Understanding food intolerance

What causes food intolerance?

A food intolerance is caused by your body not being able to digest a certain food or ingredient. The most common type is lactose intolerance, which happens when your body struggles to digest lactose – a type of sugar mainly found in milk and dairy products such as cheese and yoghurts. But you can be intolerant to any type of food or ingredient in food, such as:

● Gluten (wheat, barley and rye) – found in foods like bread and pasta (Learn more about coeliac disease here)
● Histamine – found in foods and drinks like cheese and wine
● Alcohol
● Sulphites – found in cider, beer and wine
● Caffeine – found in coffee, tea and some fizzy drinks
● Salicylates – found in some fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices
● Monosodium glutamate (MSG) – found in ripened fruits, cured meats and savoury foods

Testing for food intolerance

Keeping a food and symptoms diary may help to identify what is triggering your symptoms. Food intolerance tests can also help, such as the MyHealthChecked Intolerances & Sensitivities DNA Test. If you have any concerns about your gut health, speak with a doctor.

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What is YorkTest premium food intolerance test?

The YorkTest premium food intolerance test is a home-based blood test designed to identify any intolerances to over 200 food and drink ingredients. The test is thorough, convenient, and adapts to any diet, making it easy for you to make decisions for your health.

Your results from the test are made available online within a week, with additional support provided through a 30-minute consultation with a nutritional therapist.

What are the key features?

• Comprehensive analysis of up to 200 food and drink ingredients

• Easy-to-use at-home blood test that requires just a few drops of blood

• Online access to test results within 7 days

• Follow-up 30-minute consultation with a Nutritional Therapist

• Included dietary support to help you adjust your diet as per the test results