What is a Low FODMAP Diet?

WHAT IS A LOW FODMAP DIET?

A low FODMAP diet reduces fermentable carbohydrates that are naturally occurring in many fruits, vegetables, grains and other foods.

These include the following categories:

• Lactose
• Excess fructose
• Fructans/Galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS)
• Polyols

WHY DO FODMAPS CAUSE STOMACH DISCOMFORT?

FODMAPs go undigested in the body and for most people do not cause any symptoms. However, for patients with IBS, FODMAPs negatively interact with the body’s gut bacteria and may lead to symptoms such as gas, bloating and diarrhea.

LOW FODMAP FOR IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME

If you are suffering from symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome you may find relief in following a low FODMAP diet. Removing FODMAPS in the diet may decrease bloating, gas, and diarrhea. The end goal of this challenge is to determine which foods cause symptoms and which you are able to better tolerate.

Do you struggle with any of the following symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome?

• Diarrhea
• Gas/Flatulence
• Bloating
• Constipation
• Stomach Pains/Cramping

You may be able to reduce these symptoms by starting a low FODMAP diet.

DO I HAVE TO ELIMINATE THESE FOODS FOREVER?

No! Eliminating FODMAPs is only the first phase of a low FODMAP diet. Eventually, after working with a dietitian, you will be able to differentiate between which foods cause symptoms and which you can tolerate.

STELLAR LABS IS CERTIFIED LOW FODMAP FRIENDLY

If you're suffering from digestive discomfort including gas, bloating, abdominal pain and other digestive issues it could be due to FODMAPs.

Stellar Labs Certified Low FODMAP Shakes and Supplements are easy to digest because they are low in FODMAPs—an acronym for a specific group of carbohydrates that can be difficult for some people to tolerate.

WHAT ARE FODMAPS?

Your small intestine can have a hard time absorbing short-chain carbohydrates called  FODMAPS which is an Acronym that stands for Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides, And Polyols. These carbohydrates can cause excessive water to be drawn into the intestines and can become fermented by bacteria causing bloating, cramps, diarrhea and constipation. By reducing FODMAPs, these digestive symptoms can be minimized in some people.

THE THREE PHASES OF THE LOW FODMAP DIET

PHASE 1: ELIMINATION

First, all FODMAPS are eliminated from the diet. This phase only lasts 2-6 weeks. During this period you should see a decrease in symptoms including bloating, gas, and diarrhea. If you don’t notice a difference in symptoms, see a provider for more help as nutrition may not be the only contributing factor.

PHASE 2: REINTRODUCTION

During this phase you will reintroduce foods from one of the categories that was eliminated. This is done in order to test out what foods your body is able to tolerate. For example, you may first reintroduce disaccharides such as lactose into the diet by consuming milk or dairy products in small amounts. It is best to work with a registered dietitian that is specialized in low FODMAP and or IBS to guarantee you are doing this properly.

PHASE 3: PERSONALIZATION

Once you have determined which FODMAPS you tolerate best you can personalize your diet to incorporate those foods back into your everyday meals. Work with a dietitian to make sure your diet is adequately balanced to fit your needs.