Digestive Health Dietitian Vancouver

What is IBS?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common digestive disorder that affects the large intestine, causing a range of symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and irregular bowel movements, including diarrhea, constipation, or alternating between the two.

The exact cause of IBS is not well understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of factors such as abnormal gut motility, heightened sensitivity to pain, and disruptions in the communication between the gut and the brain.

Stress, certain foods, and hormonal changes can also trigger or worsen symptoms. IBS is considered a chronic condition, but it does not cause permanent damage to the intestines.

How can a dietitian help IBS?

• Help identify dietary triggers and develop a personalized nutrition plan to alleviate symptoms
• Help guide you through various protocols for IBS treatment e.g low FODMAP diet
• Address fibre intake to support healthy digestion
• Beyond food, we can discuss stress-related triggers and associated therapies
• Discuss supplements to alleviate and manage symptoms

Are you ready to take control of your IBS? Book an appointment today with an experienced IBS dietitian

What is IBD?

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is an umbrella term that refers to a group of chronic inflammatory conditions affecting the digestive tract, primarily including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

These conditions are characterized by ongoing inflammation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea (often with blood or mucus), fatigue, weight loss, and sometimes fever.

IBD is different from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) in that it involves actual damage to the gut lining, whereas IBS does not.

While the exact cause of IBD is not fully understood, it is thought to result from a combination of genetic, environmental, and immune system factors. The immune system of individuals with IBD mistakenly attacks healthy cells in the gut, leading to inflammation and tissue damage.

While diet alone cannot cure IBD, proper nutrition can help control inflammation, manage flare-ups, and improve overall well-being. 

How can a dietitian help IBD?

A dietitian can play a crucial role in the management of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) by helping individuals tailor their diet to reduce symptoms, promote healing, and prevent nutritional deficiencies.

• Identify and eliminate trigger foods that may worsen symptoms during active flare-ups
• Outline nutrition recommendations during a flare vs remisssion
• Recommend vitamin and mineral supplements to avoid condiitions such as anemia or osteoporosis
• Create a personalized nutrition plan that fits your lifestyle and preferences while managing your IBD symptoms 
• Ensure you receive proper nutrition through a well balanced diet despite dietary restrictions

 Are you ready to take take over your IBD? Book an appointment today with an experienced IBD dietitian

Food intolerances are digestive system responses to certain foods or ingredients that the body has difficulty processing.

Unlike food allergies, which involve the immune system, food intolerances typically result from a deficiency or inability to break down specific substances, such as lactose, gluten, various carbohydrates or certain food additives.

Common symptoms of food intolerances:

• Bloating
• Gas
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea

How can a dietitian help with food intolerances?

• Support you along an elimination and reintroduction diet 
• Discuss supplements as needed 
• Education on how to read food labels and how to find approproate substitutes
• Ensure prevention of nutritional deficiencies 
• Ensure you maintain a healthy balanced diet while avoiding food triggers

 Are you ready to address your food intolerances? Let's work together.