This is an important message ???? for you if you have been self-treating your Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) symptoms with what friends, “friends” on the internet, or even health care practitioners are telling you.
One of the first things people turn to when struggling with digestive symptoms such as IBS, is to avoid or restrict particular foods.
???????? Typically, this might mean taking gluten or dairy out of your diet to see if you notice improvement in how you feel.
Initially you might notice that it feels good and you’re able to control your some of your symptoms, but often it snowballs where you are having to limit yourself more and more to continue to manage your symptoms. Ie, the list of foods you can confidently eat and still feel well becomes smaller ????.
In addition, people will not only avoid certain foods, but can start altering meal behaviour to help prevent embarrassing digestive symptoms at work or in social situations such as skipping meals or avoiding going out to eat with friends.
If you have been restricting certain foods to manage your IBS, we have important questions for you:
- have you been given true informed consent from your health care provider? Have you thought of the potential risks, not just the benefits, to this dietary restriction?
The way our Naturopathic Doctor’s practice has evolved enormously over the years in regard to when and how we use elimination style diets with clients.
You have to understand the potential long-term risks associated with dietary elimination, physically and mentally, such as:
- It can negatively impact your relationship with food, you can become fearful and anxious about food, potentially leading to disordered eating,
- Nutrient deficiencies: Long-term elimination of foods may result in inadequate intake of essential nutrients.
- Exacerbation of symptoms: Oddly enough, avoiding foods for extended periods may worsen IBS, such as constipation symptoms over time.
- Challenges to your social life: Avoiding certain foods can create difficulties in social situations, family gatherings, and cultural events where those foods are commonly consumed, which can impact quality of life,
- Alteration in gut flora (which was probably the problem in the first place!), which again, could impact your symptoms, including the potential effect on the gut-brain health.
It’s essential to understand that some dietary modifications can be helpful for managing IBS symptoms, and there can even be a time and a place for certain eliminations; however, it’s important to be aware of the risks and have solid guidance to ensure a balanced approach that addresses symptom management, as well as overall nutritional needs, and long-term gut health.
Our Naturopathic Doctor’s can help ????