Hi, please tell us about yourself and practice.

I’m Joanna Baker and I’m a dietitian & a nurse who loves food! I’m super passionate about digestive health because I have IBS too. I know what it’s like to live with unpredictable, embarrassing and painful gut symptoms. But I also know that it doesn’t have to be like this and we want to help you calm your gut and claim back your love for food and life.

At Everyday Nutrition, we are real people just like you. Our team is hand-picked, not only for their knowledge and experience in gut health and digestive conditions but also because they are passionate about food, friends, family and living life to its fullest.

We are all registered Accredited Practising dietitians who are Monash trained in FODMAPs and also experienced in a range of other intolerances and chemical’s that can also cause IBS type symptoms. We are based in Melbourne, Australia btu we work virtually with people just like you all over the world to help them find simple dietary changes that help them eat well, be well and feel great!

You specialize in digestive health & nutrition, what are some of the common myths around this?
There are so many! But the ones that irks me the most are the people pushing magic pills, supplements and broths to “heal” the gut. IBS is well documented as a condition of the gut brain axis, where the nerves in and around the gut are more sensitive than others and tend to “over communicate” with the head brain. This means there are lots of things we can do to reduce stimulus to the nerves, calm them and teach them to respond differently. But, there is no physical damage to “heal” nor any magic pill or potion that will do this. My advice, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

What do you think the most common mistake people make when trying to treat their digestive issues?
Not seeing a specialist dietitian. There is no one answer that fits everyone’s IBS. We are all individual. As dietitians our advice is not only based on what has worked for us. It’s a combination of many years of study and research to stay up to date, our experience working with thousands of people who have IBS as well as discussion with you on what is going on and what is actually doable for you. At Everyday Nutrition, we want to hear your story and we believe you.

What tips would you give someone to manage digestive issues?
It’s a journey and its not just about food. The people I see get best results are the ones who think holistically and have an “IBS toolbox” that has several different kinds of strategies including mental health, physical health and food.

Before someone goes to see you, do they need to do any preparatory work, e.g. complete a food & symptom diary?
Yes, usually we like to have about 3-5 days of your “normal” eating pattern that tells us what you are eating day in and day out. Along with this, we want to know what you’ve tried before and what foods you think trigger your symptoms.

What is one of your favorite gut friendly recipes?
My fav easy meal has to be Fettucine with Salmon & veggies

Where can people find you?
• Website: www.everydaynutrition.com.au
• Facebook: Everyday Nutrition and Low FODMAP Australia
• Twitter: @JoannaBakerAPD
• Instagram: @theguthealthdietitian
Connect with Joanna Baker, APD, RN here.