FODMAPS; what’s that about then?!

• Fermentable
• Oligo
• Di
• Mono-saccharides
• And
• Polyols

These are foods that have been found to make the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome worse.

Therefore people diagnosed with, or who think they might have IBS, should follow a low FODMAP diet. FODMAPS don’t get digested easily, they ferment and create gas (wind) in the bowel, and this leads to bloating, cramps and diarrhoea.

There are many other ways to also manage your symptoms, such as taking a daily probiotic capsule, and avoiding certain types of fibre (insoluble); found in wheat, bran, corn and wholegrains.

Most people find that decreasing fizzy drinks, caffeine and alcohol helps, as they can all increase the speed at which food passes through the gut, and so make IBS worse.

If you would like to discuss your IBS then do book a routine appointment with one of our GPs. You can also check out the FODMAP apps available online to help you plan your diet, and see which lovely foods you can eat in peace.

http://www.patient.co.uk/health/irritable-bowel-syndrome-diet-sheet