Healing from Within: Mansi’s freedom from IBS and a path to overall wellbeing by Deepika Chalasani, best Nutritionist in Hyderabad, India

Name: Mansi

Age: 30 years

Location: Hyderabad

Case History: A 30-year-old corporate executive in Hyderabad, suffered covid twice followed by Dengue once from 2020 to 2023. She also has known history of depression, anxiety and stressful corporate life, which had often led to episodes of emotional eating. All this impaired her gut resulting in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), resulting in four to five episodes of bowels every day, frequent bloating, excessive gas and weight gain. Her blood reports indicated insulin resistance which included warts on her palms and the back of both thighs.

She reported experiencing extreme fatigue, low motivation, and difficulty maintaining consistency in her daily routines. Additionally, she had been working in a high-stress environment, which had caused significant burnout. As a result, she was seeking a structured, practical, and sustainable nutrition plan to help balance her hormones, improve gut health, regulate blood pressure, support weight loss, and optimize her overall well-being.

Approach by the best nutritionist, and dietician in Hyderabad, Telangana, India Deepika Chalasani

Given her medical history, a comprehensive food allergy and intolerance test was conducted to support the development of a personalized nutrition plan tailored to her unique needs. The results revealed a marked intolerance to gluten, wheat, peas as well as a mild sensitivity to raw cow’s milk and cheese. The test categorized foods into three color-coded groups: green (well-tolerated), orange (mildly tolerated), and red (not tolerated). Based on these findings, she was given a 4-day rotation nutrition plan which was carefully designed to include only foods from the green category, ensuring it was both safe and supportive of her overall health goals.

She frequently experienced bloating and acidity to help alleviate these symptoms and support digestive function, she was advised to begin her day with 1–2 glasses of warm water as it can help stimulate the gastrointestinal tract, promote smoother bowel movements, and reduces bloating and also suggested her to have water after every one hour.

To ensure a gentle and comfortable start to her day while minimizing digestive discomfort, we selected light, easily digestible breakfast options. These included home-cooked steel-cut oats upma or millet upma, paired with a protein shake made from 25g of casein protein powder mixed with 125 ml of water. These choices were intentionally low in fat and high in fibre and complex carbohydrates, offering a steady release of energy without overwhelming the digestive system. Casein protein, being slow-digesting, provides sustained amino acid delivery, supporting satiety and muscle maintenance without causing bloating or acidity—common concerns in the early hours. The overall composition helps promote gastrointestinal comfort while still meeting nutritional needs for the morning.

To help meet her daily protein requirements, we incorporated high-quality protein sources that she could tolerate such as eggs, goat cheese and casein into her diet. This approach ensured a balanced intake of essential amino acids by combining both plant and animal protein sources. The plant protein powder provided a clean, easily digestible source of protein, while eggs and goat cheese contributed complete proteins and vital nutrients such as vitamin B12, choline, and calcium. This mix supports muscle repair, hormonal balance, and overall metabolic health in a well-rounded and digestively gentle manner.

To support her digestive health and help manage symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), we incorporated easily digestible vegetables such as bottle gourd, ash gourd, ridge gourd, snake gourd, and lady finger into her meals. These vegetables are naturally low in FODMAPs—fermentable carbohydrates that can trigger IBS symptoms and are rich in soluble fibre, which is gentle on the gut lining. Their high-water content and soothing properties aid in digestion, help regulate bowel movements, and reduce bloating, gas, and abdominal discomfort. This selection supported her gut health while ensuring nutritional adequacy without exacerbating IBS-related issues.

To provide a source of complex carbohydrates while accommodating her gluten and wheat allergies, we included single-polished rice, hand-pounded rice, and quinoa in her diet. These gluten-free, nutrient-dense grains offer sustained energy release and are gentle on the digestive system. Their high fibre and mineral content support metabolic function and satiety without triggering inflammation or discomfort, making them ideal for her dietary needs.

Additionally, to support her gut health and manage IBS-related symptoms, we incorporated probiotics in the form of kefir—a fermented dairy drink rich in beneficial bacteria. Probiotics help restore and maintain a healthy balance of gut microbiota. Regular consumption of kefir can aid in improving digestion, reducing inflammation, enhancing nutrient absorption, and alleviating symptoms like bloating and irregular bowel movements.

To effectively manage her IBS symptoms, we implemented a structured “Remove, Restrict, and Reintroduce” approach. This involved first identifying and eliminating potential dietary triggers, then gradually restricting commonly problematic foods, and eventually reintroducing them in a controlled manner to evaluate individual tolerance. This method allowed us to personalize her nutrition plan while minimizing flare-ups and digestive discomfort.

A key component of her dietary strategy was the adoption of a low-FODMAP diet, known for its effectiveness in reducing IBS symptoms such as bloating, gas, and irregular bowel movements. Alongside nutritional changes, we emphasized the vital role of stress management, recognizing its strong connection to gut health through the gut-brain axis. We encouraged the integration of yoga, mindfulness, and relaxation techniques into her daily routine to help reduce anxiety, improve mental well-being, and support digestive function.

Throughout the process, ongoing guidance and personalized support were provided to ensure she felt confident and well-informed. This included education on safe food choices, appropriate portion sizes, and optimal meal timing—making the plan not only effective but also practical and sustainable within her lifestyle. This consistent support empowered her to take an active role in managing her condition with greater ease and long-term success.

Results:

Within first three weeks of following the personalized diet plan, she experienced significant improvements. Her energy levels increased, and fatigue, low motivation, and burnout symptoms were reduced. Bloating and acidity were greatly alleviated, and she no longer had bloating episodes or multiple bowel movements. She only had 1 washroom cycle. As the plan included a well-balanced diet which provided stable and sustained energy through the day, she was able to better manage her moods.

Deepika Chalasani is a Clinical Nutritionist, Mind and Body Transformation Coach, and co-founder of Fit4Life India, an integrated nutrition and wellness organization for Indians that provides complete solutions, addressing health and wellness challenges of individuals by working on their overall well-being. Deepika, the best nutritionist in Hyderabad for weight loss and online dietician can be contacted via email at deepika.chalasani@gmail.com or Mobile at +91 9381525943