Benefits of Low FODMAP Diet

What is the Low FODMAP Diet?

The low-FODMAP diet aims to reduce overall FODMAP intake. This is especially helpful in patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

FODMAPs are:

• Fermentable
• Oligosaccharides (eg. Fructans and Galactans)
• Disaccharides (eg. Lactose), Monosaccharides (eg. excess Fructose) and
• Polyols (eg. Sorbitol, Mannitol, Maltitol, Xylitol and Isomalt)

How does the low FODMAP diet work?

A reduction of FODMAP intake reduces symptoms because FODMAPs (in those whom experience relief on a low-FODMAP diet) are poorly absorbed in the small intestine. These carbohydrates then move along into the large intestine without being appropriately digested, reacting chemically there with our (healthy and unhealthy) bacteria to produce unwanted gas. FODMAPs also act like a sponge in the large intestine, where they draw and hold excess fluid. These behaviors manifest themselves physically and most notably in the form of bloating, farting, loud and volatile digestive noises, and other unwanted symptoms.

How do I go on the FODMAP diet?

During your elimination trial, it is recommended that you eliminate all FODMAPs either significantly or entirely. Most patients will begin to feel significantly better within a few hours and a few days, but will take up to two weeks to feel fully healthy. A minority of patients have reported that it took up to three months to fully recover. After recovery, you can begin to gradually reintroduce foods using the steps outlined at the end of this section. 

Many IBS sufferers with generally mild symptoms will find that a general reduction of fructose intake alone significantly relieves them of their symptoms. Other individuals will find that they must significantly reduce their intake of all FODMAPs to experience relief. You may find over time that eating certain FODMAPs does not bother you.

Finally, it should be noted that fructose – the ubiquitous simple sugar – is often allowed in “safe foods” if the food also contains a glucose-to-fructose ratio greater than one. This is because research shows that ingesting glucose at the same time as fructose (and in the same quantities as fructose) eases fructose absorption.

WHAT WE OFFER YOU FOR THE LOW FODMAP DIET

Individualized approach to help address your specific symptoms with a tailored low FODMAP diet for your needs.

Counseling to implement the low FODMAP diet in a way that works for you and your lifestyle, whether you are at home, work, traveling, socializing, or dining out.

Ongoing support to help you modify the low FODMAP diet, based on your daily and overall lifestyle needs.

Author

Marc D. Makhani, MD Dr. Makhani pursued his bachelor's degree at UCLA with a major in psychobiology. He also volunteered at the Santa Monica UCLA Hospital as an undergraduate. He then went on to obtain his medical degree as a doctor of medicine (MD) at the University of Vermont College of Medicine. He subsequently obtained a board certification in internal medicine after completing his residency at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Dr. Makhani then continued his medical training by pursuing a specialty in gastroenterology at Temple University Hospital in Pennsylvania before moving back to Los Angeles to begin his practice. Dr. Makhani is the founder of LA Digestive Health and Wellness and centers his principles on a passion for promoting overall health and wellbeing.