Having a healthy gut is so important in your journey towards a more balanced lifestyle. Taking good care of your gut starts by realising what foods you should stay away from, as well as the foods that promote good digestion.
Before we explore these different types of foods, let’s get back to basics and make sure we understand the various conditions and how to manage each one in the best possible way.
What is IBS?
IBS, otherwise known as Irritable Bowel Syndrome, is a condition that affects an individual’s digestive system. It is a common condition that affects adults all over the UK, causing discomfort and various other symptoms in the bowels.
IBS affects individuals differently with the most common symptoms including bloating, constipation, diarrhoea, and stomach cramps. These symptoms can come and go at any time.
It is usually a problem that is lifelong and has no cure, however, dietary changes and various medicines can help in easing the symptoms. IBS can be eased and not have such a huge impact on daily life by making a few simple diet and lifestyle changes, such as avoiding certain foods or situations that may be a trigger for symptoms.
What is Food Intolerance?
If you are experiencing difficulty digesting certain foods or have an unpleasant physical reaction then you’re most likely experiencing a food intolerance.
Common Side Effects of Food Intolerance:
There are main symptoms to take note of, which if they occur will indicate that you are experiencing a food intolerance:
- Bloating
- Stomach ache and cramps
- Nausea
- Heartburn
- Vomiting
- Headaches
- Irritability
Importance of the Elimination Diet
Once you have figured out which exact foods are causing you any of the above symptoms, you can now take the appropriate action by excluding them from your day to day diet. You can eliminate each food one at a time to ease the process and closely observe the positive effects it has on your bowels.
You can initially start by cutting out the suspected food from your diet for two to six weeks and observe whether your symptoms improve or not. Afterwards, reintroduce the food into your diet to see if any of the previous symptoms return. It may be the case that you find yourself tolerating a particular level and you only experience symptoms if you have an excess amount.
It is important to seek guidance from a professional nutritionist to ensure that you are still meeting your recommended daily nutrients while carrying out this elimination trial. Get in touch with us today for a free chat and to see how we can help you along your journey to a healthier and happier gut!
