Many people ask me who they should go to about their digestive problems and what usually happens during the assessment. You should be going to your GP to start with and they will assess you and do a number of tests to rule out other conditions. In the US and UAE, a GP is known…
Treatments, Testing and Diagnosis
How to get an IBS Diagnosis
Getting an IBS diagnosis may seem like a minefield! What tests do you need to get? Is it going to be expensive? What about those allergy blood tests that you have seen online? All the different information can be confusing, and you may feel vulnerable. This post will cover the British medical guidelines for getting…
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,…
The Leaky Gut and IBS Controversy: Examining the Evidence and Scientific Perspectives
The alleged connection between leaky gut and IBS symptoms has gained increasing attention, particularly in alternative health circles. However, it’s important to note that “leaky gut” is not a recognized medical diagnosis. In this blog, we aim to shed light on what is meant by ‘leaky gut’. We will also separate fact from fiction by…
Hydrogen Breath Testing: The Key to Accurate Gut Health Diagnosis
Hydrogen breath testing offers a glimpse into the intricate world of gastrointestinal disorders in a non-invasive and relatively cheap way. This blog will explore the significance of hydrogen breath testing, its mechanism, preparation, and what to expect after the test. We will focus on small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), which can be diagnosed through this…
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?…
