GUT HEALTH DIETITIAN SERVICES

Irritable bowel syndrome is a functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorder. It does not cause damage to the body but may cause distressing, painful, and frustrating symptoms.

IBS is a very common gastrointestinal condition and affects 1 in 7 people.

Common IBS symptoms include bloating, abdominal distension, constipation, diarrhoea, alternating bowel habits, urgency to poo, recessive flatulence, and lower abdominal pain. Symptoms can be mild, moderate, or severe.

Read more about IBS here

Crohn’s Disease (CD) is a chronic lifelong health condition that causes inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. It is grouped with ulcerative colitis under the term inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It can affect the GI tract anywhere from the mouth to the anus. Inflammation can cause abdominal or anal pain, diarrhoea, weight loss, or tiredness. A well-balanced diet is essential in ensuring the body is well-nourished and provides all the nutrients it needs. Diet can also be used as a therapeutic option for the management of Crohn’s Disease.

Crohn’s and Colitis Australia recommended that everyone with IBD have an opportunity to meet with a dietitian to discuss and tailor their diet.

UC is also an inflammatory bowel disease it causes inflammation and ulceration of the large bowel (colon and rectum). Symptoms of ulcerative colitis may include frequent diarrhoea, urgency, tiredness, fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, or anaemia. Diet is important in ulcerative colitis and plays a role in supporting nutritional adequacy, symptom management, and treating deficiencies, and can be helpful to identify foods that may trigger bowel sensitivity.

Crohn’s and Colitis Australia recommended that everyone with IBD have an opportunity to meet with a dietitian to discuss and tailor their diet.

GORD or Reflux is a medical condition where stomach acid moves back past the lower oesophageal sphincter (where it is not meant to be) causing symptoms. These symptoms may include heartburn, regurgitation, a hoarse voice, belching, bloating, nausea, chest pain, persistent cough, frequent throat clearing, or painful swallowing.

Diverticular disease is a condition where small bulging pouches called diverticula form in the intestines, most commonly the large intestine. Diverticulosis refers to the existence of these pouches whereas diverticulitis is when these pouches and surrounding tissue become inflamed.

Coeliac Disease is a condition where the immune system reacts abnormally to gluten causing damage to the small bowel. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. Some people experience symptoms, and some people don’t have any symptoms at all. Unfortunately, the only treatment for Coeliac Disease is a lifelong strict gluten-free diet. There is a lot to learn in the beginning and this can be overwhelming. I try to make this transition as easy as possible for you with resources to support label reading, food lists, shopping guides, and eating gluten-free on a budget.

Learn more about Coeliac Disease and become a member at Coeliac Australia.

Constipation is defined as:

• Less than 3 bowel motions per week

• Difficulty passing stool that is hard and involves straining

• Prolonged time spent on the toilet

• Incomplete evacuation of poo

Constipation can have many causes including dietary, lifestyle, medications, neurological conditions, psychological conditions, or IBS. Depending on the cause both dietary and lifestyle interventions may be used to normalise bowel motions.

Diarrhoea is defined as:

• More than 3 watery, loose bowel motions per day with

• Cramping and abdominal pain

It can be acute, persistent, or chronic.

Diarrhoea may be caused by:

• Viral or bacterial infections

• Health conditions including coeliac disease, diverticular disease, Crohn’s and colitis, or irritable bowel syndrome

• Some medications