What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?

IBS is a chronic gut disorder with symptoms that can include lower abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, wind, distension, and altered bowel habits (ranging from diarrhea to constipation) but with no abnormal pathology. The symptoms of IBS can have a huge impact on the quality of life for IBS patients. IBS is more common than you think. 15% of the world’s population - 1 in 7 people - is affected by IBS.

Many people with IBS notice that what they eat seems to impact their symptoms. Thankfully, researchers at Monash University have developed a specific IBS diet called the Low FODMAP™ diet. This diet has been proven to help 75% of people with IBS better manage and thus reduce their symptoms.

What are FODMAPs?

FODMAPs are a group of sugars that are not completely digested or absorbed in our intestines. When FODMAPs reach the small intestine, they move slowly, attracting water. When they pass into the large intestine, FODMAPs are fermented by gut bacteria, producing gas as a result. The extra gas and water cause the intestinal wall to stretch and expand. Because people with IBS have a highly sensitive gut, ‘stretching’ the intestinal wall causes exaggerated sensations of pain and discomfort. Put simply, FODMAPs are a collection of short-chain carbohydrates (sugars) that aren’t absorbed properly in the gut, which can trigger symptoms in people with IBS. FODMAPs are found naturally in many foods and food additives.

Who should follow a Low FODMAP diet? 

A Low FODMAP diet is intended for people with medically diagnosed IBS. If a medical doctor has not diagnosed your gastrointestinal symptoms, you should not be following this diet. There are many conditions with symptoms that are similar to IBS, such as celiac disease, endometriosis, and bowel cancer. You should not self-diagnose yourself with IBS. Instead, see a medical doctor who will assess your symptoms, run any tests needed to rule out other conditions and give you a clear diagnosis of IBS before you start this diet.

How does the Low FODMAP Diet work?

Developed by Monash University researchers, the Low FODMAP Diet limits foods that have been shown to aggravate the gut and cause Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) symptoms like intestinal bloating, gas, and pain. These foods are high in a group of sugars called FODMAPs.

The Monash University Low FODMAP Diet™ is best followed under the supervision of a qualified dietitian who is experienced in this specialized area. The diet begins with a 2-6 week period of high restriction and then transitions to a more relaxed diet where certain foods are gradually re-introduced. Despite including the word “diet”, a low FODMAP approach to eating is not intended as a weight loss plan.