Coeliac Disease, Gluten Free Diets, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Food Allergies & Intolerances, Bloating and other stomach and bowel issues.

 

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Experiencing pain, bloating and uncomfortable diarrhoea or constipation after eating certain foods can make life really miserable. There can be several causes of these symptoms and we can work with your GP and specialist to help you determine if an intolerance to a food is causing your symptoms or making them worse, as is often the case the case in Irritable Bowel Syndrome. We can also provide education on low FODMAP diets and/or other dietary and lifestyle changes which may improve symptoms of irritable bowel. We are constantly improving our knowledge and dietary resources in this ever evolving area through attendance at professional development seminars, so you will be getting the most up to date evidence based advice.

Food Allergies and Intolerances

Food allergy occurs in about 1 in 20 children and about 1 in 100 adults. The symptoms of food allergy come on very quickly and include swelling, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pains and hives, Food allergy can be dangerous if it causes anaphylaxis. We recommend professional medical diagnosis of a food allergy before visiting a dietitian. Once a true food allergy has been professionally diagnosed, a dietitian can help you to ensure you are meeting all your nutrition requirements while avoiding the food you are allergic to.

A food intolerance (or adverse reaction to foods) occurs when a person experiences an adverse reaction to a naturally occurring or added substance within a food. This can cause bloating, pain, increase the frequency and severity of migraine headaches, skin rashes (such as hives) or the stomach upset of irritable bowel. Sometimes you need to reach a threshold before the food will cause symptoms, so it can be difficult to determine what foods are causing symptoms.

We can help you to determine if food is likely to be causing you adverse reactions and advise on which foods to avoid, and how to ensure you are still meeting your nutritional needs. We can use a food and symptom diary and the Royal prince Alfred Elimination Diet, as well as low FODMAP diet and other dietary protocols as indicated. We will work closely with your GP and specialist so we are all working together to improve your health.

Coeliac Disease and Gluten Free Diets

We are professional members of the Coeliac Society of Australia and can provide professional dietary advice and recommendations about what to eat, available food products, places to shop and identifying foods while following a gluten free diet for diagnosed coeliac disease. If you would like to trial a gluten free diet for other reasons we can also help you eat well and to ensure you are not missing any important nutrients.

Other Stomach and Bowel Issues

We can also provide dietary advice on managing a range of other stomach and bowel conditions including chronic constipation, inflammatory bowel disease, diverticulitis, lactose intolerance and more.

 

To book an in-person consultation (or by phone) with one of our Dietitians in Melbourne, just call 03 9853 4910 or complete the online form and have Claire, the principal Dietitian call you.