Functional Constipation
How our dietitians can help you
- Empowering, practical advice: Our dietitians provide tailored support and help you to choose which management strategies suit you and your symptom profile in order to ensure the most effective symptom relief whilst reducing stress around food and digestion.
- Targeted fibre and fluid guidance
Our dietitians specialise in understanding how different types of dietary fibre work in the gut, helping you adjust your fibre and fluid intake to relieve symptoms effectively. - Research-driven expertise
With active research interests in gastrointestinal nutrition and fibre science, our dietitians bring the latest evidence into practical, personalised care. - Collaborative, multidisciplinary support
For more complex cases, we work closely with pelvic floor physios and gastroenterologists to ensure a cohesive approach to diet, medications and physical therapy.
More about Functional Constipation
Functional constipation is a type of chronic constipation that isn’t caused by any underlying medical condition or medication, and diet can be part of the cause and the management. It’s characterised by persistent difficulty in passing stools, hard, dry or lumpy stools, low stool frequency (less than 3 per week) and/or a feeling of incomplete evacuation after a bowel movement. It is similar to IBS-C but is without the associated abdominal pain, and is often accompanied by bothersome bloating.
As well as being related to diet, functional constipation can be due to altered gut transit (where the muscles in the colon move slower than usual) or changes to the muscles in the pelvic floor making it difficult to pass stools. It can be particularly problematic in childhood or with aging and can be linked to other medical conditions.
We work with clients to manage the type, amount and texture of fibres when managing functional constipation, both from whole foods and sometimes using different fibre (prebiotic) supplements. We also assess hydration factors, including fluid intake and fluid losses from exercise, medications and environmental factors like climate and air conditioning. By considering the full spectrum of possible contributing factors, you have the best chance of improving your bowel regularity and health-related quality of life.
Book with Kerith or Georgina
Kerith and Georgina specialise in various gastrointestinal conditions and symptoms. Their consulting work with clients complements their research in gastrointestinal nutrition.
Face-to-face appointments
Kerith offers appointments at Newcastle Gastroenterology and Health HQ Salamander Bay.
Contact Us
Email – office@helpyourself.com.au