Our dietitian can assist you in the nutritional management of a range of gastrointestinal conditions ranging from bloating and constipation, to inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome, using the latest scientific evidence.
COELIAC DISEASE and NON-COELIAC GLUTEN SENSITIVITY
Coeliac disease is a serious condition whereby ingestion of gluten results in an immune response which causes inflammation in the intestinal wall. Overtime, significant intestinal damage can occur if a strict gluten-free diet has not been followed. Coeliac disease is a genetic condition with the majority of people having either one or both of the HLA DQ2 or HLA DQ8 genes, therefore, if you have been diagnosed with coeliac disease it is important that any siblings or children are also tested. It is crucial that a diagnosis is made via biopsy before eliminating any gluten, otherwise diagnosis becomes an extremely difficult and long process.
People with non-coeliac gluten sensitivity often describe symptoms similar to those with coeliac disease (diarrhoea, constipation, cramping, bloating) and attribute these symptoms to gluten. While research is still growing in this area, it is becoming more apparent that perhaps these symptoms are triggered by fructans (a type of fodmap) rather than the gluten protein itself. It is important that coeliac testing is undertaken before eliminating foods from the diet. If coeliac testing is negative, our dietitian can help guide you through an appropriate low FODMAP diet to find out your individual triggers. Without appropriate testing, you could be eliminating gluten unnecessarily.
There are many reasons a person can become constipated including inactivity, inadequate fibre or fluid, or even due to food intolerances. Our dietitian will take a detailed diet and lifestyle history and provide realistic recommendations to help you achieve healthy bowel movements.
Diverticular disease occurs when the lining of the bowl develops “pockets”. Diverticulitis is the term used when these pockets become infected causing pain and discomfor. Our dietitian can advise on the most appropriate diet for you, to prevent flare-ups and maintain regular bowel movements.
INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE
Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative Colitis are the two main forms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Research is still limited in terms of the best approach to nutritional management of IBD, but a low residue diet is usually recommended during a flare up (when symptoms are severe). Our dietitian can guide you through a low residue diet and can help determine when it is appropriate to return to a normal diet. Nutrient deficiencies such as iron and B12 can be common in those with IBD, and our dietitian can help ensure your diet is nutritionally adequate. If you are still experiencing significant symptoms despite the disease being well controlled, it is possible you may also have IBS and our dietitian can provide strategies to help minimise these symptoms.
IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME
Irritable bowel syndrome or IBS commonly presents as various symptoms including but not limited to wind, bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhoea or constipation. Because these symptoms are also common in inflammatory bowel disease and coeliac disease it is critical to have the appropriate tests to rule these out prior to eliminating foods from the diet. Typically, a low FODMAP diet is recommended to help manage symptoms. Our dietitian Sarah, can provide you with an individualised plan to help pinpoint your triggers, and just as importantly provide guidance on a longer term modified low-fodmap diet to ensure you are consuming adequate fibre and prebiotics which will help to maintain healthy gut microflora.
Sarah is highly experienced in delivering the low FODMAP diet and guiding people through challenges. She helps to facilitate various online support groups for people with IBS from all over the world, including a support group for parents with children on the low FODMAP diet.
Reflux occurs when stomach acid makes its way up the oesophagus. While there are numerous medications which can help reduce the symptoms of reflux, our dietitian can provide dietary and lifestyle advice which can usually improve symptoms in most cases.
Please note: 24 hours notice is required for cancellations to make it fair on all our clients and our practitioners. If this is not adhered to, 50% of your appointment cost will be issued. For non attendance without prior notification, a fee equal to the appointment costs will be issued. We understand that in exceptional circumstances it may not always be possible to let us know, and we are happy to make exceptions at such times at our discretion.