Could certain foods be contributing to your digestive symptoms?

Food-related symptoms can have many possible causes. Some people notice that particular foods consistently trigger bloating, gas, abdominal discomfort or changes in bowel movements, while for others the connection is much harder to identify.
At Guelph Naturopathic Medical Clinic, we take an individualized approach to investigating possible food triggers and digestive symptoms. Depending on your history, this may include a detailed dietary assessment, elimination and reintroduction strategies, and targeted testing when appropriate.

Why Patients Choose Us for Food Sensitivity Care

  • 20+ years digestive-focused clinical experience
  • 4.9-star rating with 200+ reviews
  • Special interest in gastrointestinal conditions
  • Published research in digestive health
  • Evidence-informed, individualized approach
  • Collaborative clinic with 3 naturopathic doctors
  • Testing available when appropriate

Could Food Be Contributing to Your Symptoms?

Symptoms that may lead someone to investigate possible food triggers include:

  • Bloating and excessive gas
  • Abdominal pain or cramping
  • Diarrhea or loose stools
  • Constipation
  • Nausea or indigestion
  • Reflux or heartburn
  • Symptoms that repeatedly occur after particular foods
  • Unpredictable digestive symptoms after meals

These symptoms can have many possible causes and do not necessarily indicate a food sensitivity. IBS, celiac disease, SIBO and other digestive conditions can cause similar symptoms.

Our Approach to Food Sensitivities

We look at your diet, symptoms and digestive health to determine which factors may be worth investigating.

Your assessment may include:

  • Detailed diet and symptom review
  • Identifying possible food triggers
  • Elimination and reintroduction diets
  • IgG food sensitivity testing when appropriate
  • Celiac blood testing when indicated
  • SIBO breath testing when indicated
  • Nutritional assessment
  • Investigation of other digestive conditions

The goal is to identify useful dietary changes without unnecessarily restricting your diet.

Food Sensitivity & Digestive Testing

Digestive symptoms that appear to be caused by food can sometimes have other underlying causes. Depending on your symptoms and health history, we may recommend targeted testing to help determine what may be contributing.

Testing available through our clinic includes:

  • IgG Food Sensitivity Testing – Blood testing can be used as one part of a dietary investigation. IgG testing is controversial and is not considered diagnostic of a food allergy or intolerance. We discuss the potential benefits and limitations before recommending testing.
  • Celiac Blood Testing – Celiac disease can cause bloating, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort and nutritional deficiencies that may initially appear to be food-related. Blood testing can be arranged when appropriate.
  • SIBO Breath Testing – Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth can cause bloating, gas, abdominal discomfort, diarrhea or constipation and may affect food tolerance. Breath testing can be arranged when indicated.

Not Everyone Needs Testing

Testing isn’t necessary for every patient. Depending on your symptoms, we may recommend:

  • A structured elimination and reintroduction diet
  • Monitoring foods and symptoms
  • Targeted testing
  • Investigation for another digestive condition

Testing is recommended selectively when we believe the information may help guide your treatment plan.

Personalized Treatment

Depending on what we find, treatment may include:

  • Temporarily avoiding identified trigger foods
  • Systematically reintroducing foods
  • Creating a nutritionally balanced diet
  • Addressing underlying digestive problems
  • Treating SIBO when appropriate
  • Nutritional support when needed
  • Developing a sustainable long-term eating plan

Our goal is to help improve symptoms while maintaining the least restrictive diet necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you offer food sensitivity testing?

Yes. IgG food sensitivity testing is available when appropriate. We first review your symptoms, diet and health history to determine whether testing may provide useful information.

What digestive tests are available?

Depending on your symptoms, testing available through our clinic includes:

  • IgG food sensitivity testing
  • Celiac blood testing
  • SIBO breath testing

Is IgG food sensitivity testing accurate?

IgG testing is controversial and isn’t considered diagnostic of a food allergy or intolerance. Results need to be interpreted carefully alongside your symptoms and diet.

Do I need food sensitivity testing?

Not necessarily. A detailed diet and symptom history followed by elimination and reintroduction may sometimes be more useful. Testing is recommended selectively.

Can food sensitivities cause IBS symptoms?

Certain foods can trigger or worsen IBS symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea or constipation. Other digestive factors may also contribute.

Could my symptoms be celiac disease or SIBO?

Possibly. Both can cause symptoms that overlap with suspected food sensitivities. When appropriate, we can arrange celiac blood testing or SIBO breath testing.

Get Help With Food-Related Digestive Symptoms

If you regularly experience digestive symptoms after eating, we can help investigate possible food triggers and other contributing factors.

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