Gastrointestinal (GI) Nutritionists and Dietitians in Douglas County, CO

Photo of Tori Taggart - Rooted Health & Wellness, LLC, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, CNS
Rooted Health & Wellness, LLC
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, CNS
Castle Rock, CO 80104
I work with clients with a variety of conditions ranging from Autoimmune disease, cancer, digestive disorders, hormonal imbalances, anxiety and depression, ADHD/Autism, infertility, thyroid conditions, arthritis, weight loss concerns, sports nutrition.
Integrative Clinical nutrition is based on a scientific, evidence-based approach that considers the uniqueness of each person's biochemical individuality, in conjunction with genetic, environmental , lifestyle, mental, emotional, spiritual and relationship factors that impact the state of health. My personal story may be just like your own. Like many of you reading this, I suffered many years with health conditions that didn't fit into the mold of conventional medicine.
I work with clients with a variety of conditions ranging from Autoimmune disease, cancer, digestive disorders, hormonal imbalances, anxiety and depression, ADHD/Autism, infertility, thyroid conditions, arthritis, weight loss concerns, sports nutrition.
Integrative Clinical nutrition is based on a scientific, evidence-based approach that considers the uniqueness of each person's biochemical individuality, in conjunction with genetic, environmental , lifestyle, mental, emotional, spiritual and relationship factors that impact the state of health. My personal story may be just like your own. Like many of you reading this, I suffered many years with health conditions that didn't fit into the mold of conventional medicine.
(314) 310-4291 View (314) 310-4291
Photo of Cassie Petro, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, CN, CNS
Cassie Petro
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, CN, CNS
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Waitlist for new clients
I work with toddlers, children, teens, and adults with digestive, metabolic, autoimmune, and chronic conditions to improve their quality of life.
Our lives revolve around and depend on food, which is why nurturing your relationship to food is crucial to your health and something I strive to help strengthen. My approach to nutrition therapy is collaborative and personalized to optimize function within the whole body. Evidence-based nutrition science, health coaching, and trauma-informed care guide my practice to meet the needs of each individual I work with. I recognize the various challenges that can impact proper nutrition and aim to reduce internal and external limitations through nutrition education, empowerment, and behavior change.
I work with toddlers, children, teens, and adults with digestive, metabolic, autoimmune, and chronic conditions to improve their quality of life.
Our lives revolve around and depend on food, which is why nurturing your relationship to food is crucial to your health and something I strive to help strengthen. My approach to nutrition therapy is collaborative and personalized to optimize function within the whole body. Evidence-based nutrition science, health coaching, and trauma-informed care guide my practice to meet the needs of each individual I work with. I recognize the various challenges that can impact proper nutrition and aim to reduce internal and external limitations through nutrition education, empowerment, and behavior change.
(720) 580-4263 View (720) 580-4263
Photo of Debbie Lew - Created For Wellness Nutritional Therapy Llc, Nutritionist/Dietitian, FNTP
Debbie Lew - Created For Wellness Nutritional Therapy Llc
Nutritionist/Dietitian, FNTP
Serves Area
I utilize natural, evidence-based strategies that are effective such as targeted nutrients to support brain health, gut healing & restoration, detox, homeopathy and lifestyle changes.
My approach is functional, holistic, customized to your goals & valuing your bio-individuality. I will find the root cause of your symptoms, educate you to be empowered with your choices, & support your body to heal and function optimally every day. Experience your best health so that your true self can shine & your life can be lived to the fullest.
I utilize natural, evidence-based strategies that are effective such as targeted nutrients to support brain health, gut healing & restoration, detox, homeopathy and lifestyle changes.
My approach is functional, holistic, customized to your goals & valuing your bio-individuality. I will find the root cause of your symptoms, educate you to be empowered with your choices, & support your body to heal and function optimally every day. Experience your best health so that your true self can shine & your life can be lived to the fullest.
(720) 477-4684 View (720) 477-4684
Photo of Danielle Zold - Nourished Pediatrics, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN, CLC, CGN
Nourished Pediatrics
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN, CLC, CGN
Serves Area
Whether it’s ARFID, Autism, slow weight gain, or gut issues like constipation, you’re looking for real answers.
