Low FODMAP Diet

We all experience the abdominal symptoms and bloating following certain foods. While symptoms vary a lot between different people, triggers seem to belong to a group of foods that produce excess gas. This group is called for short FODMAPs. This is an acronym that stands for Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides and Polyols. While this provides a general list, if this diet is recommended you have to follow up with a dietitian for details and to avoid unnecessary restrictions that affects nutrient levels.

This diet is usually helpful for patients with irritable bowel syndrome and might result in improvement of overall abdominal pain and symptoms.

 

 

Is This Diet For Me?

Low FODMAP diet has been suggested as a good method of management of bloating in patients who attempted routine diet with avoidance of gas forming foods. It is better structured and has been associated with improvement of symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. It is not a general healthy diet, rather a diet to control bloating and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. 

 

 

What Should I Avoid?

FODMAPs can be found in different sources. To successfully follow a well balanced low FODMAP diet, it is important to consult with a dietitian. Below is a table that includes some common FODMAP rich foods which you can try to avoid.

 

 

Benefits:

As mentioned above, this diet is mainly to control symptoms of bloating and abdominal pain. This is the main outcome and goal of this diet. If you have IBS, bloating or abdominal discomfort it might be a good idea to consider discussing the diet with your doctor. If you do not have those symptoms this diet might not be for you.