Behind the Scenes at CANDAC 2025, My talk “Deep Dive on IBS and the Low FODMAP Diet”
On Friday, April 25th, I had the honor of delivering a solo, invited talk at the California Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics Annual Conference (CANDAC 2025) in Long Beach, CA. My session, was titled “Deep Dive on IBS and the Low FODMAP Diet.”
This session was created for dietitians and clinicians—but the takeaways are just as valuable for anyone struggling with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or supporting someone who is.
Behind the Scenes at CA Dietitian Conference 2025
Why This Topic Matters
IBS affects over 35 million Americans and continues to be one of the most misunderstood GI disorders. While restrictive diets and gut health products are heavily marketed online, few people receive accurate, evidence-based guidance—and that’s what this session aimed to deliver.
I focused on how the Low FODMAP diet, when implemented properly, can be life-changing for those with IBS—and how we, as dietitians, can make it more accessible, inclusive, and sustainable for the people we serve.
Key Takeaways from the Talk
1. Identify the Right IBS Subtype First
Before making any dietary changes, it’s crucial to understand whether someone has IBS-C, IBS-D, IBS-M, or post-infectious IBS. This affects treatment planning and expectations. I encouraged attendees to use tools like the Poopedia Symptom Tracker to monitor bowel habits, patterns, and triggers.
Watch our free IBS Relief Masterclass to learn more about different types of IBS, and how to find relief for each.
Free IBS Relief Masterclass
10 years of IBS expertise, distilled into 45 minutes.
2. The Low FODMAP Diet Only Works When Done Correctly
We walked through how to implement the diet in three structured phases: elimination, reintroduction, and personalization. I also emphasized the need for cultural adaptations and supporting food variety to prevent unnecessary restriction or food fear. Read more about the low FODMAP diet or listen to the IBS Nutrition Podcast episode on the low FODMAP diet.
3. Gut Testing ≠ IBS Diagnosis
A common myth I addressed: the idea that gut microbiome or food sensitivity tests can identify IBS triggers. These tools are not clinically validated and often cause confusion. To learn more, I shared a podcast episode with microbiologist Dr. Andrea Love, titled
The Truth About IBS Tests: Legit or Ripoff?
4. IBS Requires a Whole-Body Approach
We explored how stress, sleep, exercise, and nervous system regulation all influence IBS symptoms. Addressing the gut-brain axis is critical for achieving sustainable relief.
A Personal Note from the Podium
It was energizing to speak in a room full of dietitians who care deeply about offering ethical, science-backed care. The Q&A was full of thoughtful, real-world questions—and I loved connecting with colleagues between sessions.
Want to Learn More?
If you’re new to IBS or exploring the Low FODMAP diet, here are a few helpful tools I shared during the session:
Next Up: See You at FNCE 2025!
If you’re heading to FNCE 2025, I’m excited to invite you to attend my next presentation:
Multidisciplinary Insights Into Constipation: Dietitian and Physician Approaches for Adults
Monday, October 13, 2025 | 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM CT
Location: Nashville, TN
CPE: 1.5 | Proficiency: Advanced
Tracks: Aging, Gut Health, GI Disorders, Medical Nutrition Therapy
This session brings together clinical nutrition and medical expertise to tackle one of the most common (but under-discussed) digestive complaints: constipation.
I’ll be joined by:
- Dr. Carmen Fong, Colorectal Surgeon and author of Constipation Nation
- Yanjie Yu, MS, RD, CDN, CDE – Lead Dietitian & Diabetes Educator at Northwell Health
- Moderator: Stacey Collins, RDN – Owner of Stacey Collins Nutrition, LLC
Together, we’ll cover:
- The causes, subtypes, and prevalence of constipation in adults and pregnant individuals
- Evidence-based strategies: dietary fiber, fluid intake, physical activity, and OTC treatments
- How to collaborate across disciplines, including referrals for pelvic floor dysfunction and personalized nutrition care plans
Whether you’re a dietitian, GI provider, or healthcare professional looking to deepen your understanding of constipation care, this session will offer practical, patient-centered tools you can implement immediately.