I specialize in picky eating, feeding difficulties, ARFID, Pediatric Feeding Disorder, growth concerns, and GI issues. I’m trained in the SOS Approach to Feeding, AEIOU Feeding, and Nutrition for ARFID. I offer virtual care that blends feeding therapy strategies with functional nutrition. I offer functional micronutrient + stool testing to optimize health.
Whether it’s ARFID, Autism, slow weight gain, or gut issues like constipation, you’re looking for real answers.
I specialize in picky eating, feeding difficulties, ARFID, Pediatric Feeding Disorder, growth concerns, and GI issues. I’m trained in the SOS Approach to Feeding, AEIOU Feeding, and Nutrition for ARFID. I offer virtual care that blends feeding therapy strategies with functional nutrition. I offer functional micronutrient + stool testing to optimize health.
(720) 702-1320 View (720) 702-1320
Photo of Jennifer H Anderson, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN
Jennifer H Anderson
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN
Littleton, CO 80129
Hello! Are you struggling with disordered eating like Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge Eating, Yo-Yo Dieting or rigid food rules? I'm Jen and my team and I are passionate about helping people achieve genuine food freedom and dramatic health transformation. My specialty is helping clients discover a healthy relationship with food. I will teach you mindful and intuitive eating principles while thoughtfully addressing your health & weight concerns. Together we can get to the root & make sustainable lifestyle changes, all without sabotaging your joy of eating! My colleagues also address a broad range of health issues through this same lens!
Hello! Are you struggling with disordered eating like Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge Eating, Yo-Yo Dieting or rigid food rules? I'm Jen and my team and I are passionate about helping people achieve genuine food freedom and dramatic health transformation. My specialty is helping clients discover a healthy relationship with food. I will teach you mindful and intuitive eating principles while thoughtfully addressing your health & weight concerns. Together we can get to the root & make sustainable lifestyle changes, all without sabotaging your joy of eating! My colleagues also address a broad range of health issues through this same lens!
(720) 729-2273 View (720) 729-2273
Photo of Kelly Josephine Calabrese - Optimal Wellness Solutions, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, CCN
Optimal Wellness Solutions
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, CCN
Serves Area
When reviewing a blood test, I look at the 4 main energy systems including the Endocrine, Immune, Neurological and Digestive systems.
As a Board Certified Clinical Nutritionist focused on holistic care, I help patients achieve lasting results by addressing the root causes of their health concerns. Through a comprehensive 80-marker blood test—which I co-developed with Quest Diagnostics—I identify key issues such as nutrient deficiencies, toxic exposures, hormonal imbalances, and immune and neurological deficits. This personalized approach allows us to tackle stress, lifestyle factors, and overall wellness from the inside out. I provide real solutions to real health problems for those seeking a natural, sustainable approach to health.
When reviewing a blood test, I look at the 4 main energy systems including the Endocrine, Immune, Neurological and Digestive systems.
As a Board Certified Clinical Nutritionist focused on holistic care, I help patients achieve lasting results by addressing the root causes of their health concerns. Through a comprehensive 80-marker blood test—which I co-developed with Quest Diagnostics—I identify key issues such as nutrient deficiencies, toxic exposures, hormonal imbalances, and immune and neurological deficits. This personalized approach allows us to tackle stress, lifestyle factors, and overall wellness from the inside out. I provide real solutions to real health problems for those seeking a natural, sustainable approach to health.
(719) 259-1336 View (719) 259-1336
Photo of Jerry Casados - Plant-Based Nutrition and Lifestyle, Nutritionist/Dietitian, NTP
Plant-Based Nutrition and Lifestyle
Nutritionist/Dietitian, NTP
Serves Area
I provide counseling for people with a wide range of medical conditions to include Cardiovascular Disease, Diabetes, Autoimmune Disorders, Cancer, Obesity, Food Allergies, and Digestive Disorders.
I work with clients to create nutrition plans based on their health goals and objectives. I will provide the personal coaching, nutritional information, tools, resources to guide and educate you to optimal health with a healthy lifestyle. I promote a dietary approach through whole foods and making the right dietary choices for optimal health by eliminating toxins in the diet. By adopting a plant-based diet that is based on decades of peer-reviewed scientific evidence in medical journals. In fact, it has been shown that 80 percent of chronic diseases are preventable, especially with a shift to a plant-based diet.
