I often get windy and bloated, and my stomach is sore if I press it. It feels like I haven't completely emptied my bowels, even though I generally have a bowel movement every day. According to an IgG food intolerance test, I'm fine with most foods, but my personal experience is that I feel worse after drinking cow's milk, so I avoid it. My diet is, by and large, balanced, healthy and high on whole foods. What can I do to feel more comfortable?

It sounds as though you could have an intolerance to lactose, the sugar found in milk. Lactose intolerance is thought to affect up to 75% of the population to some extent. It rarely shows up in allergy tests, as usually it is not a true allergy but a deficiency of lactase, the enzyme that digests lactose.

Lactase production decreases naturally as we age, but in some people it can cease altogether. Lactose intolerance has many causes but may be triggered by stress, increased use of antibiotics, or foreign travel - all of which can create an imbalance in the gut bacteria. This can lead to a shortage of Lactobacillus Acidophilus, the beneficial bacteria responsible for producing the lactase enzyme.

It would be advisable to cut out dairy products while you concentrate on building up your gut health. I also recommend avoiding sugar and refined carbohydrates as these will help to feed any pathogenic bacteria that may be present. To boost digestive enzymes include foods rich in natural enzymes such as fresh bean and seed sprouts, pineapple and papaya. Taking ½ lemon in warm water 20 minutes before each meal will also help to stimulate digestive juices.

Many sufferers take a lactase supplement, which helps symptoms in the short-term; however I would always recommend investigating the underlying cause by arranging to have a stool analysis with a nutritional therapist. This test measures levels of gut bacteria and identifies any pathogens. To find a nutritional therapist near you see www.bant.org.uk

In terms of supplements, a strong probiotic e.g. Biocare's Bioacidophilus Forte would help boost lactase producing bacteria. You could also try Pukka Herbs Asafoetida Plus, which helps to reduce gas and bloating, or Triphala Plus, which helps clear the bowel from toxic build-up, both available from Xynergy Health Products www.xynergy.co.uk tel 08456 585858.

Stella New RSHom is a registered homeopath and dietary therapist based in West Sussex. Prior to her training she spent many years as an expedition leader, taking groups into some of the most challenging parts of the world, where she was inspired by the use of natural remedies for treating all manner of ailments. Email stella@stellanew.co.uk