FODMAPs – What, why, how?
I’m lucky enough to have a couple of jobs, which means learning, and doing a variety of things each day. One of my favourite aspects of my work though is working with people with IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), and helping them lead easier lives.
What is IBS?
IBS a collection of symptoms such as cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation. It can be caused by a number of factors, such as gastro, food poisoning, genetics, or in some cases, for no apparent reason at all. People who are highly stressed/anxious are also more likely to suffer from IBS.
FODMAPs
The best way of managing IBS is through use of a low FODMAP diet. FODMAPs, stands for Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides and Polyols. FODMAPs are foods which contain compounds that are found in food, and are poorly absorbed in people with IBS. They act as a food source to bacteria that live in the large intestine. When they are not absorbed properly, they ferment in the gut.
So what to do?
Trialling a low FODMAP diet, under supervision of a dietitian is highly advised. High FODMAP foods get eliminated for 2-4 weeks, then a series of challenges are completed to help identify which FODMAPs are the culprits. How to do this? To help facilitate this with everyone leading busy lives, I have created an online program, The FODMAP Challenge. This is for people who want to give the low FODMAP diet a go, but maybe don’t have the time or desire to come into a clinic and see a dietitian. If you did wish to have a face to face, Skype or phone consult, you can book here.
More info?
I’ve written a number of blogs about IBS and FODMAPs over on The FODMAP Challenge website, head on over to check it out!