Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
PULSE+ Dietitian for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Have you been diagnosed with IBS and are struggling to manage the pain and digestive discomfort that you experience on a daily basis? Have you tried probiotics or attempted a low FODMAP diet on your own but has not seen results?
IBS is a debilitating health condition that can feel lonely and stressful, especially when eating out, and you worry about how your gut will react. At PULSE, our dietitian can support you in managing your IBS symptoms, and navigate your way to a worry-free, better quality of life whilst living with IBS.
Our Clients’ Typical Results
Significantly reduced pain & digestive symptoms
Clarity in identifying trigger foods
Greater success in reintroducing foods without triggering symptoms
Able to enjoy a wider variety of foods than previously
Improved energy levels
Developing healthier lifelong dietary habits
Significantly reduced pain & digestive symptoms
Clarity in identifying trigger foods
Greater success in reintroducing foods without triggering symptoms
Able to enjoy a wider variety of foods than previously
Improved energy levels
Developing healthier lifelong dietary habits
What is IBS?
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder that affects the intestines. It is characterized by a group of symptoms that can include:
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating / gas
- Diarrhoea
- Fatigue & lack of energy
- Stomach cramps
- Constipation
- Nausea
What causes IBS?
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder that affects the intestines. It is characterized by a group of symptoms that can include:
Stress
Stress is a major trigger for IBS symptoms. When we are stressed, our body releases hormones that can affect the digestive system, leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhea.
Diet
Diet plays a crucial role in managing IBS symptoms as foods can trigger symptoms. Some common foods that worsen IBS include dairy products, spicy foods, fatty / processed foods, caffeine, carbonated drinks, and alcohol.
Our dietitian can identify which foods trigger your symptoms, and suggest dietary changes you can make to manage IBS symptoms.
Gut Health
The health of our gut is closely linked to IBS symptoms. People with IBS often have an imbalance of good and bad bacteria in their gut, which can worsen symptoms.
Hormonal Changes
Hormonal changes can also trigger IBS symptoms, particularly in women. Many women experience an increase in symptoms during their menstrual cycle. This is because the hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle can also affect the digestive system.
Medications
Certain medications can also trigger IBS symptoms. Antibiotics, painkillers, and some antidepressants have been known to worsen symptoms in people with IBS.
Lifestyle
Research has shown that a sedentary lifestyle is an independent IBS risk factor. Sitting down for long periods, especially after a heavy meal, may lead to slower digestion.
Regular exercise can decrease IBS symptoms. A randomized clinical trial showed a significant reduction in IBS symptoms in patients who exercised 20 to 60 minutes three times a week.
How Can a Dietitian Help with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?
It is important to note there is no cure or permanent solution for IBS. Managing diet triggers will help in reducing symptoms and improving overall quality of life. Our dietitian can help to:
- Analyse your diet and identify your unique triggers (food or lifestyle)
- Recommend changes to foods or supplements to manage IBS symptoms
- May recommend you to be on a low FODMAPs diet
- Create a meal plan tailored to your lifestyle and IBS symptoms
Is the Low FODMAPs diet recommended for IBS?
One popular dietary approach for managing IBS symptoms is the Low FODMAPs diet. FODMAPs are groups of carbohydrates found in some foods. If you have IBS, your body cannot absorb FODMAPs properly. Eating food containing FODMAPs may trigger your IBS symptoms.
Studies have shown that a Low FODMAPs diet can be effective for IBS, by up to 70%. Through eliminating high FODMAPs food, individuals may experience a reduction in bloating, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. However, a Low FODMAPs diet can be confusing as it is highly restrictive, and the reintroduction phase can be complex. It is thus highly recommended to see a registered dietitian first, who will advise if a Low FODMAPs diet is suitable for you and guide you through the implementation.
How Can a Dietitian Help with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?
Nutrition and lifestyle assessment
Review of your medical history and IBS symptoms, as well as an evaluation of your eating patterns, lifestyle habits and nutrition profile.
Diagnosis & nutrition counseling
Identification of your key nutrition problems and how they are connected to your IBS symptoms.
Our dietitian will diagnose your IBS triggers, problematic eating patterns or lifestyle issues, or other nutritional issues.
Our dietitian will help to educate you on ways to manage your IBS symptoms, and discuss with you solutions to manage IBS effectively.
Personalised meal plan
You will get a personalised eating plan tailored to your IBS triggers, health goals, needs, lifestyle (e.g.eat out, at home or cooking) and preferred cuisines. A copy will be emailed to you post-session.
Review
Adjusting to a new diet can be challenging, and there might be bumps along the road. Follow-up appointments with your dietitian are key! They can help you overcome any obstacles and stay on track with your plan.
Follow-up visits will focus on:
- Review of your progress and discussion of any challenges faced.
- Adjustment of your treatment plan (or meal plan) based on your current needs.
- Referral to additional resources to help address your specific challenges.
Meet our Dietitian
Senior Clinical Dietitian
Dietitian Adelyn Khoo
Prov. Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD), Dietitians Australia
Bachelor of Nutrition & Dietetics, Adelaide
Languages: English, Mandarin, Malay
Adelyn has over 9 years of experience as a dietitian, having seen 3000+ clients for medical nutrition therapy sessions for various issues, from weight loss, weight gain, high cholesterol, heart disease, fatty liver, hypertension, (pre-) diabetes, gut health, IBS & digestive issues, sports nutrition (muscle gain), osteoporosis, fertility, maternal nutrition and more.
Adelyn’s experience working alongside traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) physicians at PULSE also gives her the unique expertise in integrating TCM with medical dietetics. She is able to help incorporate clients’ TCM diagnosis and recommendations into their nutrition plan.
Rather than simply instructing clients what to do, Adelyn believes in focusing on what the client wants to achieve and empowering them to make the right choices to reach their health goals.
Begin journey to a healthier, happier you
Book your appointment with a PULSE+ dietitian today
Book appointment
FAQ
The consultations will be held at PULSE+ Allied Health Clinic at Camden Medical Centre (Orchard Blvd MRT). Each consultation session is typically 45 – 60 minutes to be held at a monthly interval. Note that if you have travel plans or other matters, the frequency of the session can be flexibly extended
Record a 3-day food diary before the session. This is a list of everything you are eating and drinking for the last 3 days, so that the dietitian is able to get an idea of your food habits and eating patterns.
Think about your goals and write out any questions that you would like to ask during your session.
The required number of sessions would vary by each patient’s condition, lifestyle and other factors. As a general guide, 2 to 3 sessions are usually needed for general IBS management.
If you are embarking on a low FODMAP diet, however, which is more complex and require detailed guidance for the re-introduction phase, 10 to 12 sessions may be needed.
Have more questions?
Visit our AskPULSE portal to ask our PULSE+ Allied Health specialists or PULSE TCM Physicians any questions about your health or our services.