by Kimberley Gittens, RD | Mar 16, 2023 | IBS
Are you someone who loves spicy foods but suffers from IBS? If so, you may have heard that spicy foods can exacerbate IBS symptoms. This is because many spicy foods contain capsaicin, a compound that can stimulate the digestive system and cause discomfort for those with IBS.
by Kimberley Gittens, RD | Jan 23, 2023 | IBS
Fibre is an essential part of a health diet, but getting enough fibre in your IBS-friendly diet can be difficult. Despite the challenges of including fibre in a low-FODMAP diet, there are many ways to ensure you’re meeting your fibre requirements with an IBS-friendly diet.
by Kimberley Gittens, RD | Jan 17, 2023 | IBS, Mental Health
Your mental health can have a major impact on your gut health. Stress and anxiety can trigger an increase in gut inflammation, and disrupt the careful balance of beneficial bacteria in your gut.
by Kimberley Gittens, RD | Jan 13, 2023 | IBS
Understanding the diet and its underlying principles can help you more effectively follow the diet, support a healthy relationship with food, and manage your GI symptoms.
by Kimberley Gittens, RD | Dec 17, 2022 | IBS
Although there is currently no research detailing the role of alcohol in triggering IBS symptoms, an observational study reports approximately 1 in 3 people with IBS report experiencing symptoms from consuming alcohol.
by Kimberley Gittens, RD | Nov 8, 2022 | IBS
You may have noticed that not everyone with IBS experiences the same triggers, or symptoms during flare-ups. In fact, most people with IBS have different triggers and “IBS-safe foods”. One of the reasons for this is that there are different types of IBS. Knowing and understanding your dominant type of IBS can help you identify ways to manage the symptoms.
by Kimberley Gittens, RD | Oct 15, 2022 | IBS
Snacking is often viewed as a bad habit that should be avoided and a barrier to weight loss. Despite what the diet culture may tell you, there is a purpose for snacking…[it] can be part of a healthy lifestyle.
by Rachel McBryan RD | Aug 3, 2022 | Eating Disorders
How many times have you been screened for an eating disorder before being told to lose weight? None, right? Unfortunately, this is a very common practice. People are often told to lose weight without first being assessed for a history, or presence, of an eating...
by Rachel McBryan RD | Jul 28, 2022 | Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are behavioural conditions that are characterized by irregular eating behaviours, thoughts and attitudes towards food, eating and body image. Eating disorders may be used as a way to feel in control or to cope with difficult situations. Eating...
by Rachel McBryan RD | Jul 18, 2022 | Eating Disorders
As I mentioned in an earlier article, eating disorders can affect anyone. They don’t discriminate against age, gender, socioeconomic status or even your genetic predisposition to being slim. However, we are being to find that there are higher rates of eating disorders...
by Rachel McBryan RD | Jul 6, 2022 | Heart Disease
There are a few different tests that your doctor looks at when determining your heart health. Some tests are physical, such as stress tests or electrocardiograms (ECGs), while measures require you to complete blood work. Some of the parameters measured using blood...
by Rachel McBryan RD | Jun 22, 2022 | Eating Disorders
It can be hard to know where to start when you’re new to journalling, but don’t let that blank page stop you. You can find journal prompts to get to started below. Benefits of Journalling There are many benefits to journaling both in day-to-day life and...
by Rachel McBryan RD | May 17, 2022 | IBS
It is currently estimated that 10 to 20% of the world’s population experience IBS. Studies report that women and people under the age of 50 are experiencing higher rates of IBS, with Canada reporting one of the highest rates of IBS across the globe. Additionally, research has shown that women with IBS are more likely to experience symptoms during their periods.
by Rachel McBryan RD | Apr 29, 2022 | IBS
Has your breakfast been causing some uncomfortable bloating, or stomach cramping? You’re not the only one. In fact, many people with IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) avoid breakfast because they are trying to avoid the symptoms that start shortly after. But, what many...
by Rachel McBryan RD | Mar 15, 2022 | Heart Disease
The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on many aspects of our physical, mental and emotional health. Research shows that there has been a steady rise in blood pressure during the pandemic. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, can have an impact on many...
by Rachel McBryan RD | Feb 25, 2022 | Disease & Illnesses
What is a CGM? A CGM is a continuous glucose monitor. It is a small system that monitors your blood glucose (sugar) levels in real-time. This means it can show you how your blood sugar changes in response to different foods and meals. Benefits of a CGM CGMs were...
by Rachel McBryan RD | Aug 25, 2021 | Disease & Illnesses, Heart Disease
Did you know that heart disease is the 2nd leading cause of death in Canada? Diet can play a big role in reducing the risk and preventing heart disease.
by Rachel McBryan RD | Aug 3, 2021 | IBS
Normally, low-calorie sweeteners pose no risk to us (unless consuming in huge amounts) but, they can be troublesome for individuals with GI conditions. But for some, this could be aggravating GI conditions and triggering unpleasant symptoms.
by Rachel McBryan RD | Jul 26, 2021 | IBS
There are many different foods that contain high amounts of FODMAPs. For those individuals living with IBS, or other GI-related conditions, limiting the consumption of these foods and drinks may help relieve symptoms and support gut healing. For more information on...
by Rachel McBryan RD | Mar 24, 2021 | Disease & Illnesses
This has been a stressful year for many. With stress comes new health issues, or underlying health issues that have come to the surface. There are also many people who have been scared to go to their doctor or to emergency when they aren’t feeling well, and this in...