IBS and food is a challenging puzzle to sort out because foods that trigger IBS symptoms are not
true allergies or even sensitivities, and may not cause symptoms every time they are eaten. This
makes it very challenging for patients to figure out what to eat and what to avoid.
Foods in patients with IBS cause symptoms partly because of imbalances in bacteria and partly
because of heightened sensitivity and awareness to gas build up in patients who experience IBS
symptoms.
The Low FODMAP diet (which stands for fermented oligosaccharides, disaccharides,
monosaccharides and polyols) removes undigestible sugars from the diet, that when eaten in
excess or when the digestive symptom is hypersensitive, will cause gas build up, water to move
into the bowel and as a result and symptoms such as pain, bloating and diarrhea.
The diet is partly used as a “test” to determine if a patient’s symptoms are related to IBS and
partly as a short term treatment solution to begin to support patients in feeling better. The first
phase of the diet plan removes foods that have these non-digestible sugars in them. This helps
reduce gas formation and water logging of the stool – which in turn helps reduce symptoms
related to IBS such as abdominal pain, gas and diarrhea.
The second stage of the diet will depend on your progress with the first, but the goals include
increasing variety and testing out various foods and sugars contained in those foods to see
what you can tolerate while remaining symptom free.
The FODMAP diet alongside other nutritional interventions can help to improve IBS type symptoms when done correctly.
Are you experiencing IBS type symptoms? Book your consult today to learn more about how we can help. BOOK HERE
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