A food allergy involves an immediate immune response, typically IgE-mediated, that can cause severe and rapid reactions including anaphylaxis. A food intolerance is a different type of reaction that is usually delayed, sometimes by several hours or even a day or two, and produces a wider range of symptoms including bloating, digestive discomfort, fatigue, headaches, skin problems and brain fog. Because the reaction is delayed it is very difficult to identify which food is responsible without proper testing. Standard NHS allergy testing does not typically identify food intolerances, which is why so many people with genuine intolerances go undiagnosed for years. Our testing at Newcastle Hypnotherapy specifically looks at this broader range of food sensitivity reactions.

The testing process is straightforward and non-invasive. Our nutritional therapist will explain exactly what is involved during your free assessment call and at your first appointment. Testing typically involves a simple sample that is analysed to identify your body's reactions to a comprehensive range of foods and ingredients. Results are then discussed in detail with our nutritional therapist, who will explain what they mean for your diet and your health and design your personalised programme around them.

Yes, and this surprises many people. Food intolerances can contribute to a surprisingly wide range of symptoms beyond the gut, including chronic fatigue, headaches and migraines, skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, joint pain, brain fog and difficulty concentrating, low mood and anxiety, and sleep disturbance. These symptoms occur because food intolerances drive chronic low-level inflammation that affects multiple body systems. Many of our clients across Newcastle and the North East discover that symptoms they had attributed to stress or other causes improve significantly once their food intolerances are identified and addressed.

Most clients begin to notice meaningful improvements in their digestive symptoms and overall wellbeing within two to four weeks of making the dietary changes recommended in their personalised programme. The speed of improvement depends on the severity and duration of the intolerances, the degree of gut inflammation present and how closely the dietary recommendations are followed. Our nutritional therapist supports you throughout the process with regular check-ins and adjustments to your programme as your body responds and heals. We will give you a realistic and honest picture of expected timelines during your free assessment call.

Yes. While the initial testing and nutritional therapy appointments work best in person at our Gosforth clinic in Newcastle upon Tyne, we work with clients from across the North East including Sunderland, Durham, Darlington and Northumberland, and we can accommodate online consultations for follow-up appointments and for clients based further afield. We will discuss the best approach for your situation during your free assessment call and make sure the logistics work for you wherever you are based.