INSTRUCTIONS
Sometimes it’s not FODMAPs that are causing your digestive issues. It could be one of the things below or a combination of factors (this is common).
Your Dietitian will likely send you here to look at specific lessons to get a better understanding of what needs to be investigated and why.
Tap on the “Go To Next Module” link at the bottom of the page to move to the next module.
If you have any questions please ask in the FB group or email hello@dietvsdisease.org.
By the end of this module you will:
– Understand a range of non-FODMAP factors that may play a role in your digestive issues
1. A Review of ‘Normal’ Digestion
This module provides an overview of normal digestion, including:
- Bowel motion frequency
- Bowel motion formation/shape
- Bowel motion colour
- Bowel motion firmness/consistency
- Urgency
- Smell
- Bloating
- Gas
You will often hear doctors, gastroenterologists and of course, us at DietvsDisease make reference to the Bristol Stool Chart. This is a great visual to help you categorise your bowel motions.
A BSC 3-5 is considered normal range. Type 1 & 2 are constipated, lacking fiber or fluid. Type 6 & 7 are loose/diarrhoea and could indicate stress, illness (e.g. food poisoning, stomach flu, IBD flare, excessive use of laxatives etc)
You can download a copy of the chart by clicking here. You will also see the chart in your Cronometer app when you search for the biometric ‘stool’.
2. Non-FODMAP Triggers
There are many potential non-FODMAP triggers that may form part of your digestive issues. You may have none, one or many of the issues outlined in the remaining parts of this module and your Dietitian may point you to specific parts of this module to increase your knowledge and to progress towards ruling out some of these potential digestive triggers.
Please do not watch videos that are not relevant to you; they could add to confusion or unnecessary worry! Just stick to what you need to do to keep moving forward.
- Anxiety/Stress
- Functional constipation
- Reflux
- Diverticula disease
- Menstrual Cycle
- Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
- SIBO
- Food Chemicals (histamines/salicylates)
- Thyroid
- PCOS / Endometriosis
- Others (fibroids, hernia, redundant colon…)
3. Anxiety / Stress / Depression
Stress, anxiety and depression can create an environment of digestive issues in the body. This happens when your body and nervous system are caught in fight, flight or freeze. We tend to learn to sit in one of these states early in life due to parents who were dysregulated, due to trauma or due to not learning to identify and regulate emotions effectively. You can learn to re-regulate your nervous system however and module 7 contains a lot of useful work to help you on the road to recovery!
Please click here to the taken to Module 7.
4. FOS/Constipation
In this video, Rosie Hogg walks you through everything you need to know about constipation and incomplete evacuation.
5. Reflux
In this video, Rachel walks you through everything you need to know about reflux.
If you do not suffer reflux, you do not need to watch this video.
Download the reflux guide here
6. Diverticula disease
In this video, Ryanne walks you through everything you need to know about diverticula disease (diverticulosis and diverticulitis).
If you prefer to read the transcript, you can download it by clicking here.
Click here to download the Diverticula Disease Resource PDF
Click here for a post diverticulitis meal plan (low FODMAP, low fiber) PDF
7. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Inflammatory Bowel Disease or IBD includes Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. Ulcerative Colitis may also include the sub-diagnosis of Microscopic Colitis (Collagenous Colitis and Lymphocytic Colitis). Unlike IBS, where inflammation is minimal and damage is unlikely to occur, IBD features high levels of inflammation and active damage to the lining of the large intestine. Untreated IBD may result in scarring, blood loss and anaemia and it is therefore essential to follow medical advice in treating it. First line treatments typically involve the use of steroids like Budesonide, however specific elimination diets can also help.
If you are on the program due to IBD then the best place to start is to eliminate:
- Alcohol
- Caffeine
- Saturated fats/high fat intake
- Dairy
- High fiber foods
- Gluten
- FODMAPs
These items may or may not be triggers for your IBD and once your flare is in remission these items can be tested with your Dietitian. Additionally, stress is a potential trigger for flare ups, especially in Crohn’s Disease, so stress management is essential (see Module 7 for more help with mindset work, here).
8. Menstrual Cycle
In this video, Victoria Cimino RD walks you through what you need to know about how your menstrual cycle can be a cause of digestive issues. If you think that your menstrual cycle plays a role in your digestive issues then start tracking your periods in an app like ‘P-Tracker’ or in Cronometer. This will help us to put the picture together about how and when you can expect your periods to impact your digestion.
9. Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
In this video, Taylor Hanna walks you through everything you need to know about pelvic floor dysfunction.
You do not need to watch this video unless your Dietitian has recommended you to.
10. SIBO
In this video, Rachel walks you through everything you need to know about SIBO: Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth.
If you do not have SIBO or are unsure, you do not need to watch this video.
11. Food Chemicals (Salicylates)
In this video, Taylor Hanna RD walks you through everything you need to know about salicylate intolerance.
You do not need to watch this video unless your Dietitian has recommended you to.
12. Thyroid / Hormones
In this video, Victoria runs through how your thyroid impacts in your digestive system.
If you do not have issues with your thyroid you do not need to watch this video.
13. Poly-Cystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) & Endometriosis
In this video, Victoria walks you through everything you need to know about how PCOS and Endometriosis impact digestive function.
14. Redundant Colon
In this video, Nicholas Needs walks you through everything you need to know about having a redundant colon and its impact on digestive function.
If you have not been told you have a redundant or tortuous colon by your GI specialist then you do not need to watch this video.
15. Latex Allergy / Oral Allergy Syndrome
Do you have a latex allergy? Latex is a protein found in the sap of rubber trees. Reactions can include severe IgE mediated immune system allergy reactions as well as less severe contact dermatitis (skin irritation) but there is also the possibility of cross-reactions with foods that contain a similar protein. It is estimated that 30-50% of latex allergy suffers experience food cross-reactivity (‘latex fruit syndrome’ or ‘latex food allergy syndrome’). If you are unsure but react when handling later gloves, balloons, condoms etc, then you may have a latex allergy.
If you have been diagnosed with latex allergy, the foods shown below should be eliminated and tested to see if they cause issues. If you suspect latex allergy then it would be wise to seek a referral to an immunologist for a diagnosis.
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
Allergy & Asthma Network – Latex Allergy Foods Visual Guide
16. Congenital Sucrase Isomaltase Deficiency (CSID)
In this video, Nicholas Needs walks you through everything you need to know about CSID.
You do not need to watch this video unless your Dietitian has recommended you to.
Click the link below to move to the next module