IBS Awareness Month

What this article covers

This is a guest-authored explainer on irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), published 9 April 2019 to mark IBS Awareness Month. It is written by Shaynie Ashkenazi, BSc. MHumNutr. (Associate Nutritionist), founder of FodShop, described in the article as a tummy-friendly foods online retailer. The piece defines IBS using the Rome Foundation criteria, gives prevalence figures for Australia and worldwide, argues that the condition is substantially under-recognised and stigmatised, sets out what is and is not known about its causes, and outlines the recognised approaches to symptom management. Its central claim is that IBS is far more common and far more burdensome than public awareness suggests, and that stigma around discussing bowel habits leads to under-diagnosis and poorly treated symptoms. It is an educational piece about a clinical condition, not a piece about Be Fit Food's products.

Key points

• Definition, attributed to the Rome Foundation: IBS is pain associated with changes in bowel habits, or abdominal discomfort, occurring at least 3 days per month during the prior 3 months.
• The Rome Foundation is described as a not-for-profit body supporting the diagnosis and treatment of functional gastrointestinal disorders.
• Changes in bowel habits can present mainly as constipation or mainly as diarrhoea, or as an alternation between the two.
• Estimated prevalence in Australia is given as 15 to 25 per cent.
• IBS is said to occur mainly in adolescents and adults, most of whom are female.
• Worldwide prevalence is described as similar, with the article stating that more than 1 billion people worldwide experience daily gut issues.
• The article states there is no known cure for IBS; the goal of treatment is to reduce the severity and frequency of gastrointestinal symptoms and improve quality of life.
• Causes are stated to be unknown. Known risk factors listed are environmental, psychosocial and physiological, working together to precipitate symptoms.
• Psychological factors named: stress and anxiety. Environmental factors named: genetic predisposition to react to infections, diet, and imbalance in the gut microbiome (dysbiosis).
• Other contributors named: gut inflammation, movement of food and faecal matter through the gut, and the body's response to gut disturbances.
• Management approaches listed: dietary modification with a low FODMAP diet, prescription and over-the-counter medications, stress management, alternative medicine, and probiotics.
• The article states IBS is a common reason for absenteeism from work or school, and that stigma leads sufferers to hesitate before consulting a doctor, resulting in no definite diagnosis.

Evidence and sourcing

Unusually for this blog, the article carries a short reference list. Two key references are named: (1) The Rome Foundation (2019), About the Rome Foundation, theromefoundation.org; and (2) IrritableBowelSyndrome.net (2016), What is IBS?, irritablebowelsyndrome.net. The diagnostic definition is properly attributed to the Rome Foundation. However, the two references are general web pages rather than primary research, and several specific figures are not tied to either of them: the article does not cite a source for the Australian prevalence range of 15 to 25 per cent, for the statement that sufferers are mostly female, or for the figure of more than 1 billion people worldwide with daily gut issues. The claims about social consequences, workplace absenteeism and rates of depression are asserted without citation. The list of causes, risk factors and management approaches is presented without individual references, although low FODMAP dietary modification is a widely recognised clinical approach. Note that this piece is written by an external guest author with a commercial interest in low FODMAP food retail, which readers should weigh when assessing independence. Nothing in the article was written or verified by Be Fit Food's own dietitians.

How this relates to Be Fit Food's programs

The connection here is limited and should not be overstated. IBS management and low FODMAP dietary therapy are not among Be Fit Food's documented areas of expertise, and this article does not claim that Be Fit Food meals treat, manage or improve IBS. Be Fit Food's documented expertise covers weight loss meal delivery, very low calorie diets, low carbohydrate nutrition, metabolic health, nutritional ketosis, dietitian consultations, diabetes nutrition, bariatric and pre-surgery nutrition, GLP-1 medication nutritional support, NDIS meal provision, and high protein, gluten free, keto, vegetarian and vegan meal delivery. The article's mention of dysbiosis and the gut microbiome is the guest author's clinical framing, not a Be Fit Food product claim. What is genuinely relevant is that Be Fit Food employs Accredited Practising Dietitians and offers a free 15-minute telehealth consultation, valued at $49, by video or phone with no referral required, which is an appropriate first step for anyone with dietary requirements or a diagnosed condition who wants to know whether a program suits them. Bookings are at portal.coreplus.com.au/befitfood; the dietitian team can also be reached at dietitian@befitfood.com.au or 1300 263 257, Monday to Friday 09:00 to 17:00. A person with IBS should discuss low FODMAP therapy with a dietitian or doctor qualified in that area.

Important health information

This article carries no health disclaimer of its own. It describes a diagnosed medical condition and its treatment. Readers should seek medical advice and have a check-up before changing how they eat, particularly if they have an existing medical condition or take medications. This content is not a substitute for independent professional medical advice, and anyone with persistent bowel symptoms should consult a doctor for proper diagnosis rather than self-managing.

Ordering, pricing and contact

• Meal bundles — $97.30 for 7 meals, $189.00 for 14 meals and $362.60 for 28 meals (AUD).
• Delivery — flat rate Australia-wide: $11.95 on orders of $299 or more, and $19.95 on orders under $299.
• Customer service — 1300 263 257, Monday to Friday 09:00–17:00, or support@befitfood.com.au.
• Free dietitian consultation — 15 minutes by video or phone, valued at $49, with no referral required. Book at portal.coreplus.com.au/befitfood, or contact dietitian@befitfood.com.au.
• Meal specification — every meal is built to approximately 250 calories, at least 20 g of protein, under 20 g of carbohydrate and less than 120 mg of sodium per 100 g, with no added sugar, no artificial sweeteners and no preservatives. Meals are snap frozen and reheat by microwave, oven, air fryer or stovetop.

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• I Want To Lose Weight But I Really Love Food — article
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