The FODMAP diet is gaining traction as a new way to manage common digestive issues such as bloating, gas and loose bowel movements often experienced by those with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS is one of the most prevalent gastrointestinal disorders affecting approximately 15% of people worldwide. Symptoms such as cramping, gas, bloating, and diarrhea often interfere with one’s ability to go to work, attend social functions, and can have a significant effect on a person’s quality of life. The low FODMAP diet is a promising new approach that has been shown to improve symptoms of gas, bloating and loose stools in 75% of those who follow it.
FODMAP stands for for “Fermentable Oligo-, Di-, Mono-saccharides And Polyols”. They are a group of short chain carbohydrates that are poorly absorbed and digested in the intestines. When FODMAP foods enter the small and large intestine, they attract water and are fermented by gut bacteria. This process occurs in all people, but the difference is that people with IBS often have alterations in their gut bacteria, which make them more likely to experience symptoms upon eating high FODMAP foods.
By following a low FODMAP diet, you are removing the foods that feed your gut bacteria, thereby reducing the process of malabsorption and fermentation. While many people with IBS experience significant improvements in their symptoms when following this diet, the solution isn’t to stay on a low FODMAP diet for the rest of your life. Rather, the goal is to restore the health of the digestive tract and rebalance the gut bacteria so you can enjoy a wide variety of food again. This is achieved through a gradual reintroduction plan and supplementation to support the gut lining and microbiome. Addressing other lifestyle factors such as sleep and stress are also key to symptom resolution.
Due to the restrictive nature of the low FODMAP diet, it is important to follow this plan under the guidance of your healthcare practitioner. Nutrient deficiencies, constipation, and a further reduction in healthy gut bacteria are potential long-term consequences of a low FODMAP diet. Remember, the goal is to help you enjoy the largest variety foods with the least amount of stress as possible!
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