What is the Low FODMAP Diet?

LOW FODMAP DIET – What is it and why see a Dietitian?

By Julian Rosenstein

Julian recently completed further training from Monash University in using Low FODMAP Diets for people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Gut health is a passion area for him – he loves helping people manage their gut symptoms, feel great and eat freely again.

What is the Low FODMAP diet?

FODMAPs are a group of short-chain carbohydrates (sugars) that aren’t absorbed properly in the gut, which can trigger symptoms for people with IBS.  FODMAPs are found naturally in many foods and food additives.

IBS is a very common gut problem with symptoms including abdominal pain, bloating, wind and changes in bowel habit (diarrhoea, constipation, or both).

The Low FODMAP diet consists of three phases: FODMAP restriction; FODMAP reintroduction; and FODMAP personalisation.

Benefits of seeing a Dietitian

Dietitians have extensive knowledge of food and nutrition and are the experts in educating people on disease-specific dietary advice, including IBS.

• A 2019 evaluation study (Tuck et al) found that IBS symptoms and Low FODMAP diet compliance were both improved in people who sought Dietitian guidance.

• Seeing a Dietitian helped people to achieve the therapeutic target for FODMAP intake, and improved their ability to correctly follow the diet’s 3 phases.

• Without Dietitian guidance, people were twice as likely to be non‐responders to the diet (<25% symptom improvement).

Food elimination diets can be tricky to navigate on your own. Relying on generic Low FODMAP meal plans and food lists alone will likely make it difficult to adhere and fully implement the diet’s 3-phases. Personalised and targeted dietary advice is key to ensure your diet doesn’t become overly restrictive, and the process is achievable and sustainable.

If you feel you may have IBS or want to see how we can help, don’t hesitate to book in to see our in-house dietician Julian by calling 95969110 or online by clicking here.

Reference: Tuck, C et al. Implementation of the low FODMAP diet in functional gastrointestinal symptoms: A real‐world experience. Neurogastroenterology & Motility. 2019.