The symptoms of these conditions can be debilitating and a dietitian will support diet and lifestyle strategies.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic, relapsing and often life-long disorder. Symptoms include abdominal pain or discomfort, which may be associated with defecation and/or accompanied by a change in bowel habit. Additionally disordered defecation (constipation or diarrhoea or both) and abdominal distension, usually referred to as bloating.
The cause of IBS is unknown, but contributors can include: gender, genetics, stress, dysbiosis (a negative change in the balance of good and bad bacteria within the gut), illness or antibiotics. It has been reclassified as a disorder between the gut and brain, but this does not necessarily mean it is caused by stress. There are many effective dietary and lifestyle strategies that can be implemented to successfully manage IBS. This is very individual and a gut health dietitian can help you to implement the most effective treatment for your symptoms and lifestyle. . Research by our team has shown that success rates on the low FODMAP diet are higher with dietitian support than without.
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, commonly referred to as SIBO, is characterised by an increased number of microbes invading the small intestine. The small intestine is much more sensitive than the large intestine and so it doesn’t fare well when having to accommodate these extra microbial guests (and their fermenting feasts). As a consequence, they can interfere with the small intestine’s normal functioning, causing IBS-like symptoms, such as tummy pain, bloating, excess flatulence and diarrhoea.
Bile acids are made in the liver, stored in the gallbladder and released into the small intestine (gut) when food is eaten. Virtually all (97%) of the bile acids are then re-absorbed in the final section of the small intestine (ileum) and returned to the liver. This cycle repeats itself and is called the enterohepatic circulation. When this cycle is disturbed, this is termed bile acid malabsorption and can result in digestive issues like diarrhoea, cramping abdominal pain and excessive wind. Those with bile acid malabsorption may experience loose, urgent stools soon after eating a high fat meal, or overnight.
Our team of SIBO, BAM and IBS dietitian experts can help you navigate management to obtain relief, while optimising future health, so get in touch if you’d like to book a consultation!
