IBS Dietitian
IBS Dietition is now available. With so many gut issues from food intolerance to coeliac disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) seems to get more attention on the internet or even in conversation. Not surprisingly, the fact that almost one in five Australians have experienced the unpleasant symptoms of IBS at some time. For most of you, frustration can be the common feeling while you are constantly living in discomfort, worrying about where the closest toilet is and being cautious with food choices all the time.
What is IBS?
IBS is a condition that affects the function of the gut, causing abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhoea and constipation. These symptoms often wax and wane and vary in severity. Till now, we don’t know what causes IBS, but some factors are thought to be causing IBS:
- Change in the gut bacteria
- Change in the gut movement
- Stress and anxiety
- The difference in individuals on how they perceive normal muscle contraction and stretching of the bowel
If you suspect you have IBS, book in with your IBS Dietition and then if needed check with your GP to ensure your symptoms are not caused by other illnesses (e.g., inflammatory bowel diseases, diverticulitis, coeliac disease) because they all have many overlapping symptoms that are similar to IBS.
As unpleasant as the symptoms are, the good news is some ways may help improve IBS symptoms. Here are some of the general IBS management strategies that you may try:
- Stress and anxiety management
Stress and anxiety may trigger overactivity of the gut and causing those IBS symptoms.
- Healthy eating tips
Be mindful of your meal pattern and portion size. Remember to drink plenty of water. Try to limit your consumption of caffeine, alcohol, fatty food, and spicy food, as they may trigger IBS symptoms.
- Lifestyle change
Low to moderate-intensity exercise (e.g. jogging etc.) may help relieve your symptoms as well.
Suppose you have tried these strategies for a while and don’t see any improvement in your symptoms. An IBS Dietition can help you investigate further using a low FODMAP diet. Book an appointment with our dietitian today.