New study: Gut microbiota may differ early in life in individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders
Individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and ADHD may have a different gut microbiota compared with others. This is shown in a new large-scale study that followed children from infancy into adulthood.
The research is based on the Swedish ABIS cohort (All Babies in Southeast Sweden) and includes more than 16,000 children born between 1997 and 1999. Researchers analyzed stool samples collected during the first year of life and compared gut microbiota composition with later diagnoses of neurodevelopmental conditions.
The result?
The results show that differences in gut microbiota were detectable very early in life, long before any clinical signs of neurodevelopmental disorders appeared. Certain bacterial groups were less abundant, while others were more prevalent among children who later received diagnoses such as autism, ADHD, communication disorders, or intellectual disability.
What this means
The researchers emphasize that the study does not demonstrate causality, but rather an association. This means that an altered gut microbiota cannot be said to cause neurodevelopmental disorders. However, the findings support the hypothesis that early biological development — including interactions between the gut, the immune system, and the brain — may be involved in the development of these conditions.
The study also highlights that early-life factors influencing the gut microbiota, such as antibiotic exposure, diet, and environmental influences, warrant further investigation. While the findings raise the possibility that gut microbiota could one day contribute to early risk assessment or preventive strategies, the researchers stress that such applications are still far in the future.
The study was conducted by researchers from Linköping University and the University of Florida and was published in 2024 in the scientific journal Cell.
Butyrate may strengthen the gut and reduce IBS symptoms
A newly published study from Örebro University brings promising news for anyone living with IBS. Researchers found that butyrate – a naturally occurring fatty acid produced when we eat dietary fiber – can make the gut more resilient and less sensitive.
What did the researchers do?
Butyrate is a naturally occurring fatty acid produced when we eat dietary fiber.
For the first time, researchers examined how butyrate affects the human colon directly. Usinga safe medical procedure, a small section of the colon was isolated, butyrate was added, and tissue samples were taken before and after exposure.
Both individuals with IBS and healthy controls participated.
The results were encouraging
The study showed that butyrate:
reduced gut sensitivity
decreased intestinal permeability (“leaky gut”) in IBS patients
strengthened the gut barrier
increased the colon’s resistance to stress
These findings open the door to new and potentially more effective future treatments.
What does this mean for you?
The results underline how important dietary fiber is for gut health, since fiber is what enables the body to naturally produce butyrate. A gut-friendly, fiber-rich diet can therefore:
help calm IBS symptoms
reduce gut hypersensitivity
support a stronger and healthier gut barrier
contribute to a more stable digestive system
This aligns well with today’s dietary recommendations for IBS and gives hope for improved future treatment options.
What people with IBS need to know about acid-suppressing medications
Many people with IBS also experience upper digestive symptoms like heartburn and acid reflux. And in the short term, PPIs can be very helpful. But what happens when the treatment continues year after year?
A new Swedish study shows that long-term PPI use may affect kidney and heart health over time. It’s an important reminder that we need to look at the whole gut when treating reflux – especially in IBS.
Stomach acid – more important than we think
Stomach acid helps to:
Protect us from bacteria in food
Break down food so the body can absorb nutrients
When acid is too low for too long, bacteria can move into the small intestine where they don’t belong. That can cause very common IBS symptoms:
Gas and bloating
Diarrhea or constipation
Abdominal discomfort
A feeling that food “just sits” in the stomach
This can be a sign of SIBO – bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine.
What we see at Belly Balance
Many people we meet:
Have taken PPIs for years
Still have heartburn
Feel worse further down in the gut
When they get help to safely step down the acid suppression and strengthen digestive function, many feel much better. Less reflux. Fewer IBS symptoms. More control.
How to know if this might be affecting you
Ask yourself:
Have you taken PPIs for a long time?
Do you still have symptoms?
Are you more bloated or gassy than before?
Do you have both reflux and IBS?
If yes – it may be worth re-thinking your treatment approach.
What can you do?
✔ Do not stop your medication on your own — talk to your doctor ✔ Ask for a gradual step-down plan ✔ Work with a dietitian to support digestion and gut flora ✔ Look at meal habits, stress, sleep and triggers Sometimes the issue is not too much acid — but that the digestive system isn’t working as it should.
We help you figure that out. You are not alone – and there are solutions.
