Brisbane Dietitian: Tips for Managing 4 Chronic Health Conditions

In our latest blog, RRP Physiotherapy shares their top tips for managing four (4) common chronic health conditions.

Did you know poor nutrition can have a big impact on health problems you may be experiencing such as digestion issues, skin disorders, and even chronic conditions?

When patients seek advise about their diet and nutrition, many are worried about being placed on restrictive diets and being miserable during the process.

But it doesn’t have to be that way!

In this blog, we reveal nutrition tips for helping to successfully manage:

• Type 2 Diabetes,
• Obesity,
• PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome), and
• IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome).

How Nutrition Affects Chronic Conditions

Before we explore the recommendations, it’s important to understand how important good nutrition is for every one of us.

Nutrition (primarily from food, but also supplementation) is what our bodies need to feed, repair, build and keep our cells alive.

In order to thrive, not just survive, we need to consume a healthy mix of:

• Protein
• Carbohydrates
• Fats
• Vitamins
• Minerals
• Fibre
• Water

Health Conditions our Brisbane Dietitian Can Help With

Here is a selection of top diet tips and goals for managing Type 2 Diabetes, Obesity, Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.

1. Obesity

To help combat obesity and lose weight in a healthy way, we recommend:

• Eating in a slight calorie deficit (~150-200kcal for females and ~300-400kcal for males).
• Try to increase energy expenditure through either exercise or NEAT (non-exercise activity thermogenesis) aka all movement which isn’t deemed ‘exercise’.

2. Type 2 Diabetes

• For overweight patients, we like to work with clients to set achievable weight loss goals – and a plan to get there!
• Focus on carbohydrate distribution. Keeping in mind 1 serve of carbohydrate is ~15g; Breakfast: 2 serves (e.g. ½ cup oats, snack: 1 serve (e.g. 1 piece of fruit), lunch: 2 serves (e.g. 2 slices of bread), snack: 1 serve (e.g. 200g low fat yoghurt), dinner: 2 serves (e.g. 1 cup cooked pasta)

3. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

Important Note: For those diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome there’s no one size fits all approach, so please speak to your health practitioners about a tailored treatment plan to your personal circumstances.

Here are some general tips that your dietitian will consider and advise if they are right for you:

• Recommend weight loss strategies if overweight
• Commence regular exercise
• Consume mostly low GI carbohydrates
• Evenly spread carbohydrate intake throughout the day

4. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Please note the best approach to managing IBS will depend on the severity of your symptoms.

Here at RRP, the first step towards treating IBS is identifying what the cause is. We’ll ask you to keep a food and symptom diary, this could take two forms:

• If symptoms are not overly severe, cut out the main culprits for IBS (gluten, dairy, raw veg etc) and monitor symptoms. Slowly reintroduce one at a time if symptoms subside.
• If symptoms are severe commence the low FODMAP diet (a much more restrictive elimination diet and considered the gold standard for IBS). After eliminating all FODMAP foods, work with your dietitian to slowly reintroduce foods back in.

Brisbane Dietitian: Tips for Managing 4 Chronic Health Conditions

If you are struggling with a chronic condition and would like to learn more about how good nutrition can help minimise symptoms you may be experiencing and in some instances, help treat the root cause, get in contact!