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
This service is provided by Raquel Britzke, HCPC-registered Dietitian (DT28960), following an evidence-based approach in line with NICE clinical guidelines, as a member of the British Dietetic Association, covered by professional indemnity insurance, and committed to continued professional development. All recommendations follow current evidence and clinical guidelines.