Do you have this common digestive disorder?
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic gastrointestinal (GI) disorder and is characterised by a wide range of symptoms including abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits. In fact, IBS is thought to impact a tenth of the global population.
This chronic disorder can affect anyone, at any age, but studies show that the condition is more prominent in middle-aged adults. The exact cause of IBS remains unknown, but many experts believe the sensitivity of the gut and problems digesting certain foods could be possible factors.
YorkTest Laboratories, Food Intolerance Company of the Year 2019*, share two customer stories with us in a bid to help other people who are suffering from digestive symptoms to take a closer look at their diet.
Can you relate to any of the stories found below?
Helen Dolby’s story
50-year-old Helen Dolby had been suffering from distressing IBS symptoms for over 15 years. She often took days off work to recover which not only affected her work life, but she often missed out on social activities too.
“If I ate out, I would have to rush home immediately as I knew I would need the toilet, so I had no hobbies outside of work,” Helen explains.
Desperate to find relief after failed doctor’s attempts, Helen turned to online research and discovered YorkTest. Her food intolerance† test revealed Helen had multiple food intolerances, in particularly elderflower.
With support from their nutritional therapists over the phone, Helen began to eliminate her trigger foods from her diet. “Within a month, I felt like my old self,” Helen says.
As well as improved health, Helen now has the energy and confidence to attend yoga classes and enjoy long walks.
Simon Heafield’s story
Though IBS is thought to be more prominent in women, IBS in men can also prove distressing. This was the case for Simon.
The operations director suffered for 5 years from re-occurring stomach aches, bloating and he frequently needed to dash to the toilet straight after eating.
After a recommendation from a friend, Simon decided to take a YorkTest food intolerance† programme to see if his diet could be causing his long-standing health complaints.
The simple finger prick blood test you can take in the comfort of your own home revealed that he was intolerant to yeast and egg.
It didn’t take long for the 46-year-old to notice a change in his symptoms.
“After a few days, I started to see the benefits. I was less bloated and had one visit to the toilet and not straight after food,” Simon explains.
“I wish I had taken the plunge years ago, as I knew something was not right. I will not be introducing the items back into my diet moving forward, as I am enjoying and reaping the benefits,” Simon announces.
YorkTest Laboratories, who have 35 years’ experience in diagnostic testing, have expertly developed their IBS Diet Premium programme.
This programme tests your IgG food-specific reactions to 208 food and drink ingredients, including commonplace foods, such as egg, wheat, cow’s milk and gluten. Even better, it’s a simple finger-prick blood test you can do at home.
You are also supported through two nutritional consultations over the phone with their team of qualified nutritional therapists to make your dietary changes manageable.
Until the end of July, you can get 33% off their IBS Diet Premium programme with the code: SUMMER33
For more information, visit www.yorktest.com
† YorkTest define Food Intolerance as a food-specific IgG reaction. Our information is intended to provide nutritional advice for dietary optimisation. YorkTest do not claim to treat or cure symptoms and recommend that you discuss any medical concerns you have with a GP before undertaking a YorkTest programme.
*SME Awards 2019
