Facing a Low FODMAP life

If you've stumbled into this blog, you've stumbled into a little corner of my life, a small look into my mind and a big commitment I made to my diet. You might have already done thorough research into the low FODMAP diet, you might no idea what that even means or you lie somewhere in between.

Whatever the case, I just want to give a quick introduction into this diet. 



Why go onto a low FODMAP diet?

The low FODMAP diet has been shown to give relief to people suffering from IBS. Also for those suffering from diarrhea, constipation, gas, bloating and/or cramping could find some relief from trying the low FODMAP diet. This brochure offers some more information about this diet. A HUGE disclaimer: I am not a medical professional, you should talk to your doctor about your health and for advice.


What in the world does FODMAP stand for?

Fermentable Oligo-Di-Monosaccharides and Polyols. 


I'm sorry, what?

I know, when I saw what FODMAP stood for I thought, "that is far more confusing than the acronym!". But from what I could gather, FODMAPs are basically a subgroup of carbohydrates (or sugars) in your diet which may not be absorbed well in you digestive system. This leaves them to be fermented upon by bacteria in your gut. Usually when I think of fermentation my mind goes to a nice pint of beer, but sadly this will now be off limits as I venture on in this diet. Along the same lines, though I think of kefir, that fermented milk drink and suddenly my appetite is gone. If anything like that is happening in my GI tract, it's no wonder I have to run to the toilet so often!


So, what foods are off limits?

Generally, foods high in FODMAPs  (which are off limits) are:

• Fructose (fruits, honey, high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), etc)
• Lactose (dairy)
• Fructans (wheat, garlic, onion, inulin etc)
• Galactans (legumes such as beans, lentils, soybeans, etc) 
• Polyols (sweeteners containing isomalt, mannitol, sorbitol, xylitol, stone fruits 
• such as avocado, apricots, cherries, nectarines, peaches, plums, etc) 

For more detail, I would refer to the poster above. I have printed out the chart and taped it to my fridge to help me know what is part of the diet and what isn't. Hopefully this will help keep me on track and I believe I need to start with a fridge and pantry clean out!