I provide counseling for people with a wide range of medical conditions to include Cardiovascular Disease, Diabetes, Autoimmune Disorders, Cancer, Obesity, Food Allergies, and Digestive Disorders.
I work with clients to create nutrition plans based on their health goals and objectives. I will provide the personal coaching, nutritional information, tools, resources to guide and educate you to optimal health with a healthy lifestyle. I promote a dietary approach through whole foods and making the right dietary choices for optimal health by eliminating toxins in the diet. By adopting a plant-based diet that is based on decades of peer-reviewed scientific evidence in medical journals. In fact, it has been shown that 80 percent of chronic diseases are preventable, especially with a shift to a plant-based diet.
(303) 732-6155 View (303) 732-6155

Online Dietitians and Nutritionists

Photo of Patty McManamee, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, LDN, CNS, INHC
Patty McManamee
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, LDN, CNS, INHC
Online Only
Most of my clients come to me to lose weight, but often we discover other health issues that are causing the weight issues, such as, chronic inflammation, chronic stress, toxic overload, and gastrointestinal issues, such as, poor digestion and absorption of foods.
I love to empower people to take charge of their own health outcomes through nutrition, stress management, sleep, movement, and mind-body connection. I believe in lifestyle-based therapies because it is the things we do everyday that make the greatest impact on our health. I offer support, guidance, education, and accountability for each one of my clients.
Most of my clients come to me to lose weight, but often we discover other health issues that are causing the weight issues, such as, chronic inflammation, chronic stress, toxic overload, and gastrointestinal issues, such as, poor digestion and absorption of foods.
I love to empower people to take charge of their own health outcomes through nutrition, stress management, sleep, movement, and mind-body connection. I believe in lifestyle-based therapies because it is the things we do everyday that make the greatest impact on our health. I offer support, guidance, education, and accountability for each one of my clients.
(301) 409-5247 View (301) 409-5247
Photo of Kristen Arnold - Kristen Arnold and Team, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, CSSD
Kristen Arnold and Team
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, CSSD
Online Only
Hi there! I help athletes, physically active individuals, and teams optimize their performance and health through sports nutrition coaching services. Understanding all of the research and beneficial nutrition strategies, putting them into practice, and maintaining consistency can be tough. We will work on building positive eating habits that work for YOU and YOUR lifestyle and needs. Here are a few outcomes of clients I work with: extra edge to perform in your sport, better energy levels throughout the day and during training&competition, faster recovery, sick less often, preventing/treating injuries, better relationships with food.
Hi there! I help athletes, physically active individuals, and teams optimize their performance and health through sports nutrition coaching services. Understanding all of the research and beneficial nutrition strategies, putting them into practice, and maintaining consistency can be tough. We will work on building positive eating habits that work for YOU and YOUR lifestyle and needs. Here are a few outcomes of clients I work with: extra edge to perform in your sport, better energy levels throughout the day and during training&competition, faster recovery, sick less often, preventing/treating injuries, better relationships with food.
(614) 389-9392 View (614) 389-9392
Photo of Ryann Hilton - NourishRX Nutrition Counseling, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN, CEDS-C
NourishRX Nutrition Counseling
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN, CEDS-C
Online Only
Are you struggling with anxiety around meals, guilt after eating, or physical issues like digestive problems or hormonal imbalances?
The dietitians you will meet at NourishRX are passionate about eating disorders, continued eating disorder recovery, disordered eating patterns, diet-culture trauma, ARFID, picky eating, binge and emotional eating. We strive to help clients work on improving their relationship with food and their bodies using a customized, therapeutic, non-diet approach.
Are you struggling with anxiety around meals, guilt after eating, or physical issues like digestive problems or hormonal imbalances?
The dietitians you will meet at NourishRX are passionate about eating disorders, continued eating disorder recovery, disordered eating patterns, diet-culture trauma, ARFID, picky eating, binge and emotional eating. We strive to help clients work on improving their relationship with food and their bodies using a customized, therapeutic, non-diet approach.
