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Are You Really Gluten/Dairy Intolerant?
Before you cut out gluten or dairy for good, explore the real gut health reasons behind your symptoms, from low stomach acid to SIBO, and how to heal them.
Written and medically reviewed by Dr. Courtney Ranieri, ND, a licensed naturopathic doctor registered with the College of Naturopaths of Ontario (Reg. #3726). Last reviewed July 2026.
Chances are you've tried cutting out gluten or dairy at some point to try to 'fix' your gut problems. Did it work? While it may have helped, I often find patients cutting out whole food groups for extended periods of time (sometimes years) and only seeing 30 to 40% improvement.
I want to get you to 100%
No food group is inherently 'bad', and my theory is that if your gut is working the way it's supposed to, you should be able to eat most things in moderation. You might just need to fix the underlying problem first.
Here are a few reasons why your gut health may be off:
- You have low stomach acidity. When there isn't enough acidity, food doesn't get broken down fully, allowing bacteria to feed and ferment it, causing symptoms like bloating, gas, indigestion and abdominal discomfort. Learn more about stomach acidity and how to improve it here.
- You have SIBO. Small Intestinal Bacteria Overgrowth (SIBO) is an overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine. It's estimated that 80% of people with IBS are actually suffering from SIBO. Common symptoms are bloating, gassiness, burping, flatulence, heartburn, a sensation of fullness, constipation and/or diarrhea. The first key to treating SIBO is to correctly diagnose it (via a non-invasive breath test) and address the root cause. Learn more about SIBO Testing and Treatment here.
- You have a compromised gut lining. In an unhealthy gut, the lining can weaken, leaving the barrier compromised. This can lead to inflammation causing symptoms such as bloating, gas, cramping, food sensitivities, low energy, headaches, and joint pain. Comprehensive Stool Analysis testing can help get a snapshot of your gut health.
Does this sound like you? Let's figure out your gut health.
About the author
Dr. Courtney Ranieri, ND is a board-licensed naturopathic doctor and the founder of Somewhere Health. She earned her Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto and holds an Honours Bachelor of Science from the University of Western Ontario. Her clinical focus spans hormonal health, fertility, digestion, and women's health, with advanced training in pelvic floor therapy and integrative fertility care.
