Here, Gillian Killiner, Principal Dietitian at 121, discusses the Low Fodmap Programme and in particular, why seeking the help of a qualified and experienced Dietitian is key to implementing it successfully.

The Low Fodmap Programme has been around for over 10 years. I heard about it in its infancy and thought: “Wow! This is excellent for gut dysfunction and IBS”. And so in 2010/2011, I packed my bags and returned from Belfast to London on three separate weeks to go back to my training hospital, Guys and St Thomas’s to learn all about it – the first course of its kind outside of Monash University, Australia.

The work load was intense but exciting. After qualifying with my certificate in Low FODMAP practice, I took my first guinea pigs  patients and we followed the information I had learned from the course. I can’t lie. It was hard work. Now over the 7 years I have been practicing the Low FODMAP programme daily, much has changed in the way I deliver, advise and support because everyone is different.

My high success rate of 97% is due to my expertise of using the programme daily.

The gut is not just about absorption. It’s microbiota has a complex network of links to emotions, stress, activity, genetics, medical history, medication, lifestyle, food and fluids…

We as individuals are not all uniform. We do not all follow the same diet and lifestyle. This is the basis of my increasing frustration and the fiasco I find myself in.

People are coming to me more and more in desperation, telling me they have tried the Low FODMAP programme and it hasn’t worked. AhhHHHHH!! Another emotional boundary to cross.

I have found that with the programme’s popularity and success has come the internet dippers. They take a bit from one website that they like and mix it with another and believe they have completed the programme. Wrong…

The other – and most frustrating way that these people are not succeeding. They are being handed a “sheet” from their Consultant or GP and left to get on with it.

Excuse me… WHAT???

A little more respect to the programme please! A sheet or a smorgasbord will not get results but in fact dangerously add to people’s fears around food and restriction is dangerous in the wrong hands.

Low FODMAP Dietitian -why use one?

A patient came to me recently and had been told by a local health food shop to avoid a major list of foods. She did so and over two years of carefully following the advice she to me gravely ill, malnourished, depressed and still her stomach issues continued. Appalling.

If you have a gut health problem that has not resolved with medication, dietary changes, or visiting a health shop to pay and hold two balls in the air and told to eat very little, don’t despair – do get in touch.

Gillian Killiner is an expert in all areas of Gut Health.

Unsure of how to change your eating habits, or need help optimising the foods you eat please do contact us. We would love to help you or your family and friends with any nutrition related queries big or small.

In the meantime do please check out our 121Dietitian Shop which has been expertly created especially for you.

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How can a Dietitian help

• Book a consultation via our Online Portal
• About Gillian Killiner 
• Check out our tailored dietary programmes

Gillian x

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Kristen McBurney 
 
2023-03-21
 
 
  
I cannot recommend Gillian enough. I got in touch after struggling to lose weight due to PCOS and suffering from IBS. Thanks to Gillian, my IBS symptoms have massively reduced, and I have been able to lose a significant amount of weight.  Her warmth makes you feel instantly comfortable and at ease. Gillian’s help and expertise is second to none, and she is always on hand to answer any questions. I am throughly enjoying the plan Gillian created for me and have found it easy to integrate into my everyday life. I am so grateful for the positive impact her plan has had on me.
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Hannah Crothers 
 
2023-02-10
 
 
  
Gillian is the greatest. She is compassionate and professional, really helped me to understand my body’s function and how to best support it. Her advice has changed my life.
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Jay Rafferty 
 
2023-02-09
 
 
  
I would highly recommend Gillian. Her advice and guidance has been a game changer for me. With so much conflicting and confusing advice on healthy eating, using a professional nutritionalist is a must.
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Emma Lavery 
 
2022-12-29
 
 
  
I could not recommend Gillian enough over the last 3 months - she has turned my life around!
I was referred to Gillian by my gastro consultant due to suffering from ibs, gastritis and hormonal issues for nearly 10 years. Gillian was very understanding and approachable throughout my time spent with her. Gillian discussed my health, lifestyle and eating habits thoroughly.  She advised an individualised blood check for underlying issues, educated me on supplements and provided numerous information to help aid my recovery.
The low foodmap programme I have been following is achievable and can be adapted to anyones lifestyle. As I am a vegetarian I thought this process may be difficult however Gillian reassured me that this would be no issue. She supplied personalised shopping lists, recipes and alternative foods to help heal my gut and overall health.
Continual support from Gillian was on hand via email when required.

I seen improvements in my symptoms within only weeks of starting the programme and was overwhelmed by the success due to suffering for years!
I have been spreading the word about Gillian's brilliant work and will continue to do so! Thank you again for all your help!
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 mick lorkins 
 
2022-12-18
 
 
  
Strongly recommended.
There are not many professionals that can totally change you life for the better but this one one if you follow the advice given.
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Bobby D 
 
2022-09-07
 
 
  
For 30 years I have suffered with IBS D and  have been unable to find the right specific help. I was introduced to 121 Dietician about 6 weeks ago and like all other services out there I was sceptical. First up was a consultation online which was great considering the many issues I was having going to places. Gillian listened very attentively and understood the many problems I was having.

Gillian decided to introduce me to the Low FODMAP diet. Starting out she provided everything (information, shopping lists, recipes etc) to get started. Through the course of the first 6 weeks Gillian was available to answer any questions or concerns.

Following the first 6 weeks I'm very happy to say that all the many problems associated with IBS have gone and I'm starting to live a normal life without any stage fright when out and about.

The next 8 weeks will be the reintroduction stage but based on the knowledge from Gillian in the initial stage I'm very confident that at the end I will have full understanding of all my triggers.

I can't recommend this service enough as most importantly after 30 years of severe symptoms I once again feel healthy and happy. This is a must if you suffer continually from this horrendous condition. I would be confident that this will help anyone who has IBS.

For me this was the best money ever spent and I can't thank Gillian enough for the difference she has made.

Roy Dornan
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Jack Kennedy 
 
2022-09-04
 
 
  
Helped solve stomach issues, had previous been to several people but this was the first dietary intervention that worked
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Laura Campbell 
 
2022-04-29
 
 
  
After over 10 years of eating quite poorly, Gillian has completely changed my approach to food. After a consultation and review of my diet, she provided me with a list of easy and quick recipes that are packed full of nutrition. She takes into consideration your lifestyle as well which I really appreciated too. I now have much more energy and actually enjoy preparing meals now, something I never did before. I honestly cannot recommend her enough. Thankyou! :-)
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Chris Arnold 
 
2022-04-24
 
 
  
The overall experience was a very positive one. Gillian certainly had the expertise and people skills to help evaluate and treat my daughters gut issues. The progress was quite instantaneous and over time has made a huge difference to her everyday life. Thanks to Gillian for her work which came at the end of many doctor consultations. In hindsight Gillian should have been the first port of call.
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Amelia Tyler 
 
2022-03-30
 
 
  
Gillian is great and her program was just perfect. All the meals were delicious and I always felt satisfied which made it very easy to follow. I would highly recommend, especially the 121 sports program.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
   
 
 

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