I was very pleased that this important health information portal reached out to me. I hope that people affected can find useful information here on the foundations of holistic diagnosis and treatment of food intolerances.
You can read Part 1 here:
Holistic treatment of food intolerances is characterized by a detailed medical history, broad-based diagnostics, and long-term, individualized therapy that requires patience and active participation. A symptom diary can be very helpful. An elimination diet is the gold standard for identifying intolerances. Other diagnostic methods such as breath tests, blood tests, or stool analyses complement the evaluation. Factors such as stress or emotional strain can further intensify symptoms and should also be addressed.
Dr. Aschenbrenner: First, we conduct a very detailed initial consultation lasting one to two hours. During this medical history, I record the symptoms, their development, existing illnesses, family history, past illnesses, the patient’s diet and digestion, possible stress factors, and more. My patients usually keep a nutrition and symptom diary, which we review carefully together over time.
After the first consultation, I often initiate additional diagnostic tests, for example of stool, urine, or blood. This depends on which previous findings are already available and which diagnoses the patient already has. Based on my many years of medical experience in the field of food intolerances, I can often quickly recognize what type of intolerance may be present — including whether a more complex condition such as Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) could be involved.
Treatment differs depending on the cause. Patience and the willingness to try things out are usually required. Once the cause has been identified, patients often feel much better even after small changes.
My patients usually keep a nutrition and symptom diary. We review it carefully together over time.
Dr. Aschenbrenner: It is very helpful if patients observe themselves closely and write down exactly what they ate at what time and which reactions or symptoms occurred at what time — for example headaches, nausea, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, or skin symptoms. It is also very important that patients are patient and willing to try certain treatment approaches, such as an elimination diet.
In an elimination diet, a number of foods are removed from the diet for a period of 2–3 weeks. Afterwards, they are gradually reintroduced over several weeks. This makes it possible to identify which foods cause problems. In certain conditions — such as histamine intolerance, celiac disease, or Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) — specific foods must be avoided completely for symptoms to improve. During treatment, patients should regularly give feedback to their physician about improvements or worsening.
This allows the physician to respond quickly and effectively, preventing chronic deterioration that might otherwise require long-term therapy again. In my experience, it is crucial that physician and patient follow a clear treatment path together and do not pursue too many therapy approaches at the same time. It is better to try different approaches one after another. That way you can see what truly works and avoid undoing progress already achieved.
Dr. Aschenbrenner: Gut health and the microbiome play a decisive role in food intolerances. Everything we consume affects our gut bacteria, and vice versa our gut health influences how well we digest and tolerate foods. It is a crucial interaction that can determine health or disease.
Dr. Aschenbrenner: Stress of any kind — including emotional stress — has a strong impact on the gut and digestion. Therefore, food intolerances can become worse during stressful life phases or may even appear for the first time. Sometimes everything improves during a relaxed vacation. Travel stress, on the other hand, can significantly worsen intolerances, and changes of location or jet lag can also be major stressors.
Therefore, food intolerances can unfortunately become worse during stressful life phases or even appear for the first time.
Dr. Aschenbrenner: Detoxification and detox programs can significantly improve the condition of the intestinal lining, which in turn can lead to better digestive performance and improved tolerance of foods.
Dr. Aschenbrenner: The right dietary supplements support a healthy microbiome and an intact intestinal lining, which in turn improves food tolerance. In certain intolerances, such as lactose intolerance, digestive enzymes themselves can even be taken as supplements.
Dr. Aschenbrenner: This collaboration can be very helpful and supportive — provided that treatment is coordinated and aligned among all involved professionals.
The content of this blog/newsletter is provided for general informational purposes only and does not replace personal medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information presented here should therefore not be used as the sole basis for making health-related decisions. If you experience any medical complaints, you should in any case seek professional medical advice.
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Holistic physician and author Dr. Katja Aschenbrenner, MD, shares valuable insights from her clinical practice on functional medicine, gut health, hormones, Ayurveda, and everything that keeps us truly alive — for anyone who wants to understand their health and achieve vital longevity.
I am Dr. Katja Aschenbrenner. When no one else can find the root cause, my work begins. I support people with persistent exhaustion, unclear symptoms, or chronic illnesses using an integrative and functional medicine approach.
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