What do gastrointestinal complaints mean?
There are different types of stomach complaints such as heartburn, ulcer and diaphragmatic hernia. In case of intestinal complaints, you can think of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), diarrhea, constipation, diverticula (bulges of the intestinal wall into the abdominal cavity), of Crohn’s disease (chronic inflammatory disease of the digestive tract), Ulcerative Colitis (Inflammation of the colon).
Irritable bowel syndrome, also known as spastic colon, is common. If there are any complaints that cannot be shoved under another classification, diagnosis PDS is given. The symptoms and the seriousness are diverse. Constipation is alternating with diarrhea, bloated feeling, audible bubbling of the bowels, flatulence (sometimes doesn’t smell), painful cramps and acute diarrhea. It is known that the mental state has a big influence on the symptoms and that certain foods/way of eating can have this too.

The role of the dietitian
The dietitian will explain the relation between nutrition and the present gastrointestinal complaints. The diet has an important role in preventing the complaints. A dietitian can assist you in adjusting your diet. We will emphasize all sorts of practical tips and advices to reduce the symptoms or even let them disappear. Getting more self-understanding with regard to the relationships between your nutrition and the complaints is very important.

To what can you already pay attention?

• In connection with your Gastrointestinal disturbances, it’s good to consider the following points:
• Avoid onion, leek, garlic, peppers and all cabbage varieties, except cauliflowe and broccoli
• Avoid strong spices
• Don’t eat citrus fruits and kiwi (nor the juice of it)
• Moderate your coffee
• Moderate your chocolate
• Avoid cold drinks and ice
• Avoid carbonated drinks
• Try not to drink during meals, wait for at least 30 minutes
• Try to eat slowly and chew well.

With what can we help you?  
We can, together with you, identify the relationship between your food and fluid intake and your symptoms. And based on those results, we can create a personalized dietary advice for you. We’ll replace the left out products well, so it you won’t have any shortages. We can also assist you in following the FODMAP diet.