The low FODMAP diet has been a first line treatment for IBS for some time now. It makes sense, as there are studies showing that about 2/3 of people with IBS get at least some relief from symptoms (constipation, diarrhea, bloating, abdominal pain) while on the diet. But here’s the truth: food doesn’t really actually […]
In my extensive research on IBS, I’ve come across all kinds of information and claims on the topic. The cause of IBS seems especially debated, some doctors agreeing with me in that stress can cause IBS, while others believing stress has nothing to do with it. The title of this post is an argument made […]
Recently there’s been a bit of a buzz about antihistamines as a treatment of IBS. Let’s find out why! Histamine is a small protein, a biogenic amine that the body makes and uses in many processes. It influences acid secretion in the stomach, it takes part in allergic reactions and in controlling body temperature (to […]
Could the answer to IBS lie in the ancient practice of meditation? IBS is a world-wide problem and the most common gastrointestinal disorder. For a long time, irritable bowel syndrome has just been thought of as a functional problem: there’s nothing measurably, or visibly wrong with the intestines, so labeling IBS as a functional problem […]
The low FODMAP diet is a relatively well researched diet for IBS. Studies show that the low FODMAP diet can ease symptoms in about 2/3 of cases in varying degrees (1). But that’s just it – this diet is not a true treatment for IBS as it can only manage symptoms and not the cause […]
I’ve recently noticed a diet that is trending – the carnivore diet – not just among people in general, but also among people with IBS. Being a dietitian makes me very interested in all diets, but I must say this one makes me very curious. From my educational background this diet seems to be completely […]
To truly manage IBS, you need to fix the way your brain and your gut talk to each other. When talking about irritable bowel syndrome and IBS symptoms (abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation), the discussion is not complete without considering the gut-brain axis. Especially since IBS experts are now calling the syndrome a disorder of […]
If you are wondering the answer to this question, you are not alone. There are millions of people out there experiencing gut symptoms and wondering if they should be worried about them. The most common IBS symptoms are: The way IBS is diagnosed, in order for your symptoms to “qualify” as IBS, abdominal pain must […]
I had the pleasure of being hosted in an educational webinar to my fellow dietitians in Finland this past week. The topic was the connection between stress and irritable bowel syndrome. I had the opportunity to speak to over 50 of my peers about this subject that important and yet, significantly overlooked. Many studies show […]
Earlier this month National Geographic published an article headlined “Why women are more likely to have IBS”. I love that big publications such as National Geographic are paying attention to irritable bowel syndrome, as it is so common, and as there is so much misleading information out there. Big publications could help bust some of […]