Gastroenterology

The gastrointestinal tract, or GI tract, includes everything involved in digestion, from the organs of the digestive tract – the mouth, oesophagus, stomach, small and large bowel, rectum and anus, as well as the organs of the biliary system – pancreas, liver, gallbladder and bile ducts.

There are many reasons why the GI tract does not function efficiently and those who have digestive conditions or have had surgery that affects their digestive system will usually have special dietary requirements. I am a gastroenterology specialist dietitian and will provide tailored nutrition interventions that take into account your medical history, nutritional intake, socio-economic factors and lifestyle. This will enable you to follow a nutritionally adequate plan in order to achieve and maintain optimum health.

If you are suffering with any of the conditions listed below and would like help in managing those conditions please contact me. Irritable bowel syndrome (in some circumstances trialling a low FODMAP diet may help and I am trained to help you with this)

Coeliac Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease: Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis

Reflux

Over active stoma following surgery

Short bowel syndrome

Pancreatitis (acute and chronic)

Malabsorption

Alcoholic liver disease

Non alcoholic fatty liver disease

Autoimmune liver disease

Hepatitis

Cholecystitis

Pre and post liver transplant

There are approximately 3 million people in the UK living with malnutrition and the majority of these are living in their own homes. Common signs of malnutrition are:

● Unplanned weight loss

● Fatigue

● Changes in mood

● Loss of appetite

● Disinterest in food/fluids

● Loss of muscle strength

A balanced diet is essential for wellbeing and health and if you are suffering from a poor appetite or are malnourished, including energy dense foods and drinks can help you to reach your nutritional requirements without  significantly increasing portion sizes.