Gut Health Dietitian Evidence-Based Nutrition Support
Gut Health Dietitian: Supporting Your Journey to Better Gut Health
Poor gut health can impact your physical well-being, mental health, social interactions, and overall quality of life. If you’re experiencing symptoms like bloating, constipation, diarrhoea, or other digestive concerns, consulting a gut health dietitian can empower you with the knowledge and guidance you need. A qualified dietitian can help you understand and manage these symptoms, identify triggers, and improve your gut health for a healthier, happier life.
Lower Gastrointestinal Symptoms (Intestine/colon related)
Lower abdominal pain or cramps
Bloating or distension
Excessive gas
Gurgling or noise in the abdomen
Constipation or hard stools
Diarrhoea or loose stools
Straining or urgency
Alternating bowel movements
Feeling of incomplete evacuation
Upper Gastrointestinal Symptoms (Oesophagus/stomach related)
Heartburn or acid reflux
Regurgitation (foods coming back up into mouth)
Belching or burping
Loss of appetite
Nausea or vomiting
Upper abdominal discomfort or pain
Early satiety (feeling full quickly)
Bloating in upper abdomen
Dietitian Support for Gastrointestinal Conditions
Coeliac Disease
Coeliac Disease is a condition where the immune system reacts abnormally to gluten causing damage to the small bowel. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. Some people experience symptoms, and some people don’t have any symptoms at all. Unfortunately, the only treatment for Coeliac Disease is a lifelong strict gluten-free diet. There is a lot to learn in the beginning and this can be overwhelming. I try to make this transition as easy as possible for you with resources to support label reading, food lists, shopping guides, and eating gluten-free on a budget.
Learn more about Coeliac Disease and become a member at Coeliac Australia.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorder. It does not cause damage to the body but may cause distressing, painful, and frustrating symptoms.
IBS is a very common gastrointestinal condition and affects 1 in 7 people.
Common IBS symptoms include bloating, abdominal distension, constipation, diarrhoea, alternating bowel habits, urgency to poo, recessive flatulence, and lower abdominal pain. Symptoms can be mild, moderate, or severe.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a term used to describe two chronic diseases that cause inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, from the mouth through to the anus, while ulcerative colitis is limited to the large bowel. This inflammation can lead to symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhoea, weight loss, tiredness, fatigue, loss of appetite, and nutritional deficiencies. Eating a balanced diet helps ensure your body stays nourished and gets all the nutrients it needs to function at its best.
Constipation
Constipation is defined as:
• Less than 3 bowel motions per week
• Difficulty passing stool that is hard and involves straining
• Prolonged time spent on the toilet
• Incomplete evacuation of poo
Constipation can have many causes including dietary, lifestyle, medications, neurological conditions, psychological conditions, or IBS. Depending on the cause both dietary and lifestyle interventions can be used to normalise bowel motions.
Diarrhoea
Diarrhoea is defined as:
• More than 3 watery, loose bowel motions per day with
• Cramping and abdominal pain
It can be acute, persistent, or chronic.
Diarrhoea may be caused by viral or bacterial infections, some medications, certain health conditions including coeliac disease, diverticular disease, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, and irritable bowel syndrome. Depending on the cause both dietary and lifestyle interventions can be used to normalise bowel motions.
Lactose Intolerance
Lactose intolerance occurs when the body doesn’t produce enough of the enzyme lactase, which helps to digest lactose, the natural sugar found in milk and other dairy foods. Without enough lactase, consuming dairy foods can lead to symptoms such as bloating, gas, abdominal discomfort, and diarrhoea.
The positive news is that lactose intolerance does not mean you need to completely cut out dairy. Including dairy foods in your diet can ensure you easily meet your calcium needs and support bone health, lowering the risk of low bone density, osteoporosis, and fractures.
Diverticular Disease
Diverticular disease is a condition where small bulging pouches called diverticula form in the intestines, most commonly the large intestine. Diverticulosis refers to the existence of these pouches whereas diverticulitis is when these pouches and surrounding tissue become inflamed.
Reflux & Heartburn
Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD) & Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR)
GORD or Reflux is a medical condition where stomach acid moves back past the lower oesophageal sphincter (where it is not meant to be) causing symptoms. These symptoms may include heartburn, regurgitation, a hoarse voice, belching, bloating, nausea, chest pain, persistent cough, frequent throat clearing, or painful swallowing.
Bloating & Distention
Bloating is when your stomach feels swollen or uncomfortable and abdominal distension is when your stomach actually looks bigger or sticks out. It is one of the most common gastrointestinal symptoms. The underlying mechanisms involved in bloating and distension remain elusive, however, we do know that it involves a build-up of food, fluid, and/or gas in the stomach or intestines which causes them to expand resulting in uncomfortable symptoms.
Functional Dyspepsia
Functional dyspepsia is a common gastrointestinal disorder where dyspepsia symptoms are experienced without a clear cause. Symptoms may include feeling full early or feeling full after eating, bloating, nausea, abdominal pain or cramps. There are two types of functional dyspepsia: postprandial distress syndrome and epigastric pain syndrome. There are a wide variety of treatment options available including pharmacological, dietary, lifestyle and psychological.
Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD)
Previously known as Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MSALD) is a condition where excess fat builds up in the liver. It is estimated to affect one in three Australians and can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer.
