Relieve Digestive Symptoms with a Low FODMAPs Diet

What are FODMAPs?

F             Fermentable – undigested carbs are fermented by gut bacteria to produce gas

O            Oligosaccharides – fructans and galactans found in garlic, onions, wheat, rye, legumes

D            Disaccharides – lactose found in dairy foods

M           Monosaccharides – fructose and high-fructose corn syrup

A            And

P             Polyols – sorbitol and mannitol found in artificial sweeteners, fruits & veges

Research has consistently shown symptom relief in 3 out of 4 people who follow a low FODMAP diet. The low FODMAP diet may be successful in reducing digestive symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, diarrhoea and flatulence.[1]

FODMAPS are types of carbohydrates that some people find hard to break down. Undigested food particles are fermented by gut bacteria and produce gas, leading to digestive symptoms commonly associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).[1-3]

[1] Monash University. FODMAPs and irritable bowel syndrome [Internet]. VIC 2019. [cited 2021 June 24].

[2] Magge S, Lembo A. Low-FODMAP diet for treatment of irritable bowel syndrome. Gastroenterology & hepatology. 2012 Nov;8(11):739.

[3] Marsh A, et al. Does a diet low in FODMAPs reduce symptoms associated with functional gastrointestinal disorders? A comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis. European journal of nutrition. 2016 Apr 1;55(3):897-906.