It's estimated that 3.1 million Americans live with Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD). IBD consists of Ulcerative colitis and Chron's disease.

Both diseases affect the digestive tract and usually require dietary intervention, if not a medical one. One way of improving symptoms is by monitoring FODMAPs.

What Are FODMAPS?

FODMAPs are fermented carbohydrates. These carbs can cause digestive issues in certain people. Microflora-producing gas rapidly ferments these carbohydrates, causing painful bloating and gas, among other symptoms.

The acronym "FODMAP" stands for Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides, and Polyols. In short, FODMAPS are polyols, galactans, fructose, fructans, and lactose. They encompass many different foods.

Here's a breakdown of FODMAPs and the foods they're found in.

Olisocaccharides

These carbs include fructans. More specifically, inulin and fructose-oligosaccharides.

Foods included in this category are rye, wheat, pulses, legumes, vegetables such as scallions, leek, garlic, white onions, red cabbage, broccoli, green cabbage, and Jerusalem artichoke.

Additional foods include nectarines, pears, watermelon, blueberries, mulberries, sour cherries, raspberries, red currants, cantaloupes, bananas, and figs. It's important to note that seeds are also hard to digest.

Disaccharides

In this group, the main FODMAP is lactose. This includes soft cheese, yogurt, and milk. Cow's milk, goat's milk, and sheep's milk are all included.

If you're on a low FODMAP diet, you'd want to avoid these foods and more, including cream cheese, quark, cottage cheese, custard, kefir, sour cream, ice cream, and ricotta.

Monosaccharides

The main FODMAP in this category is fructose. Foods in this category include agave, honey, and a variety of fruits. This includes dry fruits, such as sultanas, apples, and dates.

Other fruit byproducts include chutneys, fruit jams, plum sauce, barbeque sauce, gherkins, and sundried tomatoes.

Breakfast cereals containing fruits, oats, and wheat also fall in this category, along with canned fruits such as plums, pineapples, and strawberries. Fresh fