What the FODMAP? – Erin Dishes Nutrition

FODMAP. Sort if a funny word, right?

In my last post, I talked about the difference between IBD and IBS.

Did you miss it? You can read about it here.

Anyway, I mentioned in that post that following a low FODMAP diet may significantly improve symptoms if you suffer from IBS.

So, what is a low FODMAP diet? And just what is a FODMAP?

What are FODMAPs?

FODMAPS are a groups of short-chained carbohydrates found naturally in many foods we eat. FODMAP stands for:

Fermentable Oligiosaccharides Disaccharides Monsaccharides And Polyols

That’s a mouthful right?

Well, these types of carbs (aka sugars) have unique characteristics that can cause those with a sensitive gut a lot of discomfort. Why?

FODMAPs…

• are poorly absorbed in the intestine
• draw water into the intestine
• are rapidly fermented by bacteria in the gut

What does this mean? Simply put, FODMAPS can cause bloating, gas, pain, and diarrhea. Yuck!

FODMAPS are found in foods we eat everyday. The main dietary sources of the four types of FODMAPs are:

Oligiosaccharides: there are two different groups of oligiosaccharides – fructans and galacto-oligiosaccharides (GOS). Fructans are found foods such as onions, garlic, artichokes, wheat and inulin. GOS are found in foods such as lentils, beans, Brussels sprouts, and broccoli.

Disaccharides: this is known as lactose, the natural occuring sugars found in milk/dairy. Lactose is found in foods such as milk, yogurt, soft cheeses, and ice cream.

Monsaccharides: this is known as fructose. Fructose is found in fruits such as apples, peara, watermelon, and mangoes. sweeteners such as honey and agave and high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS).

Polyols: this is known as sorbitol and mannitol, two types of sugar alcohols. These are found in foods such as apples, cherries, blackberries, cauliflower, and mushrooms. They are also found in artificial sweeteners such as xylitol, mannitol, sorbitol, maltitol, and isomalt.

What is a low-FODMAP diet?

The low FODMAP diet was developed by researchers at Monash University in Australia. It’s intended to help reduce symptoms for those with irritable bowel symdrome (IBS). There are three phases of the diet:

1. Low FODMAP: usually lasts for 2-6 weeks, focuses on eating a variety of low-FODMAP foods
2. FODMAP Reintroduction: usually over an 8-12 week period, focuses on reintroducing one FODMAP at a time
3. FODMAP Personalization: for the long-term, based on what’s tolerated and what’s not tolerated

It’s important to note that the low-FODMAP diet is not for meant to be followed long-term. And it’s important to work with a medical professional, such as a Registered Dietitian who is specialized in working with IBS and FODMAPS, to help you manage the phases of this diet. Long-term over-restriction can lead to increased risk of nutritional deficiencies.

The goal of this diet is to determine which FODMAPS and serving sizes you can tolerate. in other words, it’s a highly individualized diet as everyone’s tolerance is different. This diet does not cure IBS but rather allows those with IBS to be more comfortable – less pain and bloating with improved bowel habits.

Is this diet right for you?

A low-FODMAP diet isn’t for everyone. But it might be right for you if you’ve been experiencing digestive symptoms such as abdominal bloating, excess gas and bloating and diarrhea.

Maybe you’ve tried other diets and they haven’t helped your symptoms. Maybe you’ve tried medications but they just don’t seem to work either. A low-FODMAP diet may help improve your quality of life.

Contact me to find out if the low-FODMAP diet is right for you or book an appointment.

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