For the previous five years, she had been struggling with severe gut issues. Each time she went to the doctor, her concerns were dismissed.
What started off as slight bloating would develop into severe weight gain, fatigue and stomach sensitivities that meant she couldn’t leave the house out of fears she might have a severe food reaction in public.
Deep down, Bridie knew something was wrong – but it wasn’t until she enlisted the help of a 1:1 Diet Consultant that she was given the understanding and tools needed to work out what foods she was intolerant to and how to navigate these after finally convincing her doctor to get an allergy test done.
Commenting in World Allergy Week (June 18-24) last week, she said she was able to heal her gut and lose 19.6kg in the process.
Once too scared to leave the house, she now also enjoys regular date nights with husband Warren without getting sick and has started going to the gym.
Bridie says if a GP can’t help you, it’s worthwhile consulting a dietician or a naturopath so they can monitor you on a bland diet before introducing different foods and seeing their impact.
“I’m basically eating a lactose-free and gluten-free diet but have also found out that I’m sensitive to onion, garlic, corn and acidic vegetables like tomato and red capsicum,” she said.
“I stick to eggs or porridge for breakfast, a shake for lunch and lots of leafy greens with a protein for dinner.
“It’s amazing the difference the food changes have made so I encourage other sufferers to keep seeking help.”
