The effect of nutritional therapy on the management of functional GI symptoms in a 43-year-old female with hypothyroidism: a retrospective case report

By Hannah Weaver - Nutrition Science and Practice

Abstract

Introduction:

Functional GI symptoms (FGIS) and disorders have a high prevalence worldwide, and are associated with decreased quality of life. There are many diet and lifestyle interventions that have been studied for FGIS, but despite a growing evidence base, existing research primarily focuses on isolating the effect of a specific intervention. This does not identify the possible benefits of complex interventions, such as nutritional therapy (NT). The aim of this research is to evaluate the potential effect of nutritional therapy on the management of functional GI symptoms in a 43-year-old female with hypothyroidism. This will explore how different aspects of the NT process may affect the management of FGIS in an individual.

Study Design:

The methodology is a qualitative case report with a retrospective interview. The depth and richness of data collected and analysed will help to support the understanding of complex inter-relationships of different aspects of nutritional therapy with this case.

Data will be collected from clinic documents, clinic consultation videos and through a semi-structured retrospective client interview.

Data Analysis Plan

Data will be analysed using a reflexive thematic analysis approach in six stages; familiarisation with the data, generating initial codes, searching for themes, reviewing the themes, defining and naming the themes, and writing up. The reflexive approach will help to guard against bias which may be introduced due to the sole researcher’s positionality as a nutritional therapist.