Digestive Health: Dietitian Melbourne
Digestive health issues can be stressful and make everyday life difficult to manage. The latest evidence confirms dietary patterns have direct impact on our gastrointestinal health and a strong link is also emerging between our mental health and digestive health. Our Melbourne dietitians, based in Hawthorn East, South Yarra, and Mount Waverley have a special interest in the management of digestive health.
The role our dietitians play in your gastrointestinal health
Melbourne Dietetics Clinic is experienced in the dietary management of gastrointestinal conditions. Medical advice from your GP or specialist is important as many gastrointestinal conditions present with similar symptoms, and it’s wise to rule out particular diagnoses prior to commencing dietary intervention. Narrowing down potential causes of symptoms best positions you for a successful outcome with your dietitian and digestive health.
We support the dietary management of the following digestive conditions:
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- FODMAP sensitivities
(including fructose and lactose intolerance) - Food chemical, additive, and preservative sensitivities
- Coeliac Disease
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
- Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis
- Nutrient deficiencies
- Diverticular Disease
- Reflux/Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD) & Barretts Disease
- Common bowel problems (eg. constipation, diarrhoea or bloating)
Investigating food intolerances and IBS
If you are concerned about having a food intolerance or IBS, you are not alone. Up to 25% of Australians are thought to suffer from a food intolerance. In addition, 8% of Australians are known to live with IBS, however, it is thought only one third of actual cases have been diagnosed.
The good news is dietary intervention can have a dramatic effect on improving symptoms of food intolerance and IBS. Our dietitians, experienced in gastrointestinal health, extend the investigations of medical practitioners to determine whether certain components of food are acting as triggers for your unwanted symptoms.
We conduct a full medical, dietary and lifestyle assessment, and it may be necessary to guide you through a safe, supervised elimination diet program. Our thorough evidence-based approach ensures your nutritional intake is not compromised during the program.
Our aim is to relieve symptoms, improve the health of your digestive system and improve your quality of life.
Warning: Elimination diets (including the Low FODMAP Diet) are restrictive and potentially lead to intestinal health issues, low immunity, and nutrient deficiencies. It is important these diets are only followed for short periods under the supervision of a dietitian experienced in gastrointestinal conditions, IBS and FODMAP (including lactose and fructose) sensitivities.
Helpful links
Gastroenterological Society of Australia
Australian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy
Colorectal Surgical Society of Australia and New Zealand
Crohn’s & Colitis Australia™ (CCA)
Dietitians Australia