IBS: What is it?

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IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) is a gastrointestinal (GI) disease that causes cramping, bloating, pain, constipation (IBS-C), and/or diarrhea (IBS-D). Things that cause or exacerbate symptoms include stress, food intolerance, bacteria levels in gut, muscles being overactive in the gut. IBS is diagnosed by a GI doctor or primary care physician. Doctors may have you do additional tests like a colonoscopy and/or endoscopy to rule out other diseases like Celiac’s, Ulcerative Colitis, or ulcers.

Having IBS can feel very debilitating but there are ways to help manage symptoms. Even though it’s not curable, it can be managed through exercise, stress-relieving exercises, and use of the low FODMAP diet. The low FODMAP diet is only meant to be temporary for a few weeks as it is highly restrictive. For more information regarding the low FODMAP diet, please send me an email or phone call for a session!

FODMAP stands for Fermentable, Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides, and Polyols. In other words, they are short-chained carbohydrates that can cause symptoms of IBS since they are poorly absorbed in the small intestine. People that don’t have IBS can still eat FODMAPs and not avoid them.

For more information please schedule a dietary session!

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Body Liberation in Healthcare Settings

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The importance of balance, variety, & moderation