The British Dietetic Association (BDA) has released the first fully evidence-based dietary and lifestyle guidelines for adults with chronic constipation.
Kiwi is one of the foods included in the recommendations.
What’s New?
Researchers at King’s College London reviewed more than 75 clinical trials and developed 59 dietary recommendations for chronic constipation. One key change is that the traditionaladvice to “eat more fibre and drink more water” is no longer considered sufficient – the evidence for general high-fibre diets alone is weak. Instead, specific foods, drinks and supplements are now highlighted as having stronger effects on bowel function – including kiwifruit, certain fibres such as psyllium, magnesium oxide, high-mineral water, and rye bread
Specific Recommendations
– Eating 2–3 kiwifruits per day for at least four weeks has been shown to improve bowel movement frequency and symptoms. – Psyllium-based fibre supplements increased stool frequency and softened consistency. – Magnesium oxide, at doses around 0.5–1.5 g per day, improved stool frequency, consistency, and reduced straining. – High-mineral water (especially rich in magnesium and sulphates) improved stool frequency and softness. – Rye bread (6–8 slices per day for three weeks) had some beneficial effects, though mild gastrointestinal symptoms were reported in some individuals.
What Is No Longer Widely Recommended
General “eat more fibre” advice without specifying the fibre type has insufficient evidence for chronic constipation. Likewise, long-term use of herbal laxatives such as senna lacks strong scientific support.
What It Means for Clinicians and Patients
The new guidelines give dietitians and healthcare professionals more targeted tools for dietary management of constipation. For patients, this means clearer, evidence-based guidance — not just “more fibre,” but which foods and supplements actually help. It’s also important to note that these recommendations apply to adults with chronic constipation without another underlying disease causing the condition.
How This Connects to Our Work at Belly Balance
At Belly Balance, we have long focused on exactly the components now recommended in these new guidelines: kiwifruit, psyllium (Husk), and magnesium supplements. Seeing these approaches validated by new research and official UK recommendations is very encouraging — it confirms what we’ve observed in practice.
Kiwifruit We’ve used kiwifruit for years as a natural aid in constipation management — easy to include, pleasant in taste, and consistently associated with better bowel regularity. The new guidelines confirm that 2–3 kiwifruits per day for at least four weeks can be an effective strategy.
Psyllium (Husk) We’ve recommended psyllium-based fibre supplements (“Husk”) to improve stool consistency and frequency in people with sluggish digestion. The BDA guidelines now confirm strong evidence for psyllium in improving bowel movements and softening stools.
Magnesium We’ve also used magnesium oxide and similar forms of magnesium to support intestinal motility. The new evidence clearly supports magnesium as a recommended intervention for chronic constipation.
What This Means for Belly Balance
– Our long-standing recommendations are now fully aligned with the latest scientific research and official dietary guidance. – It reinforces our holistic approach of combining natural foods (like kiwi) with targeted supplements (psyllium and magnesium) for optimal gut health. – We’ll continue to refine our advice and product development based on the best available evidence.
Further Reading
If you’d like to explore the research and read the full guidelines:
If you’ve ever had to give up garlic bread, bean chili or a creamy latte because of digestive discomfort, you’re not alone. But what if you could enjoy those foods again – without worrying about the consequences? Enter FODZYME®.
What is FODZYME?
FODZYME® is a blend of digestive enzymes designed to break down the FODMAPs fructan, GOS/galactans and lactose. These are fermentable carbohydrates found in many foods and are the most common culprits behind bloating, gas, and other digestive symptoms.
FODZYME®’s novel and proprietary fructan hydrolase is the first enzyme proven to efficiently break down the broad spectrum of fructans, which are found in foods like garlic, onion, wheat, and many other delicious and nutritious foods.
Why was FODZYME® started?
FODZYME®’s story begins when Anjie, the founder, was forced to restrict herself from enjoying her favorite foods – garlic, onion, beans, chickpeas and more. Frustrated by the restrictive low FODMAP diet, she rallied a group of world-class experts in scientific research, medicine, and nutrition to create a scientifically-backed approach to break down FODMAPs before they can cause digestive issues.
FODZYME® aims to provide relief and improve the quality of life for those with digestive distress.
Food is so much more than just a daily source of energy and nutrients. Food should bring joy, community and culture – not discomfort. FODZYME® exists to help people reclaim the pleasure of culinary exploration and social connection around food.
