Dietary fibre in clinical practice presented by Liz Purcell, AdvAPD
Liz Purcell provides a structured overview of fibre types — soluble, insoluble, resistant starch and prebiotics — and translates physiology into practical recommendations for clinic use. She explores the practical application of dietary fibre in managing constipation and IBS-C.
Liz provides detail on psyllium, partially hydrolysed guar gum, kiwi fruit and prunes, as well as advice on titration, hydration, and common patient pitfalls. She also reviews over-the-counter laxatives, explaining mechanisms, appropriate use and safety considerations — an area we are frequently asked about.
Learn about:
- Pain being a predominant symptom and improving with defecation, may indicate IBS-C and needs to be managed not just with fibre
- Psyllium having the strongest evidence base for functional constipation, but must be introduced gradually and with adequate fluid intake.
- Excess insoluble fibre (e.g wheat bran) may worsen bloating and pain, particularly in hypersensitive guts.
- Understanding the mechanisms of bowel opening medications- osmotic, bulk, stimulant and rectal agents to guide safe, adjunctive use.
Liz Purcell is an Advanced Accredited Practicing Dietitian, with more than 25 years’ experience. Throughout her career, Liz has developed extensive clinical expertise in a range of practice domains and across the continuum of care but harbors a particular interest and has advanced clinical knowledge in Gastroenterology and Intensive Care nutrition.
Over the past few years, Liz has published research in Extended Scope of Practice MOC and Inflammatory Bowel Disease and represented her profession Nationally and Internationally in these areas, contributing towards the development of National Guidelines, Australian Standards and Action plans
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