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Hi!
I'm Monica, Vegan & Plant-Based Dietitian
With more than 8 years of clinical experience as an Accredited Practicing Dietitian, I am proud to be the founder of Plant Based Family Nutrition. From infancy to adulthood, I am dedicated to helping individuals incorporate more plant-based foods into their diets. My true passion lies in motivating clients to embrace a wholesome and well-rounded approach to nutrition.
As an online vegan dietitian, I extend my services across Australia via Telehealth, making professional guidance easily accessible to individuals nationwide.
Why is gut health important & what conditions can we help you to manage?
Gut health is paramount for overall well-being, impacting digestion, immune function, mental health, and disease prevention.
The gut serves as a hub for nutrient absorption, playing a pivotal role in processing food and extracting essential vitamins and minerals necessary for bodily functions.
A balanced gut microbiome is vital for a robust immune system, aiding in defending against harmful pathogens and reducing inflammation.
Moreover, the gut-brain connection influences mood regulation and mental health, highlighting the significance of a healthy gut in fostering emotional well-being.
Maintaining gut health through a balanced diet rich in fibre, diverse plant-based foods, probiotics, prebiotics, hydration, exercise, and stress management is key for supporting overall health and vitality.
What Digestive Conditions do we manage?
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal disorder characterised by abdominal pain or discomfort accompanied by changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhoea, constipation, or a mix of both. It is a chronic condition that can significantly impact one's quality of life due to its unpredictable nature and varying symptoms. The exact cause of IBS remains unclear, but factors like diet, stress, gut hypersensitivity, and changes in gut microbiota are believed to contribute to its development. While IBS doesn't cause permanent damage to the digestive system, it can cause discomfort and distress, and managing symptoms often involves dietary modifications (including The low FODMAP Diet), stress management, medication, and lifestyle adjustments tailored to individual needs. Our plant-based dietitian is low FODMAP trained and can help in managing IBS symptoms and improving overall well-being.
Coeliac Disease
Coeliac disease is an autoimmune disorder triggered by the consumption of gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, rye and oats. When individuals with coeliac disease ingest gluten, it prompts an immune response that damages the lining of the small intestine, impairing nutrient absorption. This can lead to various symptoms, including abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhoea, fatigue, and weight loss. If left untreated, coeliac disease can result in long-term complications such as malnutrition, osteoporosis, infertility, and an increased risk of certain health conditions. The primary treatment involves following a strict gluten-free diet, avoiding foods containing gluten to manage symptoms and prevent intestinal damage. Our dietitian has expert knowledge in managing Coeliac Disease as well as her own personal experience.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) refers to a group of chronic inflammatory conditions affecting the digestive tract, primarily including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. These conditions cause inflammation and damage to the gastrointestinal tract, leading to symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhoea, rectal bleeding, fatigue, and weight loss. IBD is characterised by periods of flare-ups and remission, and its exact cause remains unclear, although it is thought to involve an abnormal immune response to environmental triggers in genetically predisposed individuals. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms, reducing inflammation, and maintaining remission through medication, lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, and in severe cases, surgery. Our specialised dietitian can provide evidence-based, tailored recommendations for the management of individuals with IBD.
Food Chemical Intolerance
Food chemical intolerance refers to adverse reactions or symptoms triggered by certain chemicals present in food. These reactions may occur due to sensitivity to additives, preservatives, artificial colours, flavor enhancers, or natural compounds in food, such as histamines or salicylates. Symptoms can vary widely and may include headaches, skin rashes, digestive issues, breathing difficulties, or behavioural changes. Diagnosing food chemical intolerance can be challenging as symptoms might overlap with other conditions, and identifying specific trigger foods can require detailed elimination diets or medical supervision. Managing food chemical intolerance typically involves avoiding trigger foods, reading food labels carefully, and seeking guidance from a specialised dietitian. Our dietitian can help you identify personal triggers and help to ensure a balanced diet while minimising exposure to problematic chemicals.
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