How can an IBS dietitian help you?

DAMIAN POUSTIE Poustie Author

Feb 28, 2023 |

Irritable bowel syndrome is a common digestive complaint, but did you know that working with an IBS dietitian can help improve your everyday life?

Your gut could be described as your body’s engine room. While you’re going about your day, your gut is busily working. It’s breaking down your food, absorbing nutrients, supporting your body’s and brain functions, plus powering your immune system.

Most people don’t spend much time thinking about their gut. But for those with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), the constant discomfort and at times embarrassing symptoms of their condition has them endlessly obsessing over what their bowel is up to.

IBS is a common digestive complaint. Dietitians Australia estimates that up to 30% of Australians suffer from the condition. But, if you find yourself in that 30%, do not stress - here at The Health Collective, our IBS dietitian understands the impact that it can have on your everyday life. With her extensive knowledge, she can help you find the best diet for your IBS, support you in the management of IBS symptoms and connect you with other professionals at The Health Collective if you need it.

Dietary Changes

Often, making a few tweaks to your diet goes a long way toward managing irritable bowel symptoms. What is the best diet for irritable bowel syndrome you might ask? Well there’s no hard and fast answer as it can differ from person to person. The first step is to identify foods and drinks that trigger your symptoms. Some of the most common foods that might trigger IBS-related symptoms include foods high in fat, caffeine, and alcohol.

It’s important to remember that IBS symptoms are very individual. Some people may be able to eat a certain food that you simply cannot tolerate. So, the best diet for your IBS may not be the same as for someone else. This is why the treatment of your IBS will be tailored to you. At The Health Collective, we work with you to develop a personalised eating plan, aiming to reduce your symptoms as well as improve your overall well-being.

The best diet for your IBS may include recommendations to avoid some foods and increase your intake of others. You may need to adjust your portion sizes or try a new style of diet (i.e., low FODMAP). 

Managing Flare-ups

If you’ve lived with an irritable bowel for a while, you’re likely no stranger to flare-ups. A flare-up is described as a period of intense IBS symptoms. Common physical symptoms of a flare-up might include, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhoea, gas, and bloating.

Arguably, worse than the physical symptoms are the mental symptoms that come with a flare-up. Many report experiencing stress, anxiety, frustration, confusion, brain fog, fatigue and feeling overwhelmed.

Much like diet triggers, the triggers that cause a flare-up of IBS symptoms can be different for everyone. Some may find stress triggers their IBS while others might find the slightest change in their regular diet can have them running for the loo.

An IBS dietitian can work with you to identify your triggers and develop a plan to minimise your flare-ups. We’ll help keep you as healthy as possible so that you can enjoy your life without the interruption of IBS.

Troubleshooting Problems

Like most health care plans, managing IBS is not as simple as finding a plan that works and sticking with that; there’s no ‘set and forget’ here. Unfortunately for some, IBS can be difficult to control. Every now and then you may experience a bump in the road, and that’s ok. What is important to remember is this.

We can help. Our IBS dietitians can help. The Health Collective can help.

You may be experiencing a sudden or unexpected symptom or struggling with your diet plan. Perhaps you’re responding differently to certain treatments or dealing with another challenge.

Whatever it is, we can work with you to develop new IBS management strategies. When troubleshooting and finding solutions to your irritable bowel syndrome, we might consider making changes to your diet, or your routine.

Access To Other Health Professionals

At The Health Collective, we understand that living with IBS can significantly impact your mental health and quality of life. Because of this, we can provide you with access to other health professionals should you need further support to manage the impact your IBS has on you day-to-day.

This may involve mental health professionals or support groups to help you cope with the emotional strain of the condition. It may involve a chinese health practitioner to help with pain, stress and your digestive health. It may involve a referral to a physiotherapist to work with you on the muscles of your pelvic floor. Managing your IBS is extremely individualised so any referrals to other health professionals will depend on your specific circumstances and needs.

The Health Collective is ready to help

Are you or a loved one living with IBS? Would you like help with a dietary plan? Do you need guidance to take back control of your symptoms?

Our IBS dietitian, Maddie Lawson is here to help you.

Have any questions? Book a discovery call today.

Disclaimer

All information is general and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The Health Collective can consult with you to confirm if a particular treatment is right for you.

References

Better Health Channel. (2021). Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs

Dietitians Australia. (2022). Diet and Nutrition Health Advice; Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs

Jean Hailes. (2022). Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/bladder-bowel/irritable-bowel-syndrome

HealthDirect. (2020). Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs