wish I could be more help to you but it definitely sounds like you need some professional advise and tests so you can work out a suitable treatment plan. If I think of anything else I'll let you know. Good luck xx

Hi Maff and Samantha,

Thank you so much for all the info. Sorry for the delay in replying but i've been looking into your advice and trying to get things on the road. Been in touch with a nutritionist (found on that website), got a doctors appointment tomorrow to get my referral. And it looks like that i've made all the important steps to getting this sorted out. Will let you know how it goes. Have a wonderful week.

x

Aww really glad to hear that. Ye keep in touch to let us know how you go on. All the best. I really hope they can help you as soon as possible. Have a good week too xx