17Mar 2017 by Chloe McLeod
What is IBS, and how do we manage it?

What is IBS, and how do we manage it?

GI Disorders
It seems everywhere you go, someone new is trying out a gluten free diet, and complaining of feeling bloated, uncomfortable, or suffering from diarrhoea or constipation. Does this mean they have IBS? But wait. What is IBS, and how do we manage it? What is IBS? Approximately 20% of Australians suffer from irritable bowel syndrome, commonly known as IBS. IBS is a chronic condition, meaning long term management is required. Symptoms include stomach cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, wind, constipation and diarrhea. It is also common for there to be periods in your life where symptoms are worse, or are better. How do we manage it? IBS, for most people is triggered by consumption of high FODMAP foods, whilst stress, anxiety, lack of sleep and physical activity all play a role…
Read More
28Feb 2017 by Amanda Moon
The low-down on the Low FODMAPs diet to improve gut symptoms

The low-down on the Low FODMAPs diet to improve gut symptoms

GI Disorders
Most people experiencing excessive gas, bloating, abdominal pain and altered bowel movements (diarrhoea and/or constipation) would have heard of the Low FODMAPs diet by now. Many GPs and health practitioners are regarding it to be one of the best investigative diets for identifying problematic foods. Research shows that people with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) can significantly improve symptoms by managing the amount of FODMAPs in their diet. What are FODMAPS? FODMAPs is an acronym for Fermentable Oligo-saccharides, Di-saccharides, Mono-saccharides and Polyols. Essentially, FODMAPs are short-chain carbohydrates (sugars, starches and fibres), which can be poorly digested and absorbed in the small intestine, resulting in movement through to the large intestine. Here, they can be fermented / digested by the millions of bacteria that reside there, producing…
Read More
27Jan 2017 by Amanda Moon
Considerations for the Management and Treatment of IBS

Considerations for the Management and Treatment of IBS

GI Disorders
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a disorder that affects the nerves and muscles of the bowel. It’s the least understood, but most common gastrointestinal disorder - affecting one in five Australians. IBS isn’t a disease itself, but a label given to symptoms that are not related to other conditions like coeliac disease, Inflammatory Bowel Disease etc. Therefore it’s very important to speak with your GP about your symptoms as soon as possible to rule out more serious gut conditions. Symptoms can vary in severity and come and go, lasting for hours, days, weeks or months. For most people, it’s a chronic condition, while for others it can improve and even disappear completely. Some of the most common IBS symptoms include: • Abdominal pain or cramping – often relieved by passing…
Read More