Achieving and maintaining good nutrition is a key component of managing the troubling symptoms of gastrointestinal (GI) conditions. A proper diet also helps support the body’s energy levels and immune system, and can help prevent micronutrient deficiencies and malnutrition.
GI Nutrition Therapy, part of the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, plays an integral role in Michigan Medicine’s comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to GI care. Together with GI physicians, nurses, clinical psychologists, pelvic floor physical therapists and other specialists, we partner with patients to promote well-being and optimize quality of life.
Our registered dietitian nutritionists provide individualized nutrition care and counseling for patients with a range of GI conditions, including:
- Chronic Constipation
- Enteral and Parenteral Nutrition
- Eosinophilic Esophagitis
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
- Gastroparesis
- Histamine Intolerance/Mast Cell Disorders
- Inflammatory Bowel Diseases such as Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Cirrhosis
- Pancreatitis
- Short Bowel Syndrome
- Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth
- Sucrase-Isomaltase Deficiency
Specialized Nutrition Services
To help patients modify their dietary habits to achieve better nutrition and reduce GI symptoms, we rely on evidenced-based medical nutrition therapy and individualized counseling.
We specialize in specific diets that can significantly improve gastrointestinal symptoms, including:
- The low FODMAP diet for IBS
- Specific elimination diets for eosinophilic esophagitis
- Low oxalate, low residue, and gluten-free diets
What to Expect During Your Visit
- During the initial consultation (approximately one hour), the patient meets with a registered dietitian nutritionist for a comprehensive health assessment including a review of GI diagnosis and symptoms, diet history, current intake of nutrients, lifestyle and behavioral factors.
- Patients are educated on strategies for optimizing their diets to achieve their specific goals. For example, for the most common GI disorder we address, IBS, patients learn how the low-FODMAP diet can provide symptom relief.
- Patients receive nutritional recommendations individualized to meet their nutrition and health goals, including symptom management and weight management. Nutritional plans are added to each patient’s medical chart for coordination with the rest of the GI care team.
- One or more shorter follow-up appointments (approximately 30 minutes) with GI Nutrition Services are usually scheduled to monitor progress, answer questions and address concerns.
Nutritional Expertise That Goes Above and Beyond
Cooking Classes
Struggling with digestive health issues? We have a cooking class for you! Our team of experts will help to “separate the wheat from the chaff” by providing cutting edge information that you can bring into your homes. Classes will address a wide range of diets including but not limited to low FODMAP, gluten free, Mediterranean, and low-fiber/low-residue diets. These classes will help you discover that healthy food can not only make you feel better, but also, healthy food can look and taste great!
For more information visit: Culinary Medicine Classes
- IFFGD Norton Education Series Food Demo with Emily Haller, MS, RDN with Chef Sheree Thibault
Schedule a Consultation
Patients can be referred to GI Nutrition Services by any Michigan Medicine gastroenterologist. GI Clinic Call Center: 888-229-7408