FODMAP is short for Fermentable Oligo- Di- Mono- saccharides And Polyols. A low Fodmap diet is clinically recommended for management of irritable bowels (IBS), as food is a common trigger of digestive issues.
FODMAPs, in scientific terms, are used to classify groups of carbs that are known for triggering digestive issues, such as gas and stomach pains. They are found in a large variety of food, ranging from just one type of FODMAP in some foods to several types in others.
Studies show that low FODMAP diets have been tested across thousands of people irritable bowels using a large number of studies.
A benefit of a low FODMAP diet is that it has been shown to reduced digestive issues. Stomach pains and bloating have shown to decrease. Many other studies have shown that a low FODMAP diet can help manage flatulence, diarrhoea, and constipation. A number of studies also seem to show that the diet can improve digestive issues in roughly 70% of adults who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome.
Another benefit is that people have said to have had an improved quality of life. People who suffer from severe digestive issues have said to have had a lower quality of life. A low FOPMAP diet can also increase energy levels in people with irritable bowels.
On the other hand, there is a limit as to who should follow this type of diet. Adults suffering from digestive issues should consider this diet if they experience ongoing stomach issues or they have not responded to stress management strategies.
Recognising common IBS symptoms
There is no single test that confirms irritable bowel syndrome, and symptoms vary a great deal from one person to another. That is one reason diet changes are often used to find out what triggers a flare up.
Abdominal pain is the most familiar symptom. Others include changes in bowel habits, diarrhoea, constipation, or an alternation between the two, as well as pain when passing a stool and, for some people, nausea. The mix and severity differ for each person, and they can change over time.
Left unmanaged, these symptoms can have a real effect on daily life, from work and sleep to eating out. Diet is one of the main ways people take control, alongside other treatments a doctor may suggest, such as medication or laxatives. Anyone with ongoing bowel symptoms should see their GP before making big changes, to rule out other conditions and get proper support with a structured eating plan.
Drawbacks to weigh up before starting
A low FODMAP diet can bring real relief, but it has disadvantages that are worth knowing before you begin. It is not easy to start or to stick to. It can be restrictive in social settings and when eating out, and some people find they are seen as fussy eaters.
The main reason it is not recommended for the long term is how restrictive it is. Some experts are concerned that people following it for too long may not meet all their nutritional needs. There is also no cure for IBS, so the diet eases symptoms for a time rather than solving the problem, and symptoms can return once it ends.
The diet is not recommended for pregnant women or for children with digestive problems, as there has not been enough research to show it is safe and effective for either group. Fermentable carbohydrates are not all bad either: in limited amounts they encourage the growth of good bacteria in the gut.