Fodmap Diet

Fodmap is an acronym that stands for fermentable, oligio, di, mono and polyols. Which are the chemical names for carbohydrates that bother many of us.

For example, most of us are affected by gas and bloating from eating beans. Especially, large portions and beans that may not had been soaked and drained. But it is the extent of how they bother us and if someone is actually in pain and their quality of life is affected which determines if someone may have IBS.

Another food that bothers many people is lactose in milk. Many people around the world especially where dairy is not part of the diet, cannot tolerate it. And many people as they get older become less lactose tolerant. This intolerance for some people with IBS can be quite painful. You can find out more about IBS here.

Establishing a low fodmap diet involves three phases:

Elimination

First step is identifying and eliminating the foods that contain fodmaps by eating a low fodmap elimination diet for 2-6 weeks. This diet is temporary and contains low fodmap foods.

The foods that are high in fodmaps that will be temporarily limited are lactose, fructans, GOS, polyols (mannitol and sorbitol) and fructose.

Reintroduction

(systematically reintroducing high-fodmap foods to see which ones are your triggers)

Personalization

(Finding the right balance in your diet)

The researchers at Monash University discovered that a low fodmap elimination diet can be an effective tool for many people with IBS and recommend that people with IBS should work with a Monash trained dietitian to get the most up to date information and ensure that they are working with someone adequately trained to help them.

To find out more about the low fodmap diet and the dietitians who have advanced training in this area, check out it here!