Sponsored: Irritable Bowel? Could the problem be FODMAPs?

Ask Leah! The Ingles Dietitian

Sponsored: Irritable Bowel? Could the problem be FODMAPs?

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic condition experienced by some 1 in 5 Americans. IBS affects the large intestine (colon) and is characterized by abdominal pain, cramping, gas, bloating and diarrhea. Often diagnosis of IBS is made after eliminating other possible diseases and causes of these symptoms. (Source: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/irritable-bowel-syndrome/basics/definition/con-20024578 ).

More recently studies have been done, particularly at Monash University in Australia, to identify foods that may cause symptoms of IBS. These foods contain varying amounts of carbohydrates known as FODMAPs (Fermentable Oligo-saccharides, Di-saccharides, Mono-saccharides, Polyols) that are not fully digested and can result in the uncomfortable symptoms in the bowel that characterize IBS. A dietitian can help educate a patient about the different levels and types of FODMAPs in various foods, guide them in eliminating particular foods, and then gradually reintroducing certain foods that contain FODMAPs, that may be tolerated or ones that have lower amounts of FODMAPs so IBS symptoms are not experienced. After this process many have had success in managing symptoms of IBS. (Source:http://www.med.monash.edu/cecs/gastro/fodmap/).

Examples of high FODMAP containing foods:

Oligo-saccharides - wheat, rye, onions, garlic, legumes and pulses

Di-saccharides - milk, yogurt, soft cheeses

Mono-saccharides - honey, apples, high fructose corn syrup

Related Items

Polyols - sugar alcohols like mannitol and sorbitol found in sugar-free or "low carb"

items and naturally occurring in some fruits and vegetables ( e.g. apples, avocados, cherries, plums, peaches, cauliflower, mushrooms.)

It is important to stress that this diet is not the same as a "gluten-free" diet and that it is an elimination AND reintroduction diet. The goal of the FODMAP diet is not to eliminate foods permanently from the diet , but to find which foods can be tolerated and in what amount. This diet should be done with the help and supervision of a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist , preferably with training in this type of diet.

Leah McGrath, RDN, LDN

Ingles Markets Corporate Dietitian

twitter.com/InglesDietitian

facebook.com/LeahMcgrathDietitian

800-334-4936

Tags:

Up Moses Creek: Walking the log

I’d no sooner opened my book of Robert Frost’s...

There are a few native plants whose names I call o...

Up Moses Creek: The Red Maple

The air was still and frosty when I started up the...

SUPPORT THE SMOKY MOUNTAIN NEWS AND
INDEPENDENT, AWARD-WINNING JOURNALISM

Contribute >

Ask Leah! The Ingles Dietitian

Partner content: Dinner — Something for Everyone?

Whether it’s a family gathering or a co-worker get together, what kind of meal can you make that will please everyone?

Ask Leah! The Ingles Dietitian

Partner content: Stories of dining during a disaster

Hurricane Helene was and continues to be a traumatic event for our region, but even within the worst of it, there are stories of resilience and ingenuity in ways that many had to deal with making or getting meals while having no power or water for days.

Ask Leah! The Ingles Dietitian

Partner content: Ways to (Continue to) Help Western NC

There are many churches and community relief and service organizations that are and will continue to help in the wake of Hurricane Helene. Please make sure you check on what local area churches may be doing or need in terms of donations. Money is often the best thing to donate so they can buy what they need. Volunteer time is also often appreciated.

Ask Leah! The Ingles Dietitian

Partner content: Post Hurricane

It is difficult to know what to write after a disaster of the magnitude caused by Hurricane Helene. It certainly teaches us the importance of coming together as a community to check on and help our friends and neighbors, and how vital our emergency response teams, first responders, National Guard, churches, shelters for both humans and animals, and relief organizations are in times like this.