IBS & Fodmaps | K Sanders RD

🌿 IBS & the Low FODMAP Diet

Understanding IBS

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common condition that affects the digestive system. Symptoms can include:

Abdominal pain and cramping
Bloating and distension
Changes in bowel habit (diarrhoea, constipation, or both)
Excess wind and discomfort

These symptoms can be unpredictable and often affect quality of life — but the good news is there are evidence-based strategies that can help.

The Low FODMAP Approach

The low FODMAP diet is one of the best-researched dietary strategies for IBS. FODMAPs are types of fermentable carbohydrates found in certain foods (such as onions, garlic, apples, beans, and wheat) that can trigger symptoms in some people.

The diet involves reducing high-FODMAP foods for a short period, then carefully reintroducing them to identify which ones cause symptoms. Studies suggest that up to 70–80% of people with IBS experience an improvement in symptoms when supported by a dietitian trained in the FODMAP approach.

My Role as Your Dietitian

As a specialist gastroenterology dietitian, I am trained in the low FODMAP diet and other evidence-based approaches to IBS management. Working together, we will:

Review your symptoms, lifestyle, and current diet.
Decide if the low FODMAP diet is right for you, or if a gentler approach may be more suitable.
Guide you step by step through any dietary changes.
Ensure your nutrition remains balanced and enjoyable.

Why Work With a Dietitian?

The low FODMAP diet is not a long-term restrictive diet. Without guidance, it can become confusing or unnecessarily limiting. As your dietitian, I’ll ensure you get the benefits while still enjoying a wide variety of foods.

Next Steps