Is Low-FODMAP an Effective IBS Treatment?

Irritable bowel syndrome treatment options include medications, stress reduction, and dietary interventions. One of the most successful dietary plans for the treatment of IBS is the low-FODMAP protocol. Read on to learn more about this option.

What Does Low FODMAP Mean?

Following a low-FODMAP diet means following a diet that is low in certain types of fermentable carbohydrates: fructans, oligo, mono, and di-saccharides and polyols. Many IBS sufferers react to at least one of these types of carbohydrates, which means that removing the offending substance from the diet can lead to a reduction in symptoms.

What Foods Are FODMAPs Found In?

FODMAPs occur naturally in a range of foods:

  • Fructans are found in wheat, garlic, and certain types of fruits and vegetables.
  • Oligosaccharides are found in beans, lentils, onions, soy milk, and chickpeas.
  • Disaccharides, including lactose, are found in dairy products and certain processed foods.
  • Monosaccharides, including fructose, are found in honey, juice, and sweet fruits such as figs and mangos.
  • Polyols, including mannitol and sorbitol, are found in sugar-free versions of processed foods, as well as naturally in sweet potatoes, mushrooms, and cauliflower.

How to Use the Low-FODMAP Diet for IBS Treatment

The low-FODMAP diet is not intended to be a lifelong diet. Rather than cutting out all FODMAPs and never eating any of them again, which would be extremely restrictive, you would work with a dietitian to go through a period of elimination and reintroduction.

During the elimination phase, you need to restrict your intake of FODMAPs by limiting portion sizes of high-FODMAP foods. A dietitian can help you come up with a meal plan that takes your other dietary needs and preferences into account, such as veganism or allergies.

After your symptoms have settled, the dietitian will guide you through reintroduction. This stage involves eating small amounts of high-FODMAP test foods to see if you have a reaction to them. By keeping careful records of your symptoms in response to test foods, you can work out which FODMAPs trigger your IBS.

During the maintenance phase, you avoid the triggers that you identified during reintroduction. By now, you should be experiencing significant relief from your symptoms.

Does the Low-FODMAP Diet Work?

Many people with IBS experience symptom relief during the elimination phase. Most people are also able to successfully reintroduce some FODMAPs into their diet, at least in small portions. However, the diet can be confusing to follow on your own. Contact a dietitian to get help designing a low-FODMAP elimination, reintroduction, and ultimately maintenance diet that is right for you.

For more information, contact services that offer IBS treatment options.



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The Importance of Health Care Clinics I didn't realise how important health care clinics are until I became unwell. For many months, I avoided going to the doctor. However, one morning, my wife suggested I wish the local health care clinic. The staff there were fantastic. They examined me and ran a number of different tests. I had to return to the clinic several times for follow up appointments. It was much later that the doctor told me that if I hadn't visited the health care clinic, I could have lost my life. I hope that my blog will help you to understand the importance of health care clinics.

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