Low FODMAPs for IBS

FODMAPs are short-chain carbohydrates that are not absorbed correctly in the gut. This is especially bad in individuals with IBS. FODMAPs can trigger those symptoms. FODMAPs stand for fermentable, oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols. Fermentable foods process in a way that produces gas. Oligosaccharides are found in foods such as wheat, rye, onions, garlic, and legumes. Disaccharides are lactose products such as dairy, soft cheeses, and yogurt. Monosaccharides consist of fructose which can be found in honey, apples, high fructose corn syrup, table sugar, etc. Polyols are mainly found as artificial sweeteners such as sorbitol and mannitol.

This eating pattern is not really considered a diet because it is not meant for weight loss. The goal of this "diet" is to reduce IBS symptoms by achieving Low FODMAPs. There are Apps out there that will list out each food and if it is considered high or low. The best one is considered the "Monash University Low FODMAP Diet app." That is because the FODMAP diet was created by individuals at Monash University.

This diet should be implemented closely with a registered dietitian or a healthcare professional who has been trained in FODMAPs. There are three phases. The first stage is 2-6 weeks of a low FODMAP diet. During weeks 6-8 is the second stage called the re-challenge phase. This means systematically reintroducing certain higher FODMAP foods into your diet. This will help determine which foods are creating issues. Stage 3 is the adapted diet. At this point, the dietitian can work with the individual to determine which foods were triggers for symptoms. This stage is not as strict as stage 1, and there should be balance between high and low FODMAPs within the diet. The individual may still be able to have all foods just not as often or in a limited quantity. That is the goal of this whole diet is to determine which foods are really triggering the symptoms.


LG

About FODMAPs and IBS. (2017). Retrieved from https://www.monashfodmap.com/about-fodmap-and-ibs/

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