Importance of Nutrition in Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders and the Role of Dietitians

Abstract

Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID) is a general name given to chronic or recurrent gastrointestinal symptoms, although they are not any organic disorders. In these disorders, it is very important to prepare the diet specifically designed for the patient and to monitor the diet continuously. In this process, the patient’s nutritional habits should be determined by experienced dietitians and examined mutually with the patient by considering all bio-psycho-social aspects, and a personalized nutrition and diet plan should be prepared accordingly. The most common set of symptoms among FGIDs is the disorder called IBS (Irritable bowel syndrome). The role of dietitian in IBS is even more specific and important than in other FGIDs. Necessary steps should be taken immediately for dietitians in Turkey to be specialized in these disorders and the employment of dietitians in health institutions should be increased.