Identifying triggers such as small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), parasitic infections, food intolerance or allergy, inflammation, poor bacterial diversity or yeast overgrowth may help to reduce symptoms and restore normal bowel function. Nutritional Therapy aims to restore the balance in the microbiome to build strength from the inside out. My approach looks at your symptoms as well as your current diet and lifestyle. I also work with the Monash FODMAP diet, which can be beneficial as a first line approach for IBS. I am also trained in functional testing, should your health issues be more complex. I can offer food allergy and intolerance testing, comprehensive stool tests as well as SIBO testing (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth). I am also able to offer test for Gluten and Wheat Sensitivity Testing with Cyrex Laboratories if required. You would be offered nutritional handouts about your condition and possibly a personalised supplement programme to match your symptoms. In addition, I would give you a 7 day food plan to follow. I give recipes wherever possible to help support you at the start of your programme. What is FODMAP? The FODMAP diet is an acronym for Fermentable – Oligosaccharides –Disaccharides- Monosaccharides and Polyols. These are specific carbohydrates that occur naturally in foods that may lead to fermentation in the intestines. This can lead to gas, wind, pain as well as constipation or diarrhoea. The FODMAP diet was developed at the Monash University in Melbourne and has helped many people suffering with IBS to identify their food triggers. This protocol involves an elimination diet followed by reintroduction. To work successfully, the diet is best used alongside measures to rebalance the gut microbiome and help repair any damage the gut wall.