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Trillions of bacteria and other microorganisms live in the gut. Scientists refer to this metropolis of gut-dwelling organisms as the gut microbiota. Most of the microbes reside in the gut, are quite harmless. Some are helpful, and a small number can cause harm. A disturbance in the natural balance of bacteria in the gut has […]

Peppermint oil has been found to be effective for symptom control in patients with IBS and other GI disorders (1, 2).  Peppermint oil is derived from the peppermint plant, Mentha × piperita, which grows mostly in North America and Europe. It has been found to affect upper- and lower gut functioning (1,3).  As it is

Most of us are familiar with an uncomfortable, bloated feeling and some of us are well aware of the cause – overdoing it at a meal or a night out for example! For others, bloating is frequent, uncomfortable and sometimes painful. Unfortunately bloating is not a single, uniform experience that could be fixed with a one-size-fits-all

What is a low-FODMAP diet? FODMAP is an acronym for a certain class of carbohydrates, called fermentable short-chain carbohydrates. The low FODMAP diet has been shown to reduce symptoms in around 70% of those with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)1 It stands for: Fermentable Oligosaccharides (e.g. wheat, onion, garlic, pulses) Disaccharides (e.g. milk, yohgurt) Monosaccharides and

Most people don\’t eat enough fibre (i.e. 80% of Irish adults don\’t!). Put IBS into the mix and the challenge gets harder as many people find high fibre foods are not well tolerated. A low FODMAP diet can then be a double whammy as it excludes a whole raft of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts,

\”Should I get my microbiome tested?’’ is a common question I get asked. A stool test being a poo sample collection that return the sample to a lab or your doctor’s office for analysis. Clinical trials proving that microbiome tests lead to health benefits are however non-existent! In fact two recent reviews indicated that these

If so, you should try these kimchi pancakes! They tick all the low FODMAP, gut loving and deliciousness boxes! Kimchi has been tested by Monash, with products containing garlic and onion, and been shown to be low FODMAP in a portion of 47g.  Now don\’t get me wrong, I\’m fully au fait with pancakes with lashings of nutella and lemon and sugar or any

Imagine taking a supplement that can help break down FODMAPs in your foods? Well new product, the FODZYME enzyme, proposes to do just that and shows potential in the management of IBS.  It works by helping you digest three specific FODMAP components:  Fructans, found for example in wheat, onion, garlic GOS, found for example in beans

Caffeine is one of the world’s most commonly consumed beverages in the world! Caffeine sources and recommendations Coffee has general health benefits especially as been shown to be protective regarding heart and liver disease when consumed in moderation, which is considered 3-4 cups or up to 400mg per day. (It’s <200mg in pregnancy). Sources of

Trillions of bacteria and other microorganisms live in the gut. Scientists refer to this metropolis of gut-dwelling organisms as the gut microbiota. Most of the microbes reside in the gut, are quite harmless. Some are helpful, and a small number can cause harm. A disturbance in the natural balance of bacteria in the gut has