The main function of the gut is to absorb nutrients from food and expel what the body doesn’t need. When the gut is not working well, this can lead to symptoms such as constipation, bloating, diarrhoea and nutrients not being properly absorbed by the gut. Welcome to the gut axis.
IBS
Are you constantly struggling with the day to day symptoms of stomach pain, cramping, bloating and gas, constipation or diarrhoea, and cannot pinpoint the trigger? You may have heard of FODMAP but do you know what it has to do with your gut let us show you how?
Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohns, Ulcerative Colitis)
IBD is an umbrella term to describe the two conditions that cause inflammation and ulceration of the digestive tract. Whether you’re in remission or experiencing a flare, you may require a special diet to alleviate symptoms while maximising your nutrition status whilst working with your medical team.
Coeliac disease
For those with coeliac disease, eating gluten causes the body to attack the tiny finger-like projections in your intestines that absorb nutrients from food. This means the ability to absorb nutrients is compromised, leading to all sorts of nutrition deficiencies and disease risk. Did you know following a lifelong strict gluten free diet is the only recognised medical treatment?
Lactose intolerance
People with lactose intolerance are unable to fully digest lactose in milk or milk based products, causing belly cramps, pain, bloating, gas and diarrhoea. We can provide nutrition counselling on what foods to avoid and what to enjoy in minimal amounts to ensure you can still experience a wholesome diet without the dreaded and unpredictable symptoms.
Gastroparesis
If you have gastroparesis, your stomach doesn’t empty as fast as it should. Some people can suffer from slow transit too and severe malnutrition. You may feel sick, pain, constipation, dehydration, full despite minimal food intake and even vomit which may make getting enough nutrition a real challenge. Some people may even think you have an Eating Disorder! There is no one diet that is a simple quick fix, but we can help you figure out which food works best for you and to obtain that needed dietary support.
Constipation, bloating and diarrhoea
Are your stools hard, dry and difficult to pass? Do you have fewer than 3 bowel movements in a week? and associated stomach pain that feels like your intestines are crying out for relief? Or are your stools loose and you often experience the urgency for the bathroom after certain foods?
Fatty liver and Cirrhosis
If you have heard the words ‘You have a fatty liver,’ modifying diet, participating in regular exercise and weight loss (if needed), are important measures to prevent further damage to the liver. If you are past this stage and have liver cirrhosis, this means your liver is permanently and irreversibly damaged whether it be by disease, excessive alcohol or another cause. We can help provide the best Dietetic advice to optimise your health and help you return to better health.
Gallstones
Gallstones occur when bile forms stones (containing cholesterol-like material) in your gallbladder. Modifications to diet may be required to reduce the recurrence of gallstones or to manage the radiating pain that comes with it.
Diverticular
Diverticular disease occurs when small pouches develop in the lining of the large intestine and become inflamed or infected. There is no preferred treatment method, though a healthy diet with adequate fibre may help including managing what is the best diet when you have an acute episode of Diverticular disease vs chronic management.