Happy Gut Program for IBS
Happy Gut Program is designed for patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). The program includes the Low FODMAP diet, a therapeutic diet with strong evidence shown to help relieve IBS symptoms. In this program you will be guided by an IBS expert dietitian who has extensive training and experience.
What is IBS and How Can It Be Managed?
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is an intestinal disorder that can cause many undesirable symptoms in the stomach and gut. Some of these include stomach or abdominal pains, bloating, diarrhoea, constipation, and excessive farting.
Globally, around 11% of adults are affected by IBS (ref), making it the most common disease related to the gut. In Australia, it is estimated that one in five (20%) adults experience IBS at some time. ​Due to the unpleasant symptoms that are present in IBS, it can impose a significant burden on an individual’s lifestyle. IBS symptoms can hinder a person’s ability to fulfil certain tasks and can also lead to stress and anxiety in social situations. These consequences can lead to a lower overall quality of life.
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However, it’s not all doom and gloom. Dietary modifications such as eating more fibre-rich foods can help relieve symptoms of IBS. Doing anything to keep your gut healthy and happy (which can include exercising and sleeping well!) may be beneficial in managing IBS.
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If symptoms still persist, then your dietitian may advise you to follow a Low-FODMAP diet. Certain foods can trigger symptoms in some individuals and so the Low-FODMAP diet is tailored towards the patient.
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Four Seasons Dietetics dietitians specialise in treating individuals with IBS and have recieved certified training from Monash University on the Low FODMAP diet.​
The Low FODMAP Diet
The low FODMAP (Fermentable, Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides and Polyols) diet is one of the few dietary therapies where research has shown to significantly alleviate IBS symptoms. FODMAPs are six groups of fermentable carbohydrates found naturally in a variety of foods such as fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes and dairy.
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Up to 70% of people with IBS found improvement of their symptoms through the Low FODMAP diet.
Contrary to popular belief, it is not designed to be a life-long diet but an elimination diet consisting of three phases (see diagram below). Most people are not sensitive to all of the FODMAP groups, therefore it is key to complete all three phases to individual tolerance. Furthermore, extended restriction of FODMAPs can also limit nutrition to healthy bacteria in your gut, which is important for your gut and overall health.
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A low FODMAP diet has been shown to (Monash University):
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Reduce pain and discomfort
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Reduce bloating and distension
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Improve bowel habit (reduce diarrhea or constipation)
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Improve quality of life
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You should experience some reduction in symptoms within 2-6 weeks of starting the Low FODMAP diet. However, it may not be effective in everyone as each person's IBS triggers can be different. If that happens, don't stress! Our IBS expert dietitian can help investigate and formulate a plan to manage your symptoms using alternate methods, which could be equally as effecitve as the Low FODMAP diet.
Phase 1
Low FODMAP diet
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2-6 weeks of swapping to low FODMAP alternatives. No cutting out food groups. Still a balanced diet giving all the nutriton you need!
Phase 2
Challenge Phase
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8-12 weeks of reintroducing
one food high in a FODMAP group at a time. Tested at various serving sizes to determine your personal level of tolerance.
Phase 3
Modified low FODMAP diet
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Long-term diet consisting of foods you can enjoy, eating moderately and avoid for optimal symptom control.
Work with Claire
Claire is an IBS expert Dietitian and has been trained on the Low FODMAP diet with Monash University. She believes in a client-centered approach and provides holisitc care plans that suits your lifestyle. Claire has extensive experience supporting people with IBS and understands that there is no one-size-fits-all approach. She can't wait to share her tips and knowledge with you.
Happy Gut Program for IBS, includes:
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Build your understanding on IBS, science and research behind your symptoms
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​Detailed investigations to explore your symptoms and potential dietary or lifestyle triggers
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Work with you on lifestyle factors that may be causing your symptoms such as stress relief management
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Advice and recommendations tailored to your situation and goals, including special dietary requirements such as diabetes, low sodium, high cholesterol, vegetarian/vegan etc.
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Ensure you are getting nutritious and balanced meals
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Carefully guided dietary interventions by an Accredited Practising Dietitian trained in the dietary management of IBS including use of low FODMAP diet.
PROGRAM DETAILS:
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In-depth 90 minute Consultation
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Four 30 mins Review Sessions
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Low FODMAP Supermarket Shopping List
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Grocery Shopping Guide and Label Reading
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Meal Ideas and Snack Plan
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Unlimited email support in-between sessions
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Fees: 570
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Online and in-person consultations available.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Program
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Q: Who should try the Low FODMAP diet?
A: The Low FODMAP diet is intended for individuals medically diagnosed Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). If you suspect you have IBS, see your medical doctor for a proper diagnosis as it is important to rule out more serious conditions such as Coeliac Disease, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Bowel Cancer and Endometriosis. Some red flags that may require medical attention include: blood in stools, anaemia, unintentional weight loss, fever, daily diarrhoea, nocturnal bowel motions and family history of bowel disease.
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There has been recent studies suggesting a potential role in management of bowel symptoms in other conditions such as Endometriosis, functional gut symptoms and Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). However you should speak with your doctor first if you consider starting the Low FODMAP diet to manage your symptoms.
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Q: Can I get Medicare or private health insurance rebates with this program?
A: You can claim Medicare rebates if have a EPC/CDM plan (up to 5 sessions) set up by your General Practitioner. As Accredited Practising Dietitians (APD) we are registered with most private health insurance, so you would be eligible for rebates if your plan includes dietetic services. Ask your private health fund if you are unsure.
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Q: How long does the program take?
A: It is highly variable and can be different for each person. On average it takes around 4-6 months to complete all three phases of the diet.
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Q: Why are there no testimonials?
A: Unfortunately Accredited Practising Dietitians are prohibited to share testimonals. The profession is regulated by the Dietitians Association to maintain or exceed the standards and requirements for registered professions.
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As per AHPRA:
“Under the National Accreditation and Registration Scheme (the National Scheme), registered health practitioners must adhere to the advertising requirements of the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law Act, as in force in each state and territory (the National Law). The advertising provisions of the National Law apply to any person who advertises a regulated health service, including registered health practitioners, non-registered health practitioners, individuals and bodies corporate. Regulated health service refers to a service provided by, or usually provided by, a health practitioner.”
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If you are unsure if this program is for you, please get in contact we are happy to organise a discovery call to understand our services better.
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