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Discover how a 20-year-old student successfully managed IBS-M, fibromyalgia & hypothyroidism through a personalized, low-FODMAP vegetarian diet plan by Deepika Chalasani, Top Nutritionist in Hyderabad

CASE STUDY & SUCCESS STORIES


Name: Kiran

Age:20 years

Location:Hyderabad


Case History: A 20-year-old fashion design student presented with a known medical history of fibromyalgia, anxiety with depression, and migraine. She was also diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome – Mixed Type (IBS-M), characterized by alternating episodes of constipation and diarrhoea, along with bloating and occasional vomiting. To manage her gastrointestinal symptoms, she was taking Ayurvedic medications.Her blood tests also indicated that she was in the prediabetic range, with an HbA1c of 5.8%, and showed elevated TSH levels (5.8 uIU/mL), suggesting underlying hypothyroidism.


It is important to note that stress plays a significant role in the manifestation and exacerbation of IBS symptoms. The brain-gut axis, which connects emotional and cognitive centres of the brain with intestinal function, can become dysregulated in individuals experiencing chronic stress, anxiety, or depression. This dysregulation often contributes to heightened gut sensitivity and altered bowel habits, as observed in patients with IBS. In her case, the combination of fibromyalgia, mood disorders, and IBS points toward a complex interplay of psychological and somatic factors, emphasizing the need for a holistic and multidisciplinary management approach.


She was seeking a comprehensive management plan for her IBS-M, along with support for her coexisting conditions, with the goal of improving her overall quality of life.


Approach by the best nutritionist, and dietician in Hyderabad, Telangana, India Deepika Chalasani

Given her medical history, a detailed assessment of her dietary recall was conducted to develop a personalized nutrition plan tailored to her specific needs. It was noted that she frequently experienced bloating and acidity after meals. To help alleviate these symptoms and support digestive function, she was advised to begin her day with 1–2 glasses of warm water as it can help stimulate the gastrointestinal tract, promote smoother bowel movements, and reduce bloating. We gave her supplements to improve her gut health such as vitaminD, magnesium, digestive enzymes, prebiotics and probiotics to support her digestion.


To support a gentle start to her day and minimize digestive discomfort, we included light, easily digestible breakfast options such as home-cooked poha, upma, idli, and dosa. These meals are low in fat, easy on the stomach, and provide a steady source of energy without triggering bloating or acidity.


To meet her daily protein requirements especially important given her history of fibromyalgia and overall wellness, we incorporated a high-quality plant protein powder along with a variety of whole legumes in a paste form such as green moong dal, chole (chickpeas), rajma (kidney beans), lobia (black eyed peas), tofu, and lactose free curd. These plant-based proteins not only support muscle repair and energy levels but also offer the added benefit of dietary fibre, which can aid in maintaining regular bowel movements and improving gut health in IBS-M.


To support her digestive health and manage symptoms of IBS-M, we included easily digestible vegetables such as bottle gourd, ash guard and ridge gourd in her meals. These are low-FODMAP, fiber-rich options that are gentle on the gut and help reduce bloating and discomfort. Slowly and steadily we increased the variety to increase fiber rich vegetables like green leafy vegetables and then high food map vegetables as well.


For complex carbohydrates, we incorporated hand-pounded rice, bajra roti, and khichdi—foods that are not only nutrient-dense but also provide sustained energy without overloading the digestive system.


Additionally, 1 teaspoon of ghee was added to her meals to aid in digestion and support gut motility. Ghee contains butyric acid, which has anti-inflammatory properties and is known to promote a healthy intestinal lining, making it particularly beneficial for individuals with IBS.

To effectively manage her IBS-M symptoms, we adopted a “Remove, Restrict, and Reintroduce” approach, which involved identifying and eliminating potential dietary triggers, gradually restricting problematic foods, and later reintroducing them in a controlled manner to assess tolerance.


We also emphasized the importance of a low-FODMAP diet.In addition to dietary modifications, we highlighted the crucial role of stress management in IBS, encouraging the integration of yoga and mindfulness practices into her daily routine. These practices can help regulate the gut-brain axis, reduce anxiety, and improve overall gut health.


Ongoing guidance was provided at every stage to ensure she could follow the dietary plan with confidence and ease. Personalized support helped her understand suitable food choices, appropriate portion sizes, and optimal meal timing, making the plan both practical and sustainable for her daily routine. This continuous support also empowered her to make informed decisions, particularly during periods of academic stress and while managing her coexisting medical conditions such as fibromyalgia, hypothyroidism, and IBS-M. As a result, adherence to the plan improved, leading to better symptom control and a noticeable improvement in her overall well-being.



Results:

Within just one month of following the personalized diet plan, she experienced significant relief from acidity, which had previously been a persistent issue. Her chronic constipation, which often resulted in no bowel movement for up to two days and was sometimes accompanied by rectal bleeding, also showed marked improvement. She began having regular bowel movements—at least once daily, and occasionally twice—which greatly enhanced her comfort and quality of life.


After two months, there was a noticeable reduction in bloating, and improvements extended beyond digestive symptoms. Her mood stabilized significantly, with fewer mood swings related to anxiety and depression. Additionally, her menstrual symptoms, including cramps and emotional fluctuations, became more manageable. She also reported clearer skin, increased self-confidence, and an overall sense of happiness and well-being.


As a student, she often relied on food delivery platforms such as Zomato and Swiggy, so we provided counseling on how to make healthier, more informed choices while ordering food. This empowered her to practice mindful eating and maintain her dietary goals even in a college setting.


Deepika Chalasani is a Clinical Nutritionist, Mind and Body Transformation Coach, and co-founder of Fit4Life India, an integrated nutrition and wellness organization for Indians that provides complete solutions, addressing health and wellness challenges of individuals by working on their overall well-being. Deepika, the best nutritionist in Hyderabad for weight loss and online dietician can be contacted via email at deepika.chalasani@gmail.com or Mobile at +91 9381525943



 
 
 

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