Irritable bowel syndrome
NUTRITIONIST SERVICE
Irritable bowel syndrome and diet
If your gut sometimes seems to have a mind of its own, you’re not alone. The maze-like journey that our food embarks upon after we consume it can be surprisingly complex, especially for those living with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). During the consultations we will explore the intricate relationship between diet and IBS, shining a light on how what we eat can either soothe or worsen this often misunderstood condition.
What is IBS ( IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME) ?
These are 4 distinct medical conditions that affect many people. These conditions can make it hard to consume certain foods and they can have a significant impact on the quality of life of the people who suffer from them. The symptoms and the reasons why the symptoms are present differ. This means that each condition meets a particular attention linked to their food diet and how the symptoms are taken care of as well as the need for a distinct and adapted food strategy.
A dietitian can help you identify the best strategy together with determining the best path for you including a follow up adapted to your needs. Firstly, here are a few summaries that could help you better differentiate them and find the strategy that suits you best:
Food intolerance is a condition in which the body has difficulty digesting certain foods, resulting in digestive symptoms such as bloating, gasses and diarrhea. People suffering from food intolerances must adapt a specific food strategy to avoid foods that start up negative reactions.
A food allergy is a reaction of hypersensitivity of the immune system to certain proteins present in specific foods. Contrary to food intolerance which mainly affects digestion, a food allergy can start serious allergic reactions possibly putting your life in danger.
Gluten is a protein present in wheat, barley and rye. Celiac disease is an auto-immune disease started by the ingestion of gluten. People affected by celiac disease get their intestines mistakenly attacked by their immune system when consuming foods having gluten. This immune response damages the structures in the shape of a finger called villosities which cover the intestine and handle the absorption of the nutrients contained in foods. We estimate that about 1% of the Canadian population is touched with celiac disease. IBS, or Irritable Bowel Syndrome, is a chronic disorder that affects the large intestine. It is characterized by various symptoms, including abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea or constipation (or both), and changes in bowel habits. These symptoms can range from mild to severe and can greatly impact a person’s quality of life.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), is a chronic disorder of the intestines. It is characterized by a variety of symptoms, including the most common symptoms of abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea or constipation (or both), and changes in bowel habits. These symptoms can range from mild to severe and can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life.
Who should follow a low FODMAP diet and what is it ?
The low FODMAP diet is a dietary approach designed to help manage the symptoms of IBS. The concept behind this diet is that by reducing or eliminating these types of carbohydrates from your food intake, you can potentially decrease the amount of gas produced in your gut and prevent bloating and other uncomfortable symptoms associated with IBS.
Ensuring adequate intake of all necessary nutrients while avoiding triggering foods is a complex task that requires professional expertise. A trained registered dietitian can help to ensure nutritional adequacy and correct implementation of this dietary strategy and provide education and support to make sure you understand how this diet works and why it’s beneficial for your condition.
Tired of the symptoms of IBS ?
Look no further, I can help! Medical nutrition therapy and/or the FODMAP approach to IBS may be the solution for you to aid in alleviating those painful symptoms. A review of foods to avoid and guidance on how to read labels and to distinguish ingredients that may trigger symptoms are included in these sessions.
Together, we look at your health concerns and establish realistic short-term nutrition goals to achieve your long-term healthy living objectives. MCGC Nutrition aims to deliver quality care for IBS sufferers!
