IBS - Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional bowel disorder characterised by symptoms of abdominal pain or discomfort that is associated with disturbed defecation.
Prevalence
IBS most commonly occurs between the ages of 20 and 30 years and women are twice as likely to suffer as men. It is estimated that 15% of the population will experience symptoms of IBS, with up to half of these presenting to primary care clinicians (Lee 2009). Recent trends indicate that there is a significant prevalence of IBS in older people. The true prevalence of IBS in the whole population may be higher, as it is thought that only a quarter of IBS patients seek medical advice.
How can Elaine McGowan Diet Clinics help?
Elaine has a specific interest in diet and irritable bowel syndrome. In practice she has found patients have got significant relief from symptoms by simple, practical and sustainable dietary intervention.
Elaine specialises in the low FODMAP diet and finds it a most effective treatment for functional gut disorders particularly IBS. Elaine is one of few dieticians trained in the low FODMAP diet in the Republic of Ireland. Read More about the Low FODMAP diet here.
Dietary advice will vary depending on the symptoms such as diarrhoea and/or constipation, abdominal bloating and therefore needs to be tailored to the individual. It is advisable to receive expert professional advice on diet and nutrition for IBS, to ensure a healthy balanced diet. It is not advisable to follow restrictive diets eliminated major food groups as this may lead to vitamin and mineral deficiencies. It is important to monitor, support the patient and adjust diet if symptoms don’t resolve with the initial treatment.
Please contact Elaine McGowan Dietician Clinics for more information.
