Improving Your Gut Health with Ruth Clark, MS, RDN

About Ruth Clark, MS, RDN

What led to you becoming a RD?

I knew from a young age that I wanted to work in the healthcare field. I loved learning about optimizing health and wellness for myself and wanted to be able to help others as well. Because I have always loved food, for a while I thought I might go into the culinary field. Then I found that Nutrition and Dietetics was the perfect field for me to continue to learn about nutrition and experiment with recipes, all while helping others. I love being a part of an individual’s health journey, especially when I can celebrate their successes with them. 

How did you decide what to specialize in?

After struggling with my own gut health issues, I became interested in how diet and lifestyle changes can improve GI disorders. Finding the lifestyle changes that improve gut and overall health was so impactful for me personally. As a result, I became passionate about helping others with their gut health journey. I find the field of gut health so important because of how it touches on so much of a person’s life. Being able to eat the food you enjoy is a big part of life. For those with GI disorders, it can be debilitating and isolating to struggle with those conditions. 

Working with a Registered Dietitian on Gut Health

What are the most common types of GI disorders you see?

IBS, SIBO, Crohn’s Disease, and Celiac Disease.

Why is it so important to work with a professional on gut health?

It is so hard to navigate gut health on your own. Working with a Registered Dietitian can take so much of the guesswork out of the journey towards balancing gut health. I hear a lot of individuals say they wish they would have focused on gut health sooner instead of just tolerating pain and discomfort for so long. 

Nutrition science is complex and ever-evolving and people are so unique and diverse. Trying to figure out what works best for you can be challenging. Having the support and experience of a gut health specialist by your side can be so impactful. Also, there is SO much misinformation out there in regards to Nutrition! Working with a Registered Dietitian makes it easier to know what is reputable and evidenced-based information vs. what people are trying to sell on social media and the internet. 

What GI symptoms are considered “not normal”?

GI symptoms that you should seek professional guidance on are: 

• Persistent abdominal pain and discomfort
• Changes in bowel habits
• Unexplained weight changes
• Moderate/severe bloating or gas
• Persistent heartburn, acid reflux, nausea or vomiting 

About IBS & SIBO

What is the difference between SIBO and IBS?

IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) is one of the most common functional disorders of the GI tract. It is a bit of a “catch-all” when it comes to symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating and bowel irregularity. There is a lot of overlap between the two conditions. Someone can have IBS as well as SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth), but some may have IBS without SIBO. Recent research suggests that as many as 80% of individuals with IBS also have SIBO.

We also think many people are not being tested and diagnosed due to the nonspecific symptoms. The symptoms of SIBO such as bloating, abdominal pain and bowel irregularity can overlap a lot with IBS. This makes it difficult to differentiate between the two. It’s best to see a medical provider such as a primary care provider or gastroenterologist if you have these symptoms and suspect IBS or SIBO. There are great treatment options! You do not have to continue to suffer with these debilitating symptoms. 

How can a Culina Health RD support someone with SIBO and/or IBS?

Culina Health dietitians have a lot of experience helping individuals with IBS and SIBO. We can provide education and support to craft an individualized plan to meet their nutritional needs while avoiding being overly restrictive. A dietitian can develop an individualized approach for symptom relief to help improve your quality of life. We understand that there are no quick fixes for gut health concerns—it’s about utilizing tools to manage symptoms. 

Ways to Support Your Gut Health

What’s a common intervention you use to treat patients who may be experiencing IBS or SIBO?

Fiber is a very important part of optimizing gut health, but I often tell my patients that we are looking for the “Goldilocks Zone” in regards to the amount of fiber in someone’s diet. Too little or too much fiber can have negative effects on gut health! I definitely love to deep dive on the types and amounts of fiber which is ideal for an individual. I often find that over time, people are able to find the right amount of fiber to support optimal gut health.  

Can you share practical tips for helping patients to balance adopting eating habits that support their long term gut health goals without being too restrictive?

To achieve your long-term gut health goals, it’s important to adopt routines and habits that help support mental health as well as physical health. This includes: 

• Eating an anti-inflammatory diet 
• Getting an adequate amount of fiber in your diet
• Eating a diet rich in diverse fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
• Have a good routine around sleep, stress management and physical activity
• Staying hydrated

Working with a registered dietitian will help to ensure you are not overly restricting your diet, which can lead to nutritional deficiencies. I have found that people avoid the foods that upset their stomach. Over time that list can grow so long it starts to feel like they can’t eat anything! While some foods like spicy or fried foods may continue to cause symptoms, working with a dietitian to get to the root of the problem will let you add back foods and diversify your diet. This way, it doesn’t become overly restrictive and lead you to miss out on important nutritional components or meaningful moments with your loved ones. 

Why is gut/intestinal health important to overall well being?

A properly functioning intestinal tract is essential for many different aspects of health including nutrient absorption, immune function, mood regulation, and mental health. The gut and brain are connected through the gut-brain axis. Mental health impacts gut health and gut health impacts mental health in a bi-directional manner. The symptoms of IBS and SIBO can significantly impact someone’s quality of life and ability to participate in daily activities. Supporting gut health is crucial for overall health and wellbeing.

Myth-Busting

What are common misconceptions about SIBO and IBS you want to dispel?

Diet is incredibly important for gut health. That said, research has also shown that changes in stress management, getting better sleep and physical activity also play a role in addressing IBS and SIBO symptoms. I will tell my patients that while diet is important, it’s just one piece of the puzzle. Addressing all aspects of mental and physical health can have a synergistic effect when it comes to gut health.  

What do you wish people knew about nutrition care overall?

A registered dietitian specializing in gut health can support you by looking at your entire past medical history and lifestyle. They then help craft a personalized nutrition plan tailored to your unique needs and goals. Some individuals feel nervous about coming to a dietitian. They think they will have to make drastic changes they are not ready to make. We will work with you to craft action steps that are achievable and can fit into your busy lifestyle without being overly restrictive. 

Book a Session With a Gut Health Dietitian

At Culina Health, we believe that everyone deserves affordable, quality nutrition care from a credentialed nutrition expert. Whether you live with Irritable Bowel Syndrome, SIBO, gastroparesis, Crohn’s diseases, or are looking for preventive care, a dietitian can help. Book a session and we’ll pair you with a registered dietitian nutritionist for personalized, virtual nutrition care that is science-based, inclusive, and culturally affirming.