Meet Ayten
I’m a GI-specialized and Monash Certified FODMAP Registered Dietitian, plant-focused recipe developer/photographer, and intersectional food policy advocate based in Southern California.
I began studying mind-gut science as a neuropharmacology researcher at the Duke University Medical Center in 2011, where I became enthralled by the powerful health-promoting potential of nutrition, neuropsychology, and gut health. After 5 years working in clinical research for diabetes management, I went on to complete my master’s degree at the Tufts Friedman School of Nutrition Science and my Dietetic Internship at Harvard teaching hospital in Boston, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH).
During my time at MGH, I designed and completed a 6-week concentration in both inpatient and outpatient medical nutrition therapy in gastroenterology, with a focus in medical nutrition protocols for GI surgery, ostomy management, short bowel syndrome, IBS, IBD, SIBO, GERD, Celiac, chronic constipation, gastroparesis, and food allergies and sensitivities.
I was humbled to receive the MGH Louise Hatch Award for outstanding professional promise and standards of practice during this time and continue to prioritize identity-affirming, patient-centered care in every aspect of my practice.
In 2019, I also founded a grassroots organization called the Planetary Health Collective (PHC) to leverage the powerful role of food and nutrition professionals in the fight for sustainable and equitable food systems. In June 2022, I will be taking on a new role as Chair Elect of the Hunger and Environmental Nutrition practice group in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
I am thrilled to join the FODMAP Everyday Success Team, because I have seen (and experienced first-hand) the power of the low FODMAP diet when applied successfully. And – most importantly – I love partnering with the FODMAP Everyday® team to make LoFo living as delicious, sustainable, and inclusive as possible.
When I’m not working with my fabulous clients, I’m most likely hiking with my Australian Cattle Dog puppy and exploring beautiful California – or whipping up something new in my kitchen with ’90s hip-hop in my ears!
Professional Bio
Ayten Salahi, MS, RDN is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and intersectional food policy advocate based just outside sunny Los Angeles, California. Her training includes:
- Bachelor of Science, Neuroscience & Psychology | Duke University
- Master of Science, Food Policy & Applied Nutrition | Tufts Friedman School
- Didactic Program of Dietetics (DPD) | Simmons University
- Dietetic Internship & GI Concentration | Massachusetts General Hospital
- Application of the Low FODMAP Diet in IBS for Dietitians | Monash University
She provides one-on-one and group nutrition counseling for patients with functional gastrointestinal conditions using a plant-powered approach through her virtual private practice, Aysa Nutrition.
Ayten also participates in speaking engagements, recipe development, and food photography for aligned brands, businesses, and causes. Some of her prior speaking includes:
- Plant-based considerations in the management of IBS with the low FODMAP diet;
- Intersections of intuitive eating and disordered eating in the management of functional gastrointestinal conditions;
- Eating for personal and planetary health by optimizing the gut and soil microbiome; and
- Identifying and correcting cultural misconceptions in dietetics practice.
In her sustainability work, Ayten provides mentorship, community, and educational opportunities for food and nutrition professionals passionate about just and environmentally sound nutrition care through the Planetary Health Collective, where she functions as Founder and Executive Director.
As of June 2022, she will also step in as Chair Elect of the Hunger and Environmental Nutrition Dietetic Practice Group of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Publications
- Kaufman, N., Salahi, A. (2017). Using Digital Health Technology to Prevent and Treat Diabetes. Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics. Diabetes Technology and Therapeutics (DTT), 19 (1); DOI: 10.1089/dia.2017.2506.
- Davis, T., Salahi, A., Welsh, J. B. and Bailey, T. S. (2015). Automated insulin pump suspension for hypoglycaemia mitigation: development, implementation and implications. Diabetes Obes Metab, 17: 1126–1132.doi:10.1111/dom.12542.
- Kaufman, F., Salahi, A. et al. (2014). Pediatric insulin pump therapy in Kazakhstan: an observational study. J Kazakh National Medical University(Вестник _КазНМУ), 3-2: 196-200.
- Sachs, B. D., Salahi, A. A., & Caron, M. G. (2014). Congenital brain serotonin deficiency leads to reduced ethanol sensitivity and increased ethanol consumption in mice. J Neuropharmacology, 77,10.1016/j.neuropharm.2013.09.010.http://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuropharm.2013.09.010.
Description of Practice
Ayten’s mission is to help women living with digestive conditions gain clarity, control, and confidence over their symptoms, so they can get back to living freely and fully.
She does this using a plant-powered framework, which she delivers through her virtual private practice. Her practice offers a particular focus on management of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), constipation, small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), and intestinal methanogen overgrowth (IMO), though the full scope is listed below.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Functional constipation and/or diarrhea
- Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)
- Intestinal methanogen overgrowth (IMO)
- Food intolerances and sensitivities
- Bloating
- Gastroparesis
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
- Celiac disease
- Vegan and vegetarian nutrition
Click here to connect with Ayten and learn more her services, including 1:1 and group counseling, speaking, recipe development, and food photography. To work with her directly, fill out this brief application and schedule your free 15-minute application review call. All other inquiries may be sent directly to hello@aysanutrition.com.
My Favorite Low FODMAP Lifestyle Tip
- Treat the entire FODMAP protocol as an opportunity to get to know your body, your flavor preferences, and yourself a bit better – and make it fun! In other words, view it as a way to TREAT YOURSELF! Try new foods, learn new culinary skills, lean into the lofo community, share tips. The more expansive you make your experience, the more fruitful it will be for you in every way.
My Favorite Low FODMAP Recipe
- Ok this is a TOUGH one for me, but I have to say – the low FODMAP Pad See Ew recipe from FODMAP Everyday is excellent. It’s savory, umami, and so fun to make!
Ayten’s Plant Based Recipes
Low FODMAP Tofu Bánh Mì
Low FODMAP Baja Tempeh Taco Salad
New Orleans Style Low FODMAP Gumbo
