Ellen Roche Dietitian at Nutri Vive Nutrition Clinic specialises in nutrition for digestive complaints. Ellen is proud to be just one of a very limited number of Irish Dietitians who have attended Kings College London for advanced training in the Low FODMAP diet for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and other functional bowel disorders e.g. Crohns, indigestion etc..
IBS is usually diagnosed by a GP or gastroenterologist and often includes symptoms of abdominal pain, bloating, excessive flatulence, burping and is sometimes associated with an altered bowel habit i.e. constipation, diarrhoea or even a combination of both. Sometimes these symptoms may be associated with bad breath (halitosis) also.
What are FODMAP Foods?
The FODMAP approach is a new nutritional treatment for IBS and other functional digestive disorders. FODMAPs (Fermentable Oligo-, Di-, Mono- sacharrides And Polyls) are fermentable carbohydrate foods e.g. apples, broccoli and honey which are poorly digested in the small intestine of susceptible individuals. These poorly digested foods are rapidly fermented by bacteria naturally present in the large bowel, which later results in various digestive symptoms. These foods sometimes exert an “osmotic” effect in the bowel where they draw fluid into the bowel which may also exaccerbate symptoms.
The Proof it Works!
The FODMAP diet is scientifically proven to minimise digestive problems i.e. abdominal bloating, pain, wind, constipation or diarrhea for the large majority of people. The approach has recently been proven to be more effective than other traditional methods previously used by Nutritionists, since originating at Monash University in Melbourn Australia a few years ago.
What is Involved?
Three consultations are usually required to complete the process.
FODMAP foods are firstly excluded for a period of 6 weeks whilst suitable alternatives are advised. The Dietitian will explain in detail which foods are to be avoided and supplys an extensive list of alternatives for the duration. There is a specific method for reintroducing the foodsagain thereafter, which identifies the problematic foods for the individual.
Information Sources
The diet which originated in Australia almost ten years ago, however is relatively new in Ireland. Unfortunately there is lots of incorrect information available from books and through the internet. At the clinic, you will be guided step by step through all the practicalities of implementing the diet and provided with the most up to date booklets from Kings College which help ensure its success at relieving digestive symptoms. Ellen attended Kings College London again in June of 2013 for further training and updates on the changes to the dietary advice and to discover new applications of the approach.
Contact the clinic for more information: (087) 6802248