IBS Management – Low FODMAP Diet Support
IMPORTANT: About IBS Diagnosis
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is diagnosed by your GP or gastroenterologist based on clinical criteria, NOT by testing.
Signs that you may have IBS (see your GP):
• Recurrent abdominal pain or discomfort
• Altered bowel habits (diarrhoea, constipation, or both)
• Symptoms lasting for ≥3 months
If you have been diagnosed with IBS, we can help with:
✓ Evidence-based nutritional management
✓ Low FODMAP diet (if recommended by your GP)
✓ Symptom monitoring and tracking
✓ Sustainable dietary strategies
✓ Nutritional adequacy support
We work alongside your GP or specialist to provide coordinated care.
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LOW FODMAP DIET - HOW WE APPROACH IT
The Low FODMAP diet is an evidence-based approach for some people with IBS symptoms. However, it requires careful management in three distinct phases:
PHASE 1: LOW FODMAP ELIMINATION (4-8 weeks)
• Reduce high FODMAP foods
• Monitor symptom response carefully
• Track which foods trigger symptoms
• Keep detailed food and symptom diary
PHASE 2: REINTRODUCTION (8-12 weeks) - KEY PHASE
• Systematically reintroduce foods one by one
• Identify your personal tolerance levels
• Discover which foods you can actually eat
• Build flexibility back into your diet
• Most people can eat MORE than they think
PHASE 3: PERSONALISED DIET (Ongoing)
• Include as many foods as you can tolerate
• Ensure nutritional adequacy
• Support long-term sustainability
• Maintain quality of life
Why reintroduction is essential:
✓ Prevents unnecessary food restriction
✓ Maintains adequate fibre and nutrient intake
✓ Supports healthy gut bacteria
✓ Prevents disordered eating patterns
✓ Improves long-term quality of life
✓ Creates sustainable eating patterns
Many people who start Low FODMAP discover during reintroduction that they can actually eat most foods in normal amounts. The goal is NOT permanent restriction — it's identifying YOUR personal triggers and building a sustainable diet around them.
Nutritional monitoring throughout all phases:
✓ Adequate calories for your needs
✓ Sufficient protein intake
✓ Adequate fibre (crucial during elimination phase)
✓ Complete micronutrient coverage
✓ Sustainable long-term adherence
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OUR ROLE IN IBS MANAGEMENT
We provide:
✓ Nutritional assessment for diagnosed IBS
✓ Dietary management strategies
✓ Low FODMAP diet implementation and support
✓ Symptom tracking and monitoring
✓ Regular review and adjustment
✓ Nutritional adequacy checking
We do NOT:
✗ Diagnose IBS (your GP/specialist does this)
✗ Prescribe medications
✗ Provide gastroenterology assessment
✗ Diagnose other GI conditions
When to see your GP:
• If you haven't been diagnosed with IBS yet
• If symptoms worsen despite dietary management
• If new symptoms develop
• If you need specialist assessment
We work in partnership with your GP and specialist to ensure you receive coordinated, evidence-based care.
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PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS
Services are provided by our team of HCPC-registered Dietitians and Registered Nutritionists, following an evidence-based approach in line with NICE clinical guidelines, members of the British Dietetic Association, covered by professional indemnity insurance, and committed to continued professional development. All recommendations follow current evidence and clinical guidelines.
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