People with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a disease of the intestines that results in stomach pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea, and/or constipation, often try a variety of restrictive diets to get relief.
The low-FODMAP diet helps approximately 70% of people with IBS live healthy, symptom-free lives.
FODMAP is an acronym for Fermentable Oligosaccharides (fructans and galacto-oligosaccharides) Disaccharides (lactose) Monosaccharides (excess fructose) And Polyols. The FODMAP sources of carbohydrate aren’t completely absorbed in people with IBS, leading to the production of gas and changing the motility and function of the intestinal tract. This in turn leads to symptoms of gas, bloating, diarrhea, or constipation and pain. A low-FODMAP diet should not be followed longer than the initial 2-6 weeks because it could reduce the amount of beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract.