Dietetics and Nutrition for Digestive Health: Specialist Support Across the South Island

How dietetics supports digestive health 

Nutrition plays a role in both symptom management and long-term outcomes. Dietetic support may help to: 

• Reduce symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, or constipation 

• Identify and manage food intolerances or sensitivities 

• Support preparation for an operation 

• Aid recovery and healing after treatment 

• Support healthy weight loss goals 

• This is particularly important for patients navigating ongoing or complex digestive concerns, where small dietary changes can make a meaningful difference. 

Conditions commonly supported by dietitians 

At Intus, dietitians regularly work with patients experiencing: 

• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and other functional gut disorders 

• Reflux and upper gastrointestinal symptoms 

• Food intolerances, including lactose or fructose sensitivity 

• Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) 

• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) 

• Nutritional challenges following surgery 

• As part of integrated weight loss care 

Support is always tailored, with a focus on practical strategies that fit into everyday life. 

A personalised and structured approach 

Dietetic care at Intus goes beyond one-off advice. Patients are guided through a structured process, which may include: 

• A detailed assessment of symptoms, diet, and medical history 

• Personalised nutrition plans based on current evidence 

• Short-term strategies such as low FODMAP approaches where appropriate 

• Gradual reintroduction of foods to identify specific triggers 

• Ongoing follow-up to track progress and adjust recommendations 

• Careful attention to identifying and correcting nutritional deficiencies 

The goal is to provide clarity and confidence, helping patients understand how diet impacts their symptoms and what changes are most effective. 

Integrated care with Intus specialists 

One of the key benefits of dietetics at Intus is its integration with other specialist services. Dietitians work closely with our specialists to ensure care is aligned at every stage. 

This is particularly valuable for patients undergoing investigations or treatment, where nutrition can support both preparation and recovery. 

When to consider seeing a dietitian 

You may benefit from dietetic support if: 

• You have ongoing digestive symptoms without clear answers 

• You have been diagnosed with a gastrointestinal condition 

• You are preparing for or recovering from a procedure 

• You are unsure which foods may be contributing to your symptoms 

• As part of an integrated approach to weight loss