Testing for IBS may seem like a minefield! Have you suffered from uncomfortable bloating for years and constantly worry about when you’ll need the toilet? You might need to get tested for IBS. But, what tests do you need to get? Is it going to be expensive? What about those allergy blood tests that you…
Treatments, Testing and Diagnosis
Why Is My IBS Worse During My Period?
Introduction It is quite common for women to report that their IBS symptoms are worse during or before their period. The symptoms may be so bad that you can’t go in to work or have to cancel on friends. And, due to the nature of this situation, it means that you are losing 12 weeks…
What Is Sucrase Deficiency?
Sucrase-isomaltase deficiency (also known as sucrose intolerance) can cause troublesome gut symptoms that can often be mistaken as IBS. This article explains what sucrase-isomaltase deficiency is, the symptoms and how to get a diagnosis. We will also cover the management of sucrase deficiency. SUCRASE-ISOMALTASE FUNCTION Sucrase-isomaltase is a digestive enzyme found on the border of…
How Accurate Is Stool Testing?
The popularity of stool testing is on the rise. With companies claiming to be able to diagnose a possible treatable cause of your digestive symptoms, it only seems fair that you may be tempted. But, are these stool tests actually accurate? And, are the results actually useful? What CAN a Stool Test Show? Parasites Hook,…
Sarah’s Story
Sarah is a recent client we have had at The Food Treatment Clinic and hopefully by sharing her story it will illustrate how seeing a dietitian could help you. Background Sarah came to see us complaining of digestive health problems which had started many years ago. She reported a self-diagnosed lactose intolerance and said that…
What Does It Feel Like To Have IBS?
Recently, Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) has become a much more recognised condition, but, what does it feel like to have IBS? Despite this condition affecting around 1 in 10 adults, many of us are still unsure about what it actually feels like (1). Trying to find out what IBS feels like can be confusing. For instance,…
Leaky Gut Syndrome – Real or Not?
Leaky gut syndrome is becoming an ever more popular diagnosis by many alternative health practitioners. But, what is leaky gut syndrome, is it a real condition and what should you do about it? As a specialist gut health dietitian, I get asked about leaky gut syndrome all the time. So, I have written this article…
Hydrogen Breath Testing
Hydrogen breath testing used to be used routinely to diagnose food intolerances and is still currently used to diagnose SIBO. It is not painful and runs very few risks to an individual’s health. In this article I will explain why I wouldn’t recommend a hydrogen breath test for food intolerance diagnosis anymore. I will also…
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is a common condition which causes a range of digestive symptoms. In this article, we will explain what SIBO is and what the symptoms of SIBO are. We will also review popular diets that are promoted in treating SIBO and if there is any evidence behind them. WHAT IS SIBO?…
How To Get An Accurate Allergy Test
Many people report having a food allergy and are keen to try an allergy test to get a diagnosis. But, exactly how do you get an accurate allergy test? This article will discuss the common symptoms of food allergies and how you can get an accurate test. Food allergy symptoms Food allergy symptoms can be…