(720) 868-9354 View (720) 868-9354
Photo of Donna Keeler - Nutrition Plan for You, LLC, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MNT
Nutrition Plan for You, LLC
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MNT
Broomfield, CO 80020
A nutrition plan doesn't mean you have to give up everything. (This seems to be the biggest fear when clients come in for an appointment.) Changing the way you eat can improve all kinds of health conditions, i.e.: asthma, an autoimmune condition, high cholesterol, fibromyalgia, fatty liver, non-alcoholic fatty liver, fertility issues, ADHD, low blood sugar, plantar fasciitis, pre-diabetes, diabetes, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or other health issues. Don't wait for a health crisis in order to make a change in your nutrition. Receipts are provided for flex-spending reimburement. Medicare/other insurance not accepted.
A nutrition plan doesn't mean you have to give up everything. (This seems to be the biggest fear when clients come in for an appointment.) Changing the way you eat can improve all kinds of health conditions, i.e.: asthma, an autoimmune condition, high cholesterol, fibromyalgia, fatty liver, non-alcoholic fatty liver, fertility issues, ADHD, low blood sugar, plantar fasciitis, pre-diabetes, diabetes, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or other health issues. Don't wait for a health crisis in order to make a change in your nutrition. Receipts are provided for flex-spending reimburement. Medicare/other insurance not accepted.
(720) 783-5615 View (720) 783-5615
Photo of Jess Sorci - Jess Sorci Functional Nutritionist LLC, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, CNS, LDN
Jess Sorci Functional Nutritionist LLC
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, CNS, LDN
Lakewood, CO 80215
I am Jess Sorci is a nutritionist and functional medicine practitioner working with clients with complex health issues, including autoimmune disorders, digestive imbalances, hormone and thyroid dysregulation, and much more.
I blend nutrition, functional medicine, stress management, and mindset coaching to address the whole person. My passion is health education. I believe in educating our clients about how diet, lifestyle, stress, and other environmental factors impede health while coaching clients on how to make changes that promote health and optimal wellness.
I am Jess Sorci is a nutritionist and functional medicine practitioner working with clients with complex health issues, including autoimmune disorders, digestive imbalances, hormone and thyroid dysregulation, and much more.
I blend nutrition, functional medicine, stress management, and mindset coaching to address the whole person. My passion is health education. I believe in educating our clients about how diet, lifestyle, stress, and other environmental factors impede health while coaching clients on how to make changes that promote health and optimal wellness.
(720) 707-2556 View (720) 707-2556
Photo of Hannah Robinson - Ridgeline Nutrition; Hannah Robinson , Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, CD, RDN
Ridgeline Nutrition; Hannah Robinson
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, CD, RDN
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Through my experience, I have fine-tuned my focus areas towards gastrointestinal disorders, autoimmune conditions, sports nutrition, intuitive eating and disease prevention.
I offer a integrative approach to care, considering the interconnected relationships between food patterns and habits, physical activity and movement, stress management and resilience, sleep quality and restoration as well as other lifestyle factors.
Through my experience, I have fine-tuned my focus areas towards gastrointestinal disorders, autoimmune conditions, sports nutrition, intuitive eating and disease prevention.
I offer a integrative approach to care, considering the interconnected relationships between food patterns and habits, physical activity and movement, stress management and resilience, sleep quality and restoration as well as other lifestyle factors.
(360) 395-9757 View (360) 395-9757
Photo of Nicole Eckman, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, CLT
Nicole Eckman
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, CLT
Fort Collins, CO 80526
This patient-centered approach looks at the root of your condition, rather than the symptoms alone, I will help you modify your diet and lifestyle to provide a supportive healing environment for chronic conditions such as Gut issues, autoimmune conditions, hormonal imbalances, blood sugar dysregulation, food intolerances,
When I meet a new patient, I focus on meeting them where they are and making small changes to help build confidence. I stress the importance of using nutrition to PREVENT poor health and chronic illness. I teach clients how to modify their diet to include more clean, whole foods.
This patient-centered approach looks at the root of your condition, rather than the symptoms alone, I will help you modify your diet and lifestyle to provide a supportive healing environment for chronic conditions such as Gut issues, autoimmune conditions, hormonal imbalances, blood sugar dysregulation, food intolerances,
When I meet a new patient, I focus on meeting them where they are and making small changes to help build confidence. I stress the importance of using nutrition to PREVENT poor health and chronic illness. I teach clients how to modify their diet to include more clean, whole foods.
