Low FODMAP Diet in Irritable Bowel Syndrome – Agrawal Gastrocare Center Indore

Living with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) can be challenging, but there’s hope for managing its symptoms through dietary changes. One effective approach gaining popularity is the low FODMAP diet. Let’s break it down in simple terms.

IBS is a common digestive disorder that affects the large intestine. It can cause discomfort, bloating, gas, and changes in bowel habits, like diarrhea or constipation. While its exact cause is unclear, certain foods can trigger symptoms, and that’s where the low FODMAP diet comes in.

What are FODMAPs?

FODMAP stands for fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols – quite a mouthful! FODMAPs are a group of carbohydrates that can ferment in the gut, leading to gas production and IBS symptoms.

What Exactly is the Low FODMAP Diet

The Low FODMAP diet is not a long-term eating plan, but rather a short-term strategy to identify and avoid trigger foods. It consists of three phases:

Elimination Phase:

During this phase, you avoid high-FODMAP foods for a few weeks. Common high FODMAP foods include:
● Fructans (found in wheat, onions, and garlic)
● Lactose (found in dairy products)
● Fructose (found in honey, certain fruits, and sweeteners)
● Galatians (found in legumes like beans and lentils)
● Polyols (found in some fruits and artificial sweeteners)

Reintroduction Phase:

After the elimination phase, you’ll start reintroducing FODMAP groups one at a time to identify your specific triggers. This step is crucial because not everyone with IBS reacts to all FODMAPs. By reintroducing them methodically, you can determine which ones cause symptoms and which ones you can tolerate.

Personalization Phase:

Once you’ve pinpointed your triggers, you’ll move to the personalization phase. This is where you develop a customized diet that suits your unique needs, allowing you to enjoy a more varied and balanced eating pattern while minimizing symptoms.

Benefits of the Low FODMAP Diet:

The low FODMAP diet has shown promising results in reducing IBS symptoms for many people. It can lead to:

● Reduced bloating and gas.
● Improved bowel habits.
● Decreased abdominal pain.

Dr. Amit Agarwal
Director & Gastroenterologist Consultant
Agarwal Gastrocare Center Indore