What is The Digestive Health Clinic?

Welcome to the Digestive Health Clinic, I’m glad you found us! The Digestive Health Clinic is a Cork-based diet and nutrition clinic that focuses on providing expert advice and support for those struggling with a wide variety of gut health issues, in particular, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). 

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My name is Aoife McDonald, and I am the founder and lead dietitian at the Digestive Health Clinic. I have always been interested in nutrition and health, and have always had a deep love of food, so a career as a dietitian was a no-brainer for me. With over 6 years of experience in the field, I am a specialist in gut health, an expert in FODMAP and IBS treatments, and have worked with countless clients to help them manage their symptoms and lead healthier lives.

To get the boring stuff out of the way, I have a Bachelors of Science in Nutritional Science, from University College Cork as well as a postgraduate diploma in Nutrition & Dietetics from the University of Chester. A CORU Registered Dietitian, Member of the Irish Nutrition & Dietetic Institute and a Member of the Irish Nutrition & Dietetic Institute Gastroenterology Special Interest Group, I have worked as a Dietitian in the public and private sector in both Ireland and the UK - working as a full-time Clinical Dietitian for 3 years with the NHS. 

My favourite part of being a dietitian is sharing my knowledge and expertise with others while  working to help improve my client’s overall gut health and manage their gastrointestinal conditions, whether it be IBS, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), Coeliac disease, functional bloating, food intolerances, chronic constipation, heartburn....the list goes on!

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At the Digestive Health Clinic, we offer a wide range of services tailored to both individuals and groups based here in Cork and across the country. Our Workplace Wellness Programmes, Seminars & Workshops are geared at educating employers and their workforce on the importance of maintaining gut health to improve individuals’ standard of living both at home and at work. 

Some of the most rewarding aspects of my work come from the Online Gut Health Advice I offer to help individuals overcome their digestive issues. One of the key services we offer here at the Digestive Health Clinic is the IBS Relief Programme. The IBS Relief Programme is a comprehensive programme that is designed to empower individuals to take control of their symptoms, pinpoint their IBS triggers, expand their diet, manage their IBS for good and allow them to get on with their lives with the confidence and tools they need for long-term relief.

The IBS Relief Programme was developed over a number years based on my experience working with clients that were suffering from irritable bowels and gut health problems. Through my work, I began to notice that many people with IBS had received generic information on their symptoms or pointed in the direction of the low FODMAP diet without the necessary support, tools or accountability to effectively manage their symptoms. While cutting out certain foods can be helpful, it's not always the answer and may worsen gut health, impact an individual's relationship with food and overlook other potential triggers for IBS symptoms. My goal with the IBS Relief Programme is to provide a comprehensive strategy that empowers individuals to take control of their symptoms and find long-term relief.

Additionally, I have seen many individuals spend hundreds or thousands of euros on supplements and intolerance tests that are not scientifically accurate and ultimately not helpful for those struggling with symptoms. I understand that people are desperate to find relief, and these companies are experts in marketing, but there is no regulation in this area, and the information provided can be often inaccurate, misleading and confusing.

The IBS Relief Programme is a unique solution to this issue. Not only a one-of-a-kind in Cork, the IBS Relief Programme is the only programme of its kind in all of Ireland and is designed to provide comprehensive support to those struggling with IBS. As an expert in the field and someone who prides themselves on being up to date on all the latest research, I am uniquely positioned to provide evidence-based strategies that are both simple and effective.

The programme includes 1:1 sessions every 2-3 weeks during the programme, with weekly email check-ins in between to ensure that things are progressing as they should. This  level of accountability and support is crucial and has made a real difference for many of my clients. 

As previously mentioned, there is an awful lot of misinformation online, which makes the area of gut health and IBS very confusing for people. With the IBS Relief Programme, we wipe the slate clean and, utilising effective evidence-based strategies and correct resources, we work together to create simple and straightforward solutions that work for you. We understand that there is no such thing as a “one size fits all” remedy to IBS. No two individuals are the same, and we tailor each programme to meet each client's unique and specific needs and circumstances.

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At the Digestive Health Clinic, we understand the challenges that come with managing IBS and gut health issues generally and we are committed to providing the highest quality support to help individuals overcome these challenges. We are incredibly passionate about helping people lead happier and healthier lives, and we are always available to answer questions and provide support.

If you are struggling with IBS or other gut health issues, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at the Digestive Health Clinic. Additionally, if you are an employer looking to educate your workforce, get in touch now to learn more about our Corporate Services and Seminars. 

Contact the Digestive Health Clinic today and take a big step towards a healthier life!

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