Nutritional therapy in Exeter, with a qualified Exeter based Nutritional Therapist & Nutritionist. Book an appointments in Topsham or Exminster here
Navigating the World of IBS: Understanding and Managing Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a complex and often misunderstood gastrointestinal disorder affecting millions worldwide. Despite its prevalence, there's still a lack of awareness and understanding surrounding this condition. In this blog, we'll delve into what IBS is, its symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and most importantly, strategies for managing and living well with IBS.
As a nutritional therapist, I offer comprehensive support to individuals struggling with IBS, bloating, stomach pain, and digestive complaints.
Through personalised consultations, I work closely with clients to identify trigger foods, alleviate symptoms, and restore digestive balance. By crafting tailored nutrition plans and lifestyle recommendations, I aim to address underlying factors contributing to gut health issues, such as food sensitivities, stress, and gut dysbiosis.
With evidence-based strategies and compassionate guidance, I empower clients to make informed dietary choices, adopt gut friendly habits, and reclaim control over their digestive wellbeing, ultimately fostering greater comfort and vitality in their daily lives.
If you have IBS and are struggling to manage your symptoms, contact me here for a free 15 minute phone consultation to see how I might be able to help.
Understanding IBS:
IBS is a chronic disorder characterised by abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation, or both. These symptoms can vary in severity and duration, often causing significant discomfort and disruption to daily life. While the exact cause of IBS remains unknown, several factors may contribute to its development, including abnormal gut motility, an out of balance gut, oversensitivity to certain foods, stress, and genetic predisposition.
Symptoms of IBS:
The symptoms of IBS can vary widely among individuals, making diagnosis challenging. Common symptoms include abdominal pain or discomfort, bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, or alternating bouts of both. Additionally, many people with IBS experience non-gastrointestinal symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, and urinary symptoms.
Diagnosis:
Diagnosing IBS involves ruling out other gastrointestinal conditions that may present similar symptoms, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or celiac disease. A healthcare provider will typically perform a thorough medical history, physical examination, and may order tests such as blood tests, stool tests, and imaging studies to exclude other conditions.
Managing IBS:
Various strategies can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life:
- Dietary modifications: Identifying and avoiding trigger foods such as certain carbohydrates (FODMAPs), caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods can help alleviate symptoms. Keeping a food diary can be helpful in identifying specific triggers.
- Stress management: Stress is a common trigger for IBS symptoms. Techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, deep breathing exercises, and regular physical activity can help reduce stress and improve symptoms.
- Lifestyle changes: Regular exercise, adequate sleep, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help manage IBS symptoms and improve overall wellbeing.
- Consulting a Nutritional Therapist, (that’s me!) who can spend time getting to the bottom of your symptoms. Exploring how your body developed IBS symptoms and if there is anything that could be aggravating them or causing them. Such as candida, SIBO, low stomach acid, dysbiosis, leaky gut, intolerance.
Living with IBS can be challenging, but with the right knowledge and support, it's possible to manage symptoms effectively.
If you have IBS and are struggling to manage your symptoms, contact me here for a free 15 minute phone consultation to see how I might be able to help.
About me:
I specialise in Yoga, Wellbeing Coaching & Nutritional Therapy in the Exeter area, with bases in Exminster and Topsham. My approach is personalised, aimed at supporting individuals in achieving sustainable and healthy lifestyle changes.
Yoga Classes:
Join me for Hatha yoga classes suitable for most levels of yogis. All equipment is provided. Classes are available at Kiva & Zen Studios in Topsham, Exeter, Victory Hall in Exminster, Exeter, and Exeter Golf & Country Club. Immerse yourself in the tranquil atmosphere of Exeter while rejuvenating your mind and body through the practice of yoga. Each session is designed to help you connect with your inner self, cultivate mindfulness, and improve flexibility, strength, and balance. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced practitioner, there's a class for you in my Exeter venues.
Nutritional Therapy:
Nutritional Therapy is a holistic approach to health and well-being that focuses on using food and nutrients to support the body's natural healing processes. As a registered Nutritional Therapist with both the Federation of Nutritional Therapy Practitioners and the Society of Naturopaths, I provide personalised nutrition plans tailored to individual needs. Whether you're looking to improve digestion, boost energy levels, manage weight, or address specific health concerns, Nutritional Therapy can offer valuable insights and support on your journey to optimal health, right here in Exeter.
Wellbeing Coaching:
As a certified Wellbeing Coach, I offer personalised coaching sessions aimed at helping you achieve your wellness goals. Whether you're seeking support in managing stress, improving work-life balance, enhancing self-care practices, or navigating life transitions, I provide guidance, accountability, and strategies to empower you on your path to greater well-being. Together, we'll explore your values, strengths, and aspirations, and develop actionable steps to create positive and lasting change in your life.
Useful links:
- Contact me here
- View my price list here
- Book a wellbeing session here
- Book a yoga class here (For Exeter Golf and Country Club use their membership system)
Qualifications:
As a Yoga Teacher, I underwent training in India and am both qualified and registered with the Yoga Alliance. My Nutritional Therapy diploma is held with the School of Health, and I am a registered Nutritional Therapist with both the Federation of Nutritional Therapy Practitioners and the Society of Naturopaths. I obtained my coaching qualifications through the Institute of Leadership and Management, with specialised training in Wellbeing from the British Coaching Association.
You can view my online brochure, of the wellbeing services I offer in Exeter, here.
