IBS Treatment & Nutrition Therapy with St. Louis Area Dietitian Nutritionists
Nutrition Counseling in Illinois and Missouri to Manage Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Work with one of the expert digestive health dietitians on our team. We provide individualized medical nutrition therapy for irritable bowel syndrome, both online and in-person, at our offices in Missouri and Illinois, near St. Louis. Together, we can help you manage your disease:
Improve symptoms like abdominal pain, discomfort, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea
Prevent more serious complications
Stop IBS flare-ups
Identify triggers
Reduce the impact of IBS on your life
Improve your quality of life
Can a dietitian help with IBS?
Yes, a dietitian can be incredibly helpful for managing Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Dietitians specialize in creating personalized dietary plans to address IBS symptoms, which often include bloating, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain. Working with a dietitian ensures a safe and effective approach tailored to an individual’s needs.
Nutrition Therapy and Treatment for IBS in the St. Louis Area
A dietitian can help manage and treat IBS by offering education and guidance in the following ways.
Low FODMAP Diet Recommendations
Nutritional Balance
Trigger Food Identification
Lifestyle Advice
Support for Other Digestive Conditions such as small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) or lactose intolerance, often associated with IBS.
Symptoms and Causes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Symptoms of IBS may include, but not limited to:
Abdominal Pain and Cramping
Changes in Bowel Habits
Diarrhea
Constipation
Mixed Symptoms: alternating between diarrhea and constipation
Bloating and Gas
Mucus in Stool
Urgency or Incomplete Evacuation
Causes of IBS: The exact cause of IBS is unknown, but several factors are thought to contribute:
Abnormal Gut Motility: Irregular contractions in the intestinal muscles can cause diarrhea or constipation.
Gut-Brain Interaction: Miscommunication between the brain and the gut may lead to heightened sensitivity or abnormal gut function.
Intestinal Inflammation: Some IBS patients have low-grade inflammation in the gut.
Gut Microbiota Changes: Alterations in the composition of gut bacteria can contribute to symptoms.
Food Sensitivities: Certain foods (e.g., high-FODMAP foods) may trigger symptoms.
Stress and Anxiety: Emotional stress and mental health issues can exacerbate IBS symptoms.
Post-Infectious IBS: After a severe bout of gastroenteritis, some people develop IBS symptoms.