Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a gastrointestinal disorder that causes symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, flatulence, diarrhoea and constipation.
- The exact cause of IBS is not well understood, however it is thought to be a combination of factors, such as altered gut motility, gut sensitivity, imbalances of bacteria in the gut and infections.
- Treatment can vary on an individual basis. Dietary strategies such as the Low FODMAP diet, fibre modification, fluid modification and assessment of gut irritants such as alcohol may be implemented by our Dietitians. Our Dietitians may also consider supplements or pharmacotherapy such as peppermint oil capsules. Lifestyle factors such as stress and exercise can also impact IBS symptoms.
Our Dietitians will work with you to develop the most appropriate strategy for your symptoms and lifestyle, with the aim to reduce the need for dietary restrictions. This may include one of the below approaches, or something different, such as alcohol modification or limiting fatty foods. Regardless of the approach used, our Dietitians will:
- Assess your symptoms and your diet to develop a management plan that will be most suitable for you.
- Monitor your diet to optimise your nutritional intake
- Provide you with meal and snack suggestions to assist in the management of your symptoms
- Develop nutrition strategies that work alongside other health conditions such as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD)
The Low FODMAP Diet:
FODMAPs are a group of carbohydrates that are poorly absorbed in the gut, which can exacerbate IBS symptoms. FODMAP subgroups include:
- Lactose
- Fructans
- Fructose
- Sorbitol
- Mannitol
- Galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS)
The low FODMAP diet involves three phases:
1. Eliminating/restricting high FODMAP foods2. A structured reintroduction phase3. Expanding your diet based on your findings
Our Dietitians will guide you through all three phases to develop your personalised meal strategies.
Our Dietitians will guide you through all three phases to develop your personalised meal strategies.
Fibre:
Your Dietitian may discuss fibre modification with you if you are experiencing constipation, bloating or diarrhoea. Some people may find they need to increase their fibre intake and others may need to decrease it.
Fibre has two main categories: soluble and insoluble fibre.
Soluble fibre includes foods such as oats, some fruits and vegetables, lentils and legumes. It is a type of fibre that forms a gel-like substance. It can help relieve constipation, as it creates softer stools and may assist with diarrhoea by slowing down and thickening your stools.
Insoluble fibre includes foods such as wholegrains, nuts, seeds and some fruits and vegetables. Insoluble fibre adds bulk to stool, which can be great to relieve constipation, however, can also have the opposite effect in others.
Some people with IBS may benefit from food based fibres and others may benefit from supplemental fibres.
Fibre has two main categories: soluble and insoluble fibre.
Soluble fibre includes foods such as oats, some fruits and vegetables, lentils and legumes. It is a type of fibre that forms a gel-like substance. It can help relieve constipation, as it creates softer stools and may assist with diarrhoea by slowing down and thickening your stools.
Insoluble fibre includes foods such as wholegrains, nuts, seeds and some fruits and vegetables. Insoluble fibre adds bulk to stool, which can be great to relieve constipation, however, can also have the opposite effect in others.
Some people with IBS may benefit from food based fibres and others may benefit from supplemental fibres.
Complimentary and Non Prescription Medicine and Supplements That May Be Considered:
- Peppermint oil
- Probiotics
- Prebiotics
- Iberogast