People with irritable bowel syndrome, IBS, suffer daily with abdominal bloating and distension, excess gas, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea and/or constipation. IBS is a common functional disorder of the GI tract. There is no known cause for it and there is no known cure. However, there are ways to manage its symptoms.
Regulating the diet is one of the ways to manage IBS symptoms, but sometimes this can be difficult. Certain foods ingested or avoided may help some IBS sufferers, while causing symptoms in others.
Jeffrey Roberts, founder of the IBS Self Help and Support Group, recently reported that the American College of Gastroenterology has recommended a low Fodmap diet “as one of the most effective dietary therapies for IBS”.
The low Fodmap diet is a dietary plan that was developed by Sue Shepherd PhD. Fodmap is an acronym for “Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides, and Polyols”. These substances are complex molecules found in foods we eat that can be poorly absorbed in people with IBS. Dr. Shepherd has shown that eliminating Fodmaps in the diet can be an effective treatment for people suffering with IBS.
Most foods containing Fodmaps include those containing complex sugars. The IBS Self Help and Support Group has offered a list of acceptable and unacceptable foods to eat on a low Fodmap diet, which can be accessed at:
Dr. Shepherd recommends that it is essential to work with a FODMAP dietician for best results when using this plan. Always check with your physician before starting any dietary plan.
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