Who can FODZYME® help?
FODZYME® is for those who struggle with FODMAP intolerance. Whether you’re following a low FODMAP diet or simply know certain meals lead to bloating, gas or other digestive discomfort, FODZYME® adds flexibility without digestive consequences.
Plus, FODZYME® allows you to enjoy a wider range of plant-rich, fiber-filled meals. Peer-reviewed research also shows FODZYME® supports short chain fatty acid production when used with prebiotic-rich foods (e.g. fructan), which suggests FODZYME® can support the health of the gut microbiome.
How do those with FODMAP intolerances use FODZYME®?
FODZYME® comes in a convenient, flavorless powder form. Simply sprinkle one dose onto any high FODMAP meal, such as pasta, pizza, tacos, smoothies, or hummus.
FODZYME® can be added directly to the dish and mixed in or sprinkled onto your first bite and chewed thoroughly. Both methods enable FODZYME®’s digestive enzymes to come into contact directly with the FODMAPs within the foods, which is highly important for effective breakdown of FODMAP triggers.
Once in contact with food, the enzymes begin breaking down FODMAPs immediately and continue working in your digestive tract for up to 30 minutes. For multi-course meals or when grazing on high FODMAP snacks or appetizers for a few hours, consider a second dose.
How to use the Belly Balance app with FODZYME®
The Belly Balance app allows you to easily learn the FODMAP content of foods and dishes, whether you’re scanning a barcode at the supermarket, looking up a restaurant meal, or cooking at home. It helps you identify exactly which types of FODMAPs are present, not just whether something is “high FODMAP.”
Once you know the specific FODMAPs in a food, you can cross-check them with your personal triggers and those that FODZYME® targets – fructan, GOS, and lactose. If the food is high in any of these three, FODZYME® can help break them down in the gut, making it easier for you to enjoy a wider variety of foods with more confidence.
The app also allows you to track your symptoms, log meals, and build a personalised FODMAP profile over time, so you can better understand your body, see what’s working, and get practical, on-the-go support as you test your tolerance and expand your diet.
By combining the real-time insights of the Belly Balance app with the enzyme power of FODZYME®, you’re putting yourself in the driver’s seat of your gut health journey.
How much should be used with each meal?
A single dose of FODZYME® can break down up to 3 grams of fructan (roughly the amount in 6 cloves of garlic). This dose is generally sufficient for most meals and snacks. Still, individual FODMAP tolerance levels and FODMAP content in foods can vary, so you can always adjust dosing based on your typical response and the size of your meal.
Also know that FODZYME®’s portable stick packs come with 33% more enzymatic activity to cover the most uncertain conditions while dining out.
Why is FODZYME® a powder?
FODZYME®‘s powder format is not just convenient – it’s scientifically-backed. Unlike enzymes in capsules or tablets, FODZYME®’s powder mixes directly with food. This allows the enzymes to sufficiently break down FODMAPs before the food reaches the lower half of the digestive tract, which is where FODMAPs tend to cause the most trouble.
FODMAP enzymes are most effective in slightly acidic environments (like that of the stomach following a meal) so contact between the enzymes and food upon and just after consumption is key. Pills and capsules may delay enzyme action, reducing efficacy and increasing the risk that the enzymes are broken down before they can act.
Who should NOT use FODZYME®?
FODZYME® is not designed for those who are sensitive solely to fructose or polyols (e.g., sorbitol, mannitol), as these FODMAPs are not targeted by the current formula. That said, research is underway on a solution for polyols.
Many who are sensitive to multiple FODMAPs find they tolerate moderate amounts of fructose and polyols when using FODZYME®. Still, limit foods very high in these FODMAPs, such as HFCS-sweetened sodas and xylitol or sorbitol-sweetened gum, since they can be particularly hard to tolerate.
While not ideal, there’s little risk to taking FODZYME® even if no FODMAPs are present in your meal – the enzymes are proteins that are simply digested and excreted like any other dietary protein. If you’re unsure whether a food is high FODMAP and are worried about potential consequences, you can always use FODZYME® with it as an extra precaution.
Where can I order FODZYME®?
FODZYME® can be purchased on fodzyme.com or Amazon. When ordering on fodzyme.com, unlock free shipping and a 20% discount with a subscription (skip, pause or cancel anytime!).
