IBS
Laura, 24
Backstory
Laura suffers from irritable bowel syndrome which causes bloating, diarrhoea and abdominal pain, amongst other symptoms, due to an upset in the normal functioning of the gut. Laura’s IBS is quite severe as she has been hospitalised twice. It’s an antisocial condition that causes Laura discomfort and wind any time of the day and affects her moods. She has recently become a mother and wants to feel more in control of this condition as she has a new person to look after and doesn’t want to be hospitalised again.
Overview of the treatment
Gio and Lucy put Laura on the Low FODMAP food plan that was devised in Australia and aims to reduce the intake of foods that contain fermentable carbohydrates such as apples, pears, wheat products, bread and pulses. These foods are not broken down in the small intestine but in the large intestine where they are fermented by bacteria which causes gas triggering irritable bowel syndrome. Laura was able to eat bananas, oats, potatoes, rice, grapes, and hard cheeses amongst other foods.
Outcome
Laura returned to The Food Hospital after following the Low FODMAP diet for 8 weeks. Her gassy symptoms had decreased significantly but did return when Laura went on holiday during which she didn’t follow the diet. This relapse was proof that the diet had been making a positive effect on her symptoms so Laura now has a way to manage her condition making her life much more comfortable.
Take part
To apply to take part in the next series of The Food Hospital, click here
