Hi! I'm Andrea, a Monash FODMAP trained dietitian in Ottawa specializing in irritable bowel syndrome and gut health.
When I was diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome in the ’90s, there was so little information about the condition that even my doctor didn’t have much of a treatment plan for me. Since the lactose-free diet didn’t improve my symptoms, IBS was just something I was going to have to live with.
Fast forward to the 2020s and the amount of information on IBS and its treatments is mind blowing, thanks to an explosion in gut health research.
But unfortunately, some of the research has been misinterpreted and twisted, leading to myths and misinformation that can lead IBS sufferers astray. On top of that, knowledge can evolve at lightening speed, so some info online is simply outdated.
My mission is to help IBS sufferers find relief from frustrating and relentless gut symptoms so they can expand their diets and enjoy food again.
I do this by offering practical, personalized and evidence-based nutrition counselling, and providing free information and resources on my blog.
My IBS treatment philosophies
Speak to a physician about your gut issues before you rush to the grocery store to buy gluten-free bread and coconut yogurt. Many gastrointestinal conditions have overlapping symptoms and some conditions can be life threatening (colon and ovarian cancers, inflammatory bowel disease). So it’s crucial that you work with a doctor to arrive at an accurate diagnosis.
I believe IBS sufferers need accurate information AND the tools to implement that knowledge. That’s why I provide tips, recipes, symptom journals, protocol examples, referrals to other experts, info on products, etc. Without the tools to take action, information is just fluff.
While we now have evidence-based interventions for IBS, each person is unique, so we can’t guarantee that diet X or supplement Y will calm your symptoms. Your healing journey should begin with strategies grounded in science and evolve with your gut’s unique needs, responses and situation.
Food absolutely plays a role in IBS symptoms and gut health, but so do stress, mental health, sleep, and physical activity. Taming your IBS involves adjusting your diet, managing your stress, and addressing other lifestyle behaviours.
I support clients in tossing off the shackles of diet culture food rules and enjoying food variety while also controlling IBS symptoms.
What is a Registered Dietitian (RD)?
A registered dietitian (or simply, dietitian) is the go-to nutrition expert in our health care system. Dietitians hold undergrad degrees in nutrition, complete a year of practical training, and pass a comprehensive licensing exam.
In Ontario, dietitians must be members of the College of Dietitians of Ontario, a regulatory body that ensures dietitians are competent and ethical in their practice.
What is a Monash FODMAP Trained Dietitian?
A Monash FODMAP trained dietitian has completed Monash University’s evidence-based Low FODMAP Diet and IBS course for dietitians. And passed the exam of course 😉
It includes comprehensive education on IBS, the low FODMAP diet, patient assessment, and alternative diet and non-diet treatments.
My Credentials
- 11 years as a dietitian in outpatient counselling and clinical nutrition.
- Member of the College of Dietitians of Ontario.
- Monash FODMAP trained dietitian.
- Dietetic internship at London Health Science Centre.
- Master of Health Science in Nutrition Communications.
- Bachelor of Applied Science in Food & Nutrition.
- Bachelor of Arts in English & Psychology.
Fun facts about moi
- My food staples: Chocolate, oats, pasta, eggs, fish, milk, nuts, asparagus, bananas, tomatoes.
- My spoiled fur babies: Leo and Jasper.
- Hobbies: Baking, hiking, reading, yoga, writing, cats ("cats" is a hobby, right?), volunteering with Furry Tales Cat Rescue.
- Expect the unexpected: I worked as a dietitian in the arctic early in my career.
