Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) refers to a disorder that involves abdominal pain and bloating, as well as changes in bowel movements. It affects around 1 in 5 Australians. Irritable bowel syndrome must always be diagnosed by a medical doctor such as your GP or specialist. It is important not to self-diagnose, because IBS symptoms can overlap with serious medical conditions that should always be tested for and then ruled out. If you have been diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome and are unsure what your food triggers are, you could benefit from seeing a dietitian. The dietitians at Nutrition Wisdom have completed the Monash FODMAP certification course and can help guide you through the elimination diet process to find the foods that are causing you discomfort. IBS symptoms can include:

Coeliac disease is caused by an immune reaction to gluten which is a protein found the grains: wheat barley and rye. The immune reaction causes inflammation which damages the cells that line the small bowel. Coeliac disease can only be diagnosed by a medical doctor. The tests include a blood test followed by a biopsy of the small bowel. The current treatment for coeliac disease is the complete avoidance of gluten containing protein in the diet. If you have been diagnosed with Coeliac Disease, a dietitian can help you to modify your diet to ensure that you are meeting all of your nutrient requirements while avoiding gluten. Symptoms of coeliac disease include:

Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) is a condition where bacteria that normally live and grow in the large bowel (colon) migrate up into the small intestine. When certain foods (carbohydrates) then pass through the small intestine, these bacteria ferment them and produce by-products including hydrogen and methane gases.

Inflammatory bowel disease is an umbrella term often referring to Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative Colitis. Nutrition can play an important role in reducing symptoms experienced with Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Diverticulitis and diverticulosis refers to pocketing and inflammation in large bowel. A dietitian can help you manage the symptoms you may be experiencing during a flare up. We can also assist with high and low fibre diets and reducing inflammation.

Sometimes people find it awkward to talk about their bowel health. People can become constipated for many reasons such as medications they are taking, the amount of fluid and fibre in their diet, as well as their gut bacteria profile. At Nutrition Wisdom, we can provide you with solutions to help manage constipation.

Lactose intolerance is very common and our chances of developing it increase as we get older. If you suspect you might be lactose intolerant, you may be experiencing, bloating, excess wind and loose bowels. Our dietitians can help you modify your diet so that it is low lactose and provide you with tailored support (shopping lists, meal guides) to help manage your symptoms.