What are some conditions that look a lot like irritable bowel syndrome? Kate explores conditions that can masquerade as IBS and often lead to prolonged digestive symptoms!
Nutrition Pearls for Masqueraders of IBS
Things to consider when working with an IBS patient that doesn’t respond to IBS management strategies
- What about this patients presentation fits other diagnoses?
- Has the patient been adequately worked up (was IBD, celiac, CRC, microscopic colitis ruled out?)
- Are there any clues in intake that could point towards another diagnosis (ie. sucrose & starch intake triggering symptoms, lactose free dairy triggering symptoms?)
- Are there unexplained extra-intestinal symptoms?
- Have we exhausted all IBS management strategies including strategies targeting the gut-brain axis, medications, etc.
- Could I advocate to their gastroenterologist or physician to have other workup done based on what I’ve found?
Kate Scarlata, MPH, RDN, LDN is a Boston-based dietitian with 30 years of experience. Kate’s expertise is in gastrointestinal disorders and food intolerance, with a particular focus on the application of the low FODMAP diet for functional gut disorders. She was awarded the Outstanding Massachusetts Dietitian Award and recognized as Boston’s Best Dietitian by Boston Magazine. Kate is the author of numerous books and articles on digestive health topics including the New York Times Best Seller, The 21 Day Tummy Diet. Her latest bookis The Low FODMAP Diet Step by Step. Kate completed her postgraduate training at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, a Harvard Medical School teaching affiliate.
Kate and I talked about the conditions typically on the radar which include:
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Celiac disease
- Colorectal Cancer
- Microscopic Colitis
And then we get into conditions not typically on the radar, which include:
- GI infections
- Mast cell activation syndrome (here is the paper Kate mentions in the podcast)
- Milk protein intolerance
- SIBO
- Sucrase isomaltase deficiency (CSID)
And also discuss the importance of recognizing that IBS is a very real condition that has several excellent management options too!
If you don’t already follow Kate, you should she is on Instagram @katescarlata and on Twitter @KateScarlata_RD: and can learn more at katescarlata.com
Andrea Hardy gets the highest quality professionals interview. o learn so much through each of her podcasts. She keeps me up to date on the latest GI nutrition facts and science!
Really informative podcast.