22/06/2026
From my experience as a therapist of over 11 years it is rarely food intolerances that are the main issue.
They simply are one of the symptoms of a struggling digestive system and within reason the foods can be introduced slowly once treatments have calmed and re-set the system.
Not always an instant fix but a long term one ☝️
www.colchesterclinic.co.uk 💧💧
Before assuming you have a food sensitivity… consider the bigger picture.
When digestive symptoms arise, it can be natural to focus solely on the food itself. But sometimes supporting digestive wellbeing involves looking beyond what we eat and also considering how we eat and the environment in which digestion takes place.
Digestive symptoms are not always simply a question of whether the body can tolerate a particular food.
Other factors that may influence digestive comfort can include:
• Gut motility and how food moves through the digestive system
• Stress levels and nervous system regulation
• Visceral sensitivity (how sensitive the digestive tract is to normal digestive activity)
• Eating speed and chewing habits
• Meal size and meal timing
• Fibre balance and individual tolerance
• Hydration
• Sleep quality, routines and overall wellbeing
This does not mean food sensitivities or intolerances are not real — for some individuals they absolutely can be an important consideration.
However, before removing multiple foods or becoming anxious around eating, it may be helpful to pause and ask:
• How am I eating?
• Am I rushing meals?
• How are my stress levels?
• Am I drinking enough fluid?
• Am I eating the right balance of fibre for my own needs?
• Am I supporting good sleep and daily routines?
Sometimes creating a supportive digestive environment and taking a whole-person approach can be just as important as focusing on the food itself.
Our ARCH registered therapist encourage safe, informed and individualised approaches that consider the person as a whole — not simply the symptom.l