(970) 237-3937 View (970) 237-3937
Photo of Nicole Lindel, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN
Nicole Lindel
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN
Online Only
Her mission is to help patients restore and maintain gut health through personalized, evidence-based nutrition strategies that blend conventional and functional medicine principles.
Nicole offers virtual nutrition counseling, personalized nutrition plans, and ongoing support to individuals suffering from digestive issues such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, and other gut-related conditions.
Her mission is to help patients restore and maintain gut health through personalized, evidence-based nutrition strategies that blend conventional and functional medicine principles.
Nicole offers virtual nutrition counseling, personalized nutrition plans, and ongoing support to individuals suffering from digestive issues such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, and other gut-related conditions.
(720) 679-5381 View (720) 679-5381
Photo of Stephanie Sall Bulter, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MA, RD, CDN
Stephanie Sall Bulter
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MA, RD, CDN
Online Only
I work one-on-one with clients in a supportive, collaborative environment and utilize a totally customized approach that is specifically tailored towards each client’s individual needs. Unlike a fad diet or generic meal plan, my nutrition counseling program works because I get to know my clients on a personal level to really understand their unique challenges so that I can provide realistic, sustainable action plans to help them reach — and maintain — their long-term goals. I aim to empower my clients with the knowledge and tools they need to continue their health journey with confidence and clarity!
I work one-on-one with clients in a supportive, collaborative environment and utilize a totally customized approach that is specifically tailored towards each client’s individual needs. Unlike a fad diet or generic meal plan, my nutrition counseling program works because I get to know my clients on a personal level to really understand their unique challenges so that I can provide realistic, sustainable action plans to help them reach — and maintain — their long-term goals. I aim to empower my clients with the knowledge and tools they need to continue their health journey with confidence and clarity!
(303) 872-7578 View (303) 872-7578
Photo of Jill Sechi Mateus Milhomens, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LD, CEDS-C
Jill Sechi Mateus Milhomens
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LD, CEDS-C
Online Only
In the throws of an eating disorder? Struggling with a poor relationship with food? Has every diet you have been on failed? We are here to stand along side you to help you make peace with food. Achieving a balance of nutrition, exercise, stress management & self-care can be a challenge. Our team of experienced dietitians have blended their skills in wellness coaching and nutrition therapy in order to help others find this balance and achieve wellness. We only use evidence based practices and standards or care with all clients. Please give us a call or visit our website to see which dietitian would be the best fit for you.
In the throws of an eating disorder? Struggling with a poor relationship with food? Has every diet you have been on failed? We are here to stand along side you to help you make peace with food. Achieving a balance of nutrition, exercise, stress management & self-care can be a challenge. Our team of experienced dietitians have blended their skills in wellness coaching and nutrition therapy in order to help others find this balance and achieve wellness. We only use evidence based practices and standards or care with all clients. Please give us a call or visit our website to see which dietitian would be the best fit for you.
(303) 963-9455 x1 View (303) 963-9455 x1
Photo of Taylor Craven, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, CD, LDN
Taylor Craven
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, CD, LDN
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I am a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist who is transgender, queer, neurodivergent, and in long term recovery from my own eating disorders. I believe every client is truly unique and sees the world through their own lens. I strive to work from a weight inclusive and social justice stance. I believe in developing a strong therapeutic alliance with each client to work together toward lasting healing from disordered eating. Some of my core values include agency, informed consent, and intersectionality in understanding the roots of the eating disorder and the path to long term healing in a way that is authentic for each individual.
I am a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist who is transgender, queer, neurodivergent, and in long term recovery from my own eating disorders. I believe every client is truly unique and sees the world through their own lens. I strive to work from a weight inclusive and social justice stance. I believe in developing a strong therapeutic alliance with each client to work together toward lasting healing from disordered eating. Some of my core values include agency, informed consent, and intersectionality in understanding the roots of the eating disorder and the path to long term healing in a way that is authentic for each individual.
(970) 900-2868 View (970) 900-2868
Photo of Nell Harloe, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, CDCES
Nell Harloe
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, CDCES
Online Only
I’ve helped my patients manage various health conditions including weight management, diabetes, bariatric, gastrointestinal health, oncology, renal, cardiovascular, PCOS, menopause, thyroid health and autoimmune disorders.
