Dietary Advice for Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or IBS, is a digestive or functional gut disorder that causes symptoms of abdominal pain or discomfort, bloating, wind and changes in bowel habit (constipation, diarrhoea or both).
IBS is not caused by disease in the gut so there are no diagnostic tests available. Usually, your GP will diagnose IBS once they have ruled out other possible causes for your symptoms. This process can sometimes take quite a while, so and it is really frustrating to be finally told you have IBS, but not be given any specific treatment plan.
Instead, treatment is usually suggested on a ‘trial and error’ basis, and can include things like stress management, probiotics, fibre supplements, medications and dietary change.
If you have been diagnosed with IBS, or worry that you may have IBS, you may feel frustrated that you can’t seem to link your symptoms with what you have eaten.
Through an IBS diet consultation, I can help you to gain a better understanding of the link between your symptoms and your diet.
By working with me, you’ll gain the knowledge you need to control your symptoms without following an overly restrictive diet!
A dietary approach
There are two levels of dietary approach to IBS.
First line treatment includes simple, easy to implement dietary or lifestyle changes that may ease your symptoms. A more effective, but intensive approach would be an elimination diet such as the low FODMAP diet.
Basic or first line dietary changes for IBS do not involve following a strict diet or eliminating lots of different foods.
Having the support of a dietitian, and access to effective and reliable advice, is going to give you a greater understanding of the role that diet can play in your symptom management.
Why book an IBS diet consultation?
When it comes to dietary advice for IBS, there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach. Everybody is different, and the dietary advice you’ll read online will often be vague and generic. With an IBS diet consultation you’ll get tailored dietary advice from me, a specialist IBS dietitian.
I can assess your diet and your symptoms, this will help me to tailor the dietary treatment to you personally.
I can make sure that you get control of your symptoms and keep eating a healthy and nutritious diet that you enjoy.
I can give you advice about eating out, holidays and special events- so that you can continue to enjoy these without worrying about symptoms spoiling your fun!
If you do want to try a more intensive approach to treating your IBS symptoms, we offer help and support for the low FODMAP diet.
Get Started
First line dietary treatment for IBS
If you’d like to find out more about how a dietitian can support you with dietary treatment for IBS, book a free discovery call today.