Food Intolerance and Allergies

Expert Dietitian Support for Food Allergies, Intolerances, and Coeliac Disease
At Hardy Nutrition Dietary Consulting, we provide expert, evidence-based dietary management for individuals experiencing symptoms related to food allergies, intolerances, and sensitivities. These conditions are increasingly common and can lead to a wide range of uncomfortable and disruptive symptoms, including:Bloating and abdominal discomfort
- Headaches and migraines
- Excessive wind and heartburn
- Diarrhoea or constipation
- Skin conditions such as eczema
- Fatigue and poor sleep
- Joint pain and inflammation
If you’re struggling to identify the cause of your symptoms, our accredited practising dietitians can help you determine food-related triggers and create a tailored plan to manage your health.
Understanding Food Allergies, Food Intolerances, and Coeliac Disease
🔹 What is a Food Allergy?
A food allergy is an immune system reaction to a specific protein found in food. The immune response can be rapid and severe, sometimes resulting in life-threatening symptoms.
- Common food allergy symptoms:
Hives or skin rashes - Swelling of the lips, tongue, or face
- Difficulty breathing or wheezing
- Nausea, vomiting
- Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction)
Typical allergens: Peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, milk, fish, shellfish, soy, and wheat.
🔹 What is a Food Intolerance?
A food intolerance does not involve the immune system. Instead, it occurs when the digestive system is unable to properly break down certain foods or components.
Common symptoms:
- Bloating and gas
- Stomach cramps
- Diarrhoea or constipation
- Headaches
- Fatigue or irritability
Common intolerances: Lactose intolerance, fructose malabsorption, histamine sensitivity, and food chemical sensitivities.
🔹 What is Coeliac Disease?
Coeliac disease is an autoimmune condition triggered by the ingestion of gluten (found in wheat, barley, and rye). It causes the immune system to damage the lining of the small intestine, affecting nutrient absorption and leading to chronic health issues.
Key symptoms:
- Chronic diarrhoea or constipation
- Abdominal bloating and discomfort
- Weight loss and fatigue
- Dermatitis herpetiformis (a skin rash)
- Nutrient deficiencies (e.g. iron, calcium, B12)
Diagnosis is made via blood testing and confirmed through a small bowel biopsy. A strict gluten-free diet is essential for managing coeliac disease.
Systematic Food Sensitivity Investigation Using the Elimination Diet
At Hardy Nutrition, we often utilise a structured elimination diet to investigate and identify potential food triggers. This scientifically validated approach involves:
Elimination Phase – Removing common problem foods (e.g. gluten, dairy, high-FODMAP foods, or food chemicals) for 3–4 weeks under dietetic supervision.
Reintroduction Phase – Systematically reintroducing foods one at a time to observe the body's response and identify symptom triggers.
Maintenance Phase – Creating a long-term eating plan that avoids known triggers while maintaining nutritional adequacy and quality of life.
Why Use an Elimination Diet?
The elimination diet is a reliable, non-invasive tool that allows for:
- Accurate identification of problematic foods
- Reduced reliance on restrictive or speculative diets
- Personalised and sustainable dietary planning
- Improved symptom control and enhanced wellbeing
Professional Dietetic Support for Food-Related Conditions
If you suspect food sensitivities, intolerances, or coeliac disease may be affecting your health, our experienced team is here to help. We offer:
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Comprehensive dietary assessment
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Individualised elimination diet protocols
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Education on food labelling, substitutions, and balanced eating
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Ongoing support to manage chronic symptoms
Take control of your health and improve your quality of life. Contact Hardy Nutrition today to book your personalised consultation, either in person or via telehealth.
📅 Book online or reach out via our Contact page.