What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder affecting 1 in 7 Australians. It is characterised by a cluster of persistent symptoms that can include lower abdominal pain and discomfort, bloating, wind, distension and altered bowel habit ranging from diarrhoea to constipation. If you are experiencing these symptoms it is important to see your Doctor for a correct diagnosis and to rule out other possible gastrointestinal disorders.
What causes IBS?
IBS can be triggered by gastroenteritis, antibiotic use and gut surgery. Symptoms are sometimes aggravated by diet and lifestyle factors including stress, lack of exercise and inadequate fibre intake. Recent research indicates that disruption in gut microbiota (intestinal microflora) may play a role in the development of IBS symptoms.
How do I control my symptoms?
There is no cure for IBS however research has focused on certain types of carbohydrates in foods that that can trigger the symptoms. These carbohydrates are collectively called FODMAPs and it is now evident that reducing the high FODMAP foods in the diet leads to improvement in symptoms in most people with IBS. You can click MonashFODMAPS.com.
How can our dietitian help?
The dietitian will examine your diet for the following
- Fibre.
- Amount and type of fibre are important considerations. Depending on your symptoms the dietitian may manipulate the type and amount of fibre in your diet.
- FODMAPs.
- The research team at Monash Uni have developed a diet to control gastrointestinal symptoms associated with IBS focusing on a group of carbohydrates called FODMAPs. Visit https://www.monash.edu/medicine/ccs/gastroenterology/fodmap for more information on IBS and FODMAPs. Current research strongly suggests that a low FODMAP diet improves IBS symptoms in most individuals. It is essential to seek expert advice before commencing a low FODMAP diet to ensure that your diet is not unnecessarily restrictive. Our dietitian Jocelyn Hunter Clarke is Monash trained in the FODMAP’s diet and will guide you through the two-step process including a short term supervised low FODMAP trial followed by re-introduction of foods to assess tolerance levels. The long term aim is for good symptom management while enjoying a wide range of foods and with a focus on eating for gut microbiome diversity to support gut health.
- Fluid
- Adequate fluid intake in the form of water is essential for bowel health.
- Other triggers
- Dietary factors such as alcohol, caffeine, gluten, fat and food chemicals may need to be modified to improve symptoms.
- Lifestyle factors such as physical activity and stress may need to be addressed for improved symptom management.