Most of us have suffered an occasional bout of bloating, gas, constipation, even diarrhea. But for people who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), these uncomfortable – and often painful – symptoms persist, often interfering with daily life.
Knowing which foods eat – and which ones to avoid or limit – is powerful information when it comes to getting relief from IBS. Altering your diet can have a dramatic effect on controlling and alleviating IBS symptoms.
Yet trying to find the right diet on your own can be frustrating and time-consuming. Often, it’s not clear which foods are bothering you.
Expert, personalized advice and coaching
That’s why it’s important to work closely with a registered dietitian who specializes in IBS. Figuring out which foods trigger digestive distress is a highly individualized process.
Leslie and the team of Medcan dietitians have years of experience helping clients manage IBS symptoms by identifying their individual food triggers.
Clinical trials have shown that as many as 75% of people with IBS can resolve their symptoms by following a low FODMAP diet. (FODMAPs are a group of short-chain carbohydrates that can cause digestive symptoms in people with IBS, namely abdominal pain, bloating, distension, gas and altered bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation or both).
What to expect
The low FODMAP diet is a diagnostic approach that identifies which FODMAPs are okay for you, which ones should be avoided, and which ones you can tolerate in small amounts. Armed with this knowledge, you will feel in control of how your gut feels.
You’ll work closely with Leslie or another Medcan dietitian over a total of 8 appointments. Appointments can be done in-person, by video (Microsoft Teams) or by telephone.
Initial Assessment (30 minutes)
During your first 30-minute appointment, your dietitian will review your symptoms, your usual diet, medical history, family history, medications, supplements, food preferences, restaurants frequented, exercise habits and body measurements if relevant.
Lab tests may be ordered if required.
Diet Review Consultation (30 minutes)
During your second 30-minute appointment, your dietitian will outline your personalized low FODMAP diet plan. You’ll be educated on the dietary modifications you will be making and why they’re important.
You will receive the tools and resources you need to be successful including a customized meal plan, snack ideas, a list of high and low FODMAP foods, low FODMAP recipes and Food & Symptom trackers.
Six 15-Minute Follow-Up Appointments*
During your follow-up appointments your dietitian will review your food & symptom diary. During the reintroduction and testing phase of the program, you’ll be coached on how to add back FODMAPs to determine your individual tolerance.
By the end of the program, you will know which foods, and in what amounts, are right for your digestive system.
*The duration between follow-up appointments can vary depending on your progress and your schedule; you and your dietitian will determine the follow-up frequency that's right for you.
Program Fee: $995
Once you have completed your program, additional follow-ups can be added on. Four 15-minute follow-ups are $265.
Nutrition/diet counseling by a Registered Dietitian may be covered under your extended benefits plan. Check with your benefits manager.