With FODZYME®, eat the foods you love – without worry of digestive issues.
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En glad mage i fokus En glad mage i fokus Under våren har Belly Balance och Elexir Pharma ingått partnerskap med glada… Read moreOm IBS i Sveriges Radio IBS-prat i Sveriges Radio Sofia Antonsson, dietist och IBS-expert pratar i radioprogrammet i P4… Read morePiffa med granatäpple Piffa med granatäpple Granatäpple är perfekt att piffa maten med, fruktköttet är syrligt och passar… Read more
Emulsifiers Under Scrutiny – Are They Harming Our Gut?
Emulsifiers have long been staples of the modern food industry – making ice cream melt more slowly, keeping sauces smooth, and improving texture and shelf life in thousands of products. But researchers are increasingly warning that these additives may have unintended health effects, particularly on the gut and immune system.
Emulsifiers are found in dairy products such as milk, cream, butter, cheese, and yogurt.
An article in CNN/KFF Health News highlights emerging scientific findings showing that common emulsifiers such as polysorbate 80, carboxymethylcellulose, carrageenan, and maltodextrin may negatively affect the gut microbiome, damage the intestinal lining, and trigger chronic low-grade inflammation. These changes are thought to contribute to diseases like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), metabolic disorders, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.
French researcher Benoit Chassaing, a lead scientist at INSERM, states that there is substantial evidence these compounds are harmful to the microbiota and should no longer be used. However, he emphasizes that more large-scale, controlled human trials are needed to draw firm conclusions.
One compelling case is that of Lewis Rands, a geneticist who suffered from severe IBD. After removing emulsifiers from his diet, his symptoms dramatically improved — more than with any medication he had previously taken. Doctors in the U.S. have reported similar patient outcomes, noting reduced symptoms with dietary changes.
Despite growing concerns, regulatory frameworks have not kept pace. Many emulsifiers were approved by the FDAdecades ago under the GRAS (“generally recognized as safe”) designation — a status granted without assessing their impact on the gut microbiome, a field that has only recently gained attention. Both current and former FDA leaders acknowledge that the standards used to approve these additives need to be modernized.
Avoiding emulsifiers as a consumer is no easy task. These additives are found in more than 10,000 food products, often under a variety of names that make them hard to recognize. Even products labeled “natural,” “organic,” or “clean” often contain multiple stabilizing agents. The confusion is compounded by inconsistent labeling and naming conventions across the food industry.
The science remains mixed. A 2024 UK clinical study on Crohn’s disease patients showed clear improvement with reduced emulsifier intake, while a 2023 Australian study found no measurable effect in otherwise healthy participants. Still, interest in the topic is growing fast. In the U.S., it has reached political levels, with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. including emulsifiers in his “Make America Healthy Again” campaign, alongside petroleum-based food dyes.
The conclusion is that we are in a scientific gray area: early research shows strong warning signs, but clear guidelines and regulation are still lacking. While more evidence is needed, an increasing number of people report improved well-being when they avoid emulsifiers — pointing to the importance of transparency, better labeling, and ongoing research.
IBS can be an unpleasant condition that is hard enough to manage at any age but it can be especially difficult to manage in children. A survey by PrecisionBiotics® found over 55% of parents report their children face gut-related issues, with the most common symptoms reported being bloating (19%), constipation (17%), diarrhoea (15%) and abdominal pain and cramps (15%)1.
It is therefore important to understand what IBS is and the best ways to support a child who has it. This can involve understanding the triggers for it, the best ways to manage it, and how to create a healthy gut to help ease the symptoms of IBS. Here, we take a look at what IBS can mean for a child, and what you can do as their parent or care giver.
What’s normal?
There is actually a surprisingly wide range of what is considered a healthy pattern of bowel movements: anywhere from as much as three times a day and as little as three times a week. Most children have bowel movements either once a day (39%) or 2-3 times a day (15%)2. However, 23% of children in the UK currently experience bowel movement outside of the normal range.
It’s important to understand the frequency of your child’s bowel movements because this, combined with consistency, are key indicators of gut health. For consistency, it can be helpful to look at the Bristol Stool Chart in which types 3 and 4 indicate optimal gut function.
