GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDERS & GUT HEALTH

Digestive problems can affect everyday life in ways that are not always so obvious. Persistent bloating, abdominal discomfort, constipation, diarrhoea or changes in bowel habits can make eating uncomfortable and, in some cases, lead people to avoid foods without knowing what is causing their symptoms.

The digestive system breaks down food, absorbs nutrients, and supports important functions throughout the body. When a gastrointestinal condition affects these processes, dietary adjustments can help manage symptoms, prevent nutritional deficiencies, and improve quality of life.

A clinical dietitian identifies how eating habits, specific foods, and underlying medical conditions may contribute to digestive difficulties. The aim is to find an approach that provides adequate nutrition while making meals more comfortable and manageable.

MANAGING COMMON GASTROINTESTINAL CONDITIONS

Conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), coeliac disease and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can require different nutritional approaches.

• Patients with IBS may experience symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating and changes in bowel movements. Dietary management often begins with reviewing meal patterns, fibre intake and possible food triggers.
• People experiencing acid reflux may benefit from adjusting meal size, eating times, and foods that consistently worsen their symptoms.
• Coeliac disease requires lifelong avoidance of gluten.
• Patients with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis may need specific nutritional support depending on disease activity, digestive symptoms and the risk of malnutrition.

Because these conditions can share similar symptoms, an accurate medical diagnosis is essential before introducing significant dietary restrictions.

THE GUT MICROBIOME

The gastrointestinal tract contains an elevated number of microorganisms, collectively known as the gut microbiome. These microorganisms help digest certain dietary fibres, produce substances involved in intestinal function, and interact with the immune system.

Diet is one factor that influences the composition and activity of the gut microbiome. Eating a varied range of plant foods, including vegetables, fruits, legumes and whole grains, can help provide the fibres that beneficial gut bacteria use. Rather than relying on supplements or restrictive gut-health programmes, nutritional care focuses on dietary quality, symptom management and the patient’s ability to tolerate different foods.

FOOD INTOLERANCES AND DIETARY NEEDS

Not every digestive symptom indicates a food allergy or intolerance. Lactose intolerance, for example, occurs when the body has difficulty digesting lactose, while other reactions may relate to meal composition, gastrointestinal sensitivity, or an existing digestive disorder.

A food and symptom diary can sometimes help identify patterns, but these findings need careful interpretation. Unnecessary food elimination can reduce dietary variety and increase the risk of inadequate nutrient intake.

Clinical dietetic support involves assessing symptoms, reviewing relevant investigations and making targeted adjustments where appropriate. Follow-up appointments help determine whether changes are effective and whether previously excluded foods can be reintroduced. The goal is to help patients eat with greater comfort and confidence, while maintaining a varied, nutritionally adequate diet that supports digestive health over time.

To book a consultation for abdominoplasty or for more information, contact us +971 50 494 6377 to schedule an appointment with our clinical dietitian, Maria Liliana Ciraulo.

Maria Liliana Ciraulo is an Italian Clinical Dietitian with over 6 years of clinical experience treating international patients in Europe and the UAE.

She holds both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s Degree in Food Science and Human Nutrition from the prestigious University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, graduating top of her class with honours and special mention. Maria holds multiple national and international certifications in functional nutrition, including the International Certification in Functional Medicine from the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M). She is a member of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M), the Nutrition Network, and the International Lipoedema Association.