FODMAP is an acronym for fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols.

“FODMAP stands for a lot of big words but they are basically types of carbohydrates found in foods that we may struggle to digest fully,” explains registered nutritionist Eva Humphries. “There are many foods that we can’t fully break down, but where FODMAP foods differ is that they ferment very easily. This fermentation is associated with bloating and digestive discomfort in susceptible individuals.

Low-FODMAP foods are generally lower in fermentable carbohydrates and the less fermentation there is, the less likely it is that bloating and discomfort will result.”

And the science seems to back this up. “The diet was developed by researchers at Monash University in Australia,” says nutritional therapist Nishtha Patel. “They found that certain types of carbohydrates (FODMAPS) were poorly absorbed in the small intestine and fermented by gut bacteria in the large intestine, causing symptoms such as bloating, gas and abdominal pain in people with IBS. By eliminating or reducing high-FODMAP foods from the diet, IBS symptoms could be significantly reduced in many people.”

Indeed, research shows that up to 75% of people with IBS experience significant improvements in their symptoms by following a low-FODMAP diet. However, if you are struggling with IBS symptoms – which can range from bloating and discomfort to constipation and diarrhoea – it’s vital to consult your GP to rule out any other underlying causes before following any kind of diet plan.

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