Only 45% of parents feel confident they know what healthy gut function looks like, 29% are unsure and 26% admit they have no idea. This lack of awareness highlights the need for more education. Parents should monitor changes in their child’s digestion and look for persistent symptoms, such as abdominal discomfort or irregular stools, which might suggest gut microbiota imbalance. Any changes lasting more than a week, such as infrequent movements or watery stools, may signal an imbalance or underlying issue.
Some common triggers can be:
A low fibre intake from fruits, vegetables and whole grains
Not drinking enough water
Irregular mealtimes
Antibiotics
Worry or nerves
What can you do to help a child who has gut issues:
Firstly, if you think your child has IBS it is important to see a medical professional for a proper diagnosis
It can also be It can be a good idea to keep a food diary, in order to find a pattern between what your child eats or what happens in their lives, and when they start to experience symptoms, in order to identify some of the triggers.
Try to ensure they diet has plenty of fruit, vegetables and fibre, and that they’re drinking enough water as these are all know to help support the gut.
It’s important to not load them up with large meals, so eating smaller amounts can be helpful and keeping mealtimes regular and not too late into the evening.
There is now also increased evidence that probiotics containing Bifidobacterium infatis breve and Bifidobacterium longum 35624™ can have a positive effect on children with gut health issues, however it is important you check they are suitable for your child’s age.
1 A PrecisionBiotics® omnibus survey of 1031 UK adults, conducted in August and September 2024
2 A PrecisionBiotics® omnibus survey of 1031 UK adults, conducted in August and September 2024.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently issued a recommendation regarding the use of artificial sweeteners, specifically advising against their use for weight management or reducing the risk of noncommunicable diseases. This recommendation has sparked significant interest in the health effects of these substances, particularly in relation to gut microbiota, which plays a crucial role in digestion, immunity, and overall health.
WHO’s Recommendation on Artificial Sweeteners
In May 2023, the WHO released new guidelines suggesting that non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS) should not be used as a long-term strategy for weight management or to reduce the risk of chronic diseases like obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. This was based on evidence that showed no clear benefit in terms of weight loss or metabolic health. Moreover, the use of these sweeteners could lead to potential negative health effects.
Impact on Gut Flora
One area of concern that has emerged in recent research is the impact of artificial sweeteners on the gut microbiome. The gut microbiota consists of trillions of bacteria and other microorganisms that are crucial for many bodily functions. Studies have shown that artificial sweeteners can alter the composition and function of gut microbiota, potentially leading to negative health outcomes.
Alteration of Gut Microbial Composition: Some studies suggest that certain artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame, sucralose, and saccharin, can disrupt the balance of beneficial and harmful bacteria in the gut. For example, sucralose has been shown to reduce the diversity of gut microbes, while other artificial sweeteners may promote the growth of bacteria that are linked to metabolic disorders.
Changes in Metabolism: Research has indicated that artificial sweeteners may interfere with the normal functioning of the gut microbiota, leading to alterations in metabolism. In animal studies, artificial sweeteners have been shown to increase glucose intolerance, which can contribute to the development of conditions like obesity and diabetes. Although the findings in humans are still debated, some evidence suggests that the gut microbiome’s response to artificial sweeteners may play a role in these metabolic changes.
Immunological Effects: The gut microbiota is closely tied to the immune system, and changes in the gut microbiome caused by artificial sweeteners could influence immune responses. For instance, an altered microbiome may increase the likelihood of inflammation, which is associated with many chronic diseases, including cardiovascular conditions.
Gut-Brain Axis: The gut microbiome also communicates with the brain through the gut-brain axis. Disruptions in the microbiome due to artificial sweeteners may affect this communication, influencing appetite regulation and food preferences. This could have implications for weight management, potentially leading to overconsumption of calories despite the use of low-calorie sweeteners.
Fructans in soft drinks
New analyses from Monash University shows that both Coca-Cola and other soft drinks, reglurar and diet, contains fructans. Therefor we recommend to limit intake during the elimination phase and then drink a maximum of 200 ml. Read more here.
Conclusion
The WHO’s recommendation against the use of artificial sweeteners for long-term weight management aligns with growing evidence suggesting that these substances can have unintended consequences on gut health. By altering the gut microbiome, artificial sweeteners could contribute to metabolic changes, inflammation, and potentially undermine the benefits people seek from using them as a substitute for sugar. While more research is needed to fully understand the extent of these effects, the WHO’s guidance encourages individuals to reconsider their use of artificial sweeteners and prioritize healthier alternatives, such as whole foods and balanced diets, to support overall health and well-being.
IBS is a disorder of the gut-brain interaction. This means there is nothing physically wrong with your gut; the problem lies in how your gut functions. The altered gut brain interaction causes a disruption to digestive processes affecting both the sensory and motor neurons throughout the gut. The complex coordination of digestion becomes out of sync causing irregular movements of the intestinal muscles and heightened sensitivity within the gut. These changes lead to bloating, pain, constipation, diarrhoea, nausea and heartburn.
So how can hypnotherapy help?
Hypnotherapy is a great way to reduce the symptoms of IBS. Treatment is safe, relaxing, natural, and does not involve elimination diets. Not only is it an evidence-based approach backed by 35 years of solid clinical research. It has also been shown to provide lasting relief.
Helen Brooks, Clinical Hypnotherapist IBS Tranformation Coach
Firstly, what is hypnosis?
Hypnosis is a state of focused awareness and narrowed attention often combined with relaxation, this focused attention is sometimes referred to as a trance state. We all go into a trance number of times each day. It’s a perfectly natural state. Daydreaming is an example, or when we are just ‘dropping off’ to sleep, even being deeply absorbed in a book or film is a trance state. In this state, the subconscious mind becomes more receptive to the suggestions and images that are presented to it.
Hypnotherapy is a therapeutic technique using hypnosis. Mostly known for its ability to change the way we think and feel it is also used in medical settings to create changes to processes controlled by the subconscious mind – so all the physiological functions we don’t have to consciously think about – such as blood pressure, temperature regulation, breathing, pain response and digestion.
Gut Directed or Gut Focused Hypnotherapy changes the function of the gut by resolving the miscommunication between the gut and brain. Signals sent through the gut brain connection are restored in turn reducing the hypersensitivity of nerves and modulating gut motility, thereby restoring regular gut function and relieving IBS symptoms.
Stress and anxiety make IBS symptoms worse.
We know that although stress does not cause IBS it does exacerbate symptoms and is a big culprit in causing digestive distress. Hypnotherapy also helps counteract the effects of stress on the gut by activating the parasympathetic nervous system. It stimulates the body’s rest and digest phase, the opposite branch to the fight or flight mode.
Beyond changing the gut brain communication and reducing the effects of stress hypnotherapy can also help change subconscious responses to situations that are often a challenge when living with IBS including the fear of needing the toilet when away from home or the fear of eating certain foods.
Is gut-directed hypnotherapy effective?
In 1984 Professor Whorwell, a UK gastroenterologist, decided to test the effectiveness of hypnotherapy as a treatment for IBS. Thirty patients with severe symptoms that didn’t respond to other treatments were chosen at random. They received either seven sessions of hypnotherapy or seven sessions of psychotherapy plus placebo pills.
The psychotherapy group showed a small but significant improvement in abdominal pain and general wellbeing but not bowel activity patterns. The hypnotherapy patients showed a dramatic improvement in all IBS symptoms. Later on, 35 patients were added to the initial 15 treated with hypnotherapy. For the combined 50 patient groups, the success rate was 95% for ‘classic’ IBS cases but substantially less for IBS patients with atypical symptom pictures or significant psychological problems.
Further to this, another study (Palsson 2007 The International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis.) found that over 80% of patients who underwent a course of GDH reported a significant improvement in their symptoms.
More recently, a team led by Dr Simone Peters at Monash University showed that gut-directed hypnotherapy improves gastrointestinal symptoms in people with IBS by 70-80%. These improvements were long term gains.
In conclusion, gut-directed hypnotherapy (GDH) is an effective, evidence-based approach to treating Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) GDH can reduce symptoms by decreasing visceral hypersensitivity, modulating gut motility, reducing stress and anxiety, and addressing psychological and emotional factors that may contribute to the maintenance of the condition. It is a safe, non-invasive and drug-free treatment option for IBS sufferers that often brings relief where dietary changes and medication have not succeeded.
Interview with Bay Burdett – founder of Bay´s Kitchen
What is your experience with IBS & the low FODMAP Diet?
