GLOSSARY

Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Athletes Irritable bowel syndrome in an athlete, requiring individualized symptom management without unnecessary long-term food exclusion.

A low-FODMAP intervention is intended for selected gastrointestinal symptoms and usually includes restriction, structured reintroduction and personalization. It is not a permanent ban on every fermentable carbohydrate or a general weight-loss diet. Tolerance depends on portion and cumulative intake, and improved symptoms do not identify an immune allergy. Guided reintroduction helps retain food variety and adequacy. Athletes should also check whether restrictions unintentionally reduce carbohydrate or energy intake needed for training and recovery.

Gastrointestinal symptoms can arise from functional disorders, inflammation, malabsorption, medication, infection and other causes. Irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease are different diagnoses and should not be treated as interchangeable labels. Food changes can help selected symptoms, but persistent bleeding, unexplained weight loss, severe pain or other concerning features require assessment. In athletes, consider meal timing and exercise triggers without assuming that all recurrent gastrointestinal symptoms are simply a normal consequence of training.

An adequate diet provides sufficient energy and essential nutrients while fitting health needs. A high score for variety or a healthy food label cannot independently demonstrate adequacy. Review what is actually eaten, including foods excluded and suitable replacements. Athletes can consume many vegetables yet still lack enough energy or carbohydrate for training. Assess the overall pattern, distribution and relevant nutrient risks rather than assuming that a single food or supplement makes the entire diet balanced.

Fiber amount, type and food source influence stool characteristics, fermentation and tolerance differently. A high-fiber pattern can support general dietary quality but may require adjustment near exercise or in a specific gastrointestinal condition. Low fiber and low residue are related concepts with varying clinical definitions. Restrictions should have a purpose and review point, with adequate replacements. A short symptom-management strategy should not become a permanent exclusion of nutritious foods without reassessment.

Adherence concerns how closely an agreed plan is carried out over time. It is influenced by cost, work, family, symptoms, cooking skills and whether the plan is realistic. Difficulties are information for adjustment rather than proof of weak character. Agree on specific actions and review their feasibility. A modest, sustainable change can be more useful than an ambitious prescription that repeatedly prevents the athlete from eating enough or functioning comfortably in daily life.

Nutrition follow-up compares intended goals with actual intake, symptoms, function, relevant measurements and the person's experience. Specify the time frame and what would justify adjustment, continuation or referral. A treatment response can be beneficial, absent or adverse, and adherence alone does not prove effectiveness. Retain enough documentation to understand what changed. For an athlete, consider health and training quality alongside body mass or laboratory results so that apparent progress in one measure does not hide deterioration elsewhere.