Functional Gastrointestinal Disorder is the most common diagnosis in gastroenterology. It may also be called Functional Bowel Disorder, constipation, reflux, diarrhoea, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (or IBS).
The name Functional Gastrointestinal Disorder (FGID) covers a range of different conditions that share similar symptoms. There is a lot of information out there, which can be useful, but also confusing.
To assist with your symptoms and improve quality of life, our dietitians provide you with evidence based information. We start by sending you information in the post for you to start at home even if you have trialled these steps before. If this information does not improve your symptoms, you are welcome to attend two group sessions looking specifically at the low FODMAP diet for IBS management.
Please have a look at the relevant resources below. These correspond to each step in the process. Should you choose to attend our group sessions in person, hard copies of these resources will be provided.
You should have already received the Functional Gastrointestinal Disorder Self Help Guide via email or post. Please read it carefully, and use a highlighter or note down which strategies you will try. These are the important first steps that help and may mean you don’t need the more complicated FODMAP diet. Please give these a good try for at least four weeks.
Please complete the Bowel and Symptom Questionnaire before making any changes. This is your baseline and will enable you to see if the changes you make are having an effect.
It can also be a good idea to keep a food and symptom diary. Below is an example, but you can use any notebook, paper or ‘notes’ on your phone to keep a record - remember to write the time you had something to eat, and the time you had any symptoms.