In addition to receiving my B.S. in Dietetics from Baylor University, I completed my Masters in Dietetics from Sam Houston State, am a Board-Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) and received my certification in Adult Weight Management from the Academy of Dietetics. I am up to date with all weight loss medications on the market.
I’ve helped my patients manage various health conditions including weight management, diabetes, bariatric, gastrointestinal health, oncology, renal, cardiovascular, PCOS, menopause, thyroid health and autoimmune disorders.
In addition to receiving my B.S. in Dietetics from Baylor University, I completed my Masters in Dietetics from Sam Houston State, am a Board-Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) and received my certification in Adult Weight Management from the Academy of Dietetics. I am up to date with all weight loss medications on the market.
(855) 624-5438 View (855) 624-5438
Photo of Malou Aragon Nichols, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN
Malou Aragon Nichols
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN
Fort Collins, CO 80525
Malou /mah-loo/ sees individuals as experts in their lived experience and believes in their inherent wholeness. They view cultural food and foodways as an integral part of our relationship with self, health, and nature. She identifies as a Filipino/a/x dietitian because it holds cultural, social significance to them and influences their care work. They bring humility to their work, aspiring to cultivate embodied relationships with food and well-being. She is passionate about supporting folks with complex medical concerns and prioritizes a weight-inclusive or fat-positive approach.
Malou /mah-loo/ sees individuals as experts in their lived experience and believes in their inherent wholeness. They view cultural food and foodways as an integral part of our relationship with self, health, and nature. She identifies as a Filipino/a/x dietitian because it holds cultural, social significance to them and influences their care work. They bring humility to their work, aspiring to cultivate embodied relationships with food and well-being. She is passionate about supporting folks with complex medical concerns and prioritizes a weight-inclusive or fat-positive approach.
(970) 442-9670 View (970) 442-9670
Gastrointestinal (GI) Nutritionists and Dietitians
What is gut health?
Gut health refers to the overall functioning and well-being of the gastrointestinal (GI) system. Key to gut health is the gut microbiome, which is the collection of healthy bacteria living in the gut. These bacteria are essential for the digestion and breakdown of food, and their health significantly impacts digestion. Poor gut health can result in symptoms such as bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, and general abdominal discomfort, which may indicate imbalances or issues with the gut microbiome.

Can diet help with GI issues?
Diet plays a major role in gut health, and changes in diet can often reduce or eliminate some of the symptoms associated with gastrointestinal (GI) issues. Often, GI distress is due to food intolerances or sensitivities, such as gluten sensitivity or lactose intolerance. In these cases, eliminating the problematic foods from the diet can resolve the issue. GI problems can also stem from a combination of environmental or genetic factors, such as in the case of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Disruptions in the gut microbiome, such as those caused by taking antibiotics, can also lead to GI issues. In both scenarios, maintaining a balanced diet as much as possible with foods that support a healthy microbiome—such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and probiotic foods—can often significantly reduce symptoms and improve gut health.

What are the best foods for gut health?
Maintaining a balanced microbiome is essential for gut health, and this is best achieved through a varied diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and probiotic foods. Fruits and vegetables provide essential nutrients and fiber, which nourish the beneficial bacteria in the gut. Probiotic foods, which are those that contain live bacteria, are also great for gut health. Consuming probiotic foods and drinks, such as yogurt, kefir, kombucha, and tempeh, can help support the microbiome by contributing to the diversity of bacteria within the gut.

When should I see a dietitian for GI issues?
Many people can benefit from seeing a dietitian for GI issues. In general, most dietitians are knowledgeable about what foods support gut health and may help clients choose foods that support a healthy GI system, such as fruits and vegetables high in fiber or foods high in probiotics. Dietitians may be especially beneficial to clients with known gastrointestinal concerns, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). For clients diagnosed with these or similar conditions, dietitians can help clients identify food triggers and develop a meal plan for the client that minimizes symptoms. Dietitians may also work with clients who are having gastrointestinal distress (such as bloating, gas, constipation, diarrhea, etc.) but are not aware of the cause of their symptoms. In such cases, dietitians may be able to help the client identify the cause of the GI distress and coordinate with other medical professionals to help the client better manage their symptoms.