What are the benefits of the FODMAPS diet?

WHAT ARE FODMAPs?

FODMAP is an acronym that stands for Fermentable Oligosaccharides Disaccharides Monosaccharides and Polyols. They are small carbohydrates that, in susceptible individuals, are poorly digested, causing digestive symptoms. FODMAPs are naturally found in many foods and food additives (for example polyols are used as artificial sweeteners in sugar-free confectioneries).

Because they are poorly digested and absorbed, they move to the colon where they ferment and promote the growth of bacteria. This overgrowth of bacteria causes various gastrointestinal symptoms.

WHAT ARE THE COMMON SYMPTOMS?

Common symptoms that you may experience are;

- Bloating,

- Distention of the stomach

- Abdominal pain

- Wind/flatulence

- Bad breath

- Diarrhoea and constipation.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF A LOW FODMAP DIET?

A low FODMAP diet limits foods that have been shown to aggravate the gut and cause Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) symptoms. Following a low FODMAPs diet for 2-6 weeks can offer relief of gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating, abdominal discomfort and irregular bowel habits.

The low FODMAPs diet is recommended to improve digestive health and regulate bacterial colonization in the small and large intestine.