Gut Disorders

At Thrive Dietetics we have a special interest in gut health.  We have a range of up to date information and eating plans to assist in the management of the gastrointestinal conditions.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and FODMAPs

IBS stands for Irritable Bowel Syndrome and about 1 in 5 Australians experience this common gut disorder at some time. Many things can contribute to IBS such as:

●      Anxiety and stress

●      Diet-related food intolerances

●      Disruption to the microbiome

●      Overactive muscles of the gut 

The main symptoms of IBS can be a bloated feeling, pain and discomfort, and the type of stools produced for a duration of at least 6 months.  Some sufferers of IBS can have diarrhoea, some can be constipated, and some can alternate between both.

Research shows that certain carbohydrates can cause irritation to the bowels and contribute to these symptoms. These carbohydrates are called Fermentable, Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides, and Polyols – otherwise known as FODMAPs.

The Low FODMAP diet has had many accounts of improvement to Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Colitis and Crohn’s Disease sufferers’ symptoms, however, it should only be implemented under the close supervision of a health professional skilled in challenging groups, and assessing thresholds to identify true intolerances that allow the re-introduction of short-chain carbohydrate foods back into the diet that improve nutritional intake and long-term microbiome health.

If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms that align with IBS send an enquiry to discuss in further detail.

Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD)

Inflammatory bowel disease, also known as IBD, is a term that describes a group of gastrointestinal diseases. The main types of IBD are Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis.

Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory condition within the digestive tract that causes inflammation which can also spread to nearby tissues. Although Crohn’s can be treated it cannot be cured so it is important to try and minimise symptoms as well as complications.

Ulcerative Colitis is an inflammatory condition that affects the large intestine. The condition can lead to sore, or ulcers, in the bowels that can cause pain in the abdomen and rectum.

If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms that align with IBD send an enquiry to discuss in further detail.

Coeliac Disease 

Coeliac disease effects on average approximately 1 in 70 Australians. However, around 80% of this number remain undiagnosed. This means the vast majority of Australians who have coeliac disease don’t yet know it.

In people with coeliac disease the immune system reacts abnormally to gluten (a protein found in wheat, rye, barley and triticale), causing small bowel damage. This condition also causes a reduction in the surface area of the bowel available for nutrient absorption, which can lead to various gastrointestinal and malabsorptive symptoms.

People with coeliac disease remain sensitive to gluten throughout their life, so in this sense they are never cured. However, a strict gluten free diet does allow the condition to be managed effectively. 

If you feel like you’re suffering from symptoms like diarrhoea, constipation, nausea, bloating, cramping, abdominal, pain, steatorrhea, fatigue, weakness, lethargy, iron deficiency, failure to thrive/delayed puberty in children, weight loss, bone/joint pain, recurrent mouth ulcers, altered mental alertness/irritibility, skin rashes such as dermatitis herpetiformis, please contact us for a consultation.

Diverticular Disease

Diverticular disease consists of three conditions that involve the development of small sacs or pockets in the wall of the colon, including diverticulosis, diverticular bleeding, and diverticulitis.

Diverticulosis is the formation of numerous tiny pockets, or diverticula, in the lining of the bowel.  Diverticulitis occurs when there is inflammation and infection in one or more diverticula. 

Diverticulitis, infection and inflammation of diverticula, can occur suddenly and without warning.  Symptoms of diverticulitis may include:

●      Diarrhoea and/or constipation

●      Painful cramps or tenderness in the lower abdomen

●      Chills or fever

 If you feel like you’re suffering from these symptoms, please contact us for a consultation.

Hiatus Hernia

A hiatus hernia is a common condition where a part of the stomach slides or protrudes from the abdomen into the chest. Most hiatus hernias don’t cause any problems, but some – especially large hiatus hernias – cause symptoms such as heartburn.

The most common symptoms are those arising from gastro-oesophageal reflux, which can occur as a result of the hernia.

Symptoms include:

●      Heartburn – a painful burning sensation felt in the lower front chest area behind the breastbone and upper abdomen.

●      Regurgitation of sour or bitter-tasting acid fluid into the mouth, particularly at night, which occurs with more severe reflux.

If you feel like you’re suffering from GORD (reflux) symptoms, please contact us for a consultation.

Constipation & Loose Bowel Motions

Constipation is when your bowel motions are less frequent and you have trouble passing them as they are often hard and dry. You may only be able to pass small amounts at a time or have difficulty passing them. Other signs you may be constipated are pain, cramps or swelling in the abdominal area or perhaps you leave the toilet feeling your bowel is not completely empty.

In contrast loose bowel motions is an increase in the frequency of bowel movements, an increase in the looseness of stool or both. This is commonly caused by increased secretion of fluid into the intestine, reduced absorption of fluid from the intestine or rapid passage of stool through the intestine.  Symptoms associated with loose bowel motions include abdominal pain, especially cramping. Other symptoms depend on the cause of the diarrhoea.

If you feel like you are suffering constipation or loose bowel movements please contact us for a consultation.