“Alive.”
66-year-old Stephen John Ellison, a retired professional, had been struggling with a wide range of debilitating symptoms for years. His health issues began following a bout of food poisoning in 2013, which was diagnosed as gastroenteritis. From that point on, his condition worsened over time, with an accumulation of symptoms that significantly impacted his quality of life.
Stephen experienced sickness, bloating, fainting, extreme fatigue, and loss of appetite, alongside other diagnosed conditions including osteoporosis and a sliding hiatus hernia. Over time, these symptoms became overwhelming.
Day-to-day life became extremely difficult. He describes feeling “miserable,” losing interest in food, socialising, and daily routines. Ongoing tiredness and worsening symptoms meant frequent visits to doctors and hospitals, yet no clear solution was found. At one point, after a severe episode of fainting that forced him to cut a holiday short, his son suggested that food intolerance might be the underlying issue.
Before turning to YorkTest, Stephen had explored multiple medical routes, including blood tests for coeliac disease, diabetes and liver function, as well as changes to medication. He had even been advised to increase dairy intake to support his osteoporosis — something that would later prove to be counterproductive.
The YorkTest results revealed intolerances to cows’ milk and yeast, which came as a surprise given the previous advice to consume more dairy. Armed with this new information, Stephen removed these foods from his diet.
The improvement was significant. Within just one week, he began to feel better, and after three to four weeks, the changes were described as “massive.” His energy levels increased, bloating reduced, and he was finally able to enjoy food again. For the first time in years, he felt able to make plans, socialise, and carry out normal daily activities without feeling drained.
Although the elimination process was challenging at first — particularly as many of his favourite foods had to be removed — Stephen gradually built confidence by finding suitable alternatives. Tools like food apps helped him better understand what he could and couldn’t eat, making the transition easier over time.
He continues to follow his diet plan and has not yet reintroduced his trigger foods, as the improvement in his health has been so significant.
The support from YorkTest also played an important role. Stephen found the nutritional consultation knowledgeable and helpful, and praised the Customer Care Team for their support throughout the process.
Today, Stephen says his life has changed “very significantly.” After years of discomfort and uncertainty, he finally feels like himself again.