My symptoms first began back in 2012, after following an overly restrictive diet to lose weight for my sister’s wedding, which involved lots of fresh ingredients such as meat, fish, salad, rice etc. When I returned to normal eating, I experienced severe cramps, fatigue, bloating, constipation, back pain, and body aches. I quickly realised that alcohol (among others) was a major trigger, as each time I went out, my symptoms would get worse.
The turning point came during a family holiday. I love to get involved in family activities, especially with my nieces and nephews. But one day, while watching my family play in the sea, I was in agony, sitting on the beach, unable to participate. That moment made me realise I needed to seek help, something I had previously been too embarrassed to do as I didn’t want to talk to a doctor about my symptoms.
After discussing my symptoms and running some tests that were all clear, I was diagnosed with IBS. The doctor handed me some information, including a note about the Low FODMAP diet.
Initially, I was nervous, because I believed my restrictive weight-loss diet had triggered my gut problems, and the low FODMAP diet might do the same. But as I started to research, I quickly realised how challenging this diet would be, especially because garlic and onion are in nearly every store-bought sauce and other convenient foods (e.g. pizzas, ready meals, soups etc). I tried to seek advice from a dietitian through a referral with the NHS but never got an appointment, and as I was living alone with a mortgage, I couldn’t afford to go private.
I attempted cooking everything from scratch, but working long hours at a marketing agency made it difficult. I loved my job, but coming home at 10 p.m. and starting to cook from scratch was not sustainable. This frustration led me to an idea – why not create sauces that are IBS-friendly?
Having grown up around a family business, I always wanted to start something of my own. But it wasn’t until I faced the struggle of finding convenient, Low FODMAP sauces that Bay’s Kitchen was born.
What inspired you to create FODMAP-friendly products?
After my IBS diagnosis, my doctor recommended I follow the Low FODMAP diet. When I started looking for foods I could eat in supermarkets, I quickly realised how limited the options were, especially when it came to sauces. There were next to no quick, easy, and delicious choices that fit the diet. I didn’t have the time or energy to cook from scratch every day, and that’s when I thought – if I was struggling to find convenient options, surely many others were feeling the same way.
As I started sharing my symptoms with friends, family, and colleagues, I was surprised by how many people could relate. It became clear just how common IBS is, affecting 1 in 5 people in the UK, and that inspired me even more to create FODMAP-friendly products that make life easier for those managing the condition.
Can you walk us through the process of developing a FODMAP-friendly product? What are the key steps from idea to finished product?
The first FODMAP-friendly products we developed were inspired by the foods I missed most. I craved quick and easy pasta sauces, and I hadn’t had a curry in nine months. Our initial range included Tomato & Basil, Sweet & Sour, and Jalfrezi Curry (which has since been discontinued). I took these ideas to a development chef, who was excited by the challenge of creating Low FODMAP sauces, something he had never heard of before! He found it particularly tricky to work without onion and garlic, but that’s what made it so rewarding. Once we’ve finalised a product, it’s sent to FODMAP Friendly in Australia for testing and certification, ensuring it meets the strict Low FODMAP guidelines.
Why did you choose to produce the specific types of products you offer? How did you decide which categories to focus on?
We wanted to bring more flavour and convenience to the Low FODMAP diet, which can sometimes feel restrictive and bland. Our stir-in sauces and stocks allow people to create meals quickly and easily while still being able to add their personal touch, whether they’re vegetarian, vegan, or just looking for something simple. Our Korma sauce, for example, became a best-seller after we launched it in 2019, and our concentrated stocks have also been very successful since their launch a year later. A large portion of our business has grown from the sales of these products.
Do you plan to expand your range or introduce new categories?
By the end of 2024, we will have transitioned to a seed oil-free range, driven by both research and customer feedback and I’m excited about our plans for new product development in 2025, keep your eyes peeled for more updates!
Where can people buy Bay’s Kitchen Products?
You can buy our products directly through our website, as well as on Ocado, Amazon, and Fodmarket. You’ll also find them in select farm shops!
We’ve also recently introduced a Subscribe & Save option for our customers. You can choose which products you want, how often you want them, and enjoy a 10% discount with free delivery on orders over £30. It’s the perfect way to take the stress out of reordering!
We’re also delighted to offer all Belly Balance members a 10% discount code.
BELLYBALANCE10
This code works on both one time orders and subscription, meaning you get 20% off your first subscription order and the standard 10% off all future subscription orders too.
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