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.
Contents
- 1. A Review of ‘Normal’ Digestion
- 2. Non-FODMAP Triggers
- 3. Anxiety / Stress / Depression
- 4. FOS/Constipation
- 5. Reflux
- 6. Diverticula disease
- 7. Menstrual Cycle
- 8. Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
- 9. SIBO
- 10. Food Chemicals (Salicylates)
- 11. Thyroid / Hormones
- 12. Poly-Cystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) & Endometriosis
- 13. Redundant Colon
- 14. Congenital Sucrase Isomaltase Deficiency (CSID)
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
Please refer to module 7 for more information!
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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. 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.
12. 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.
13. 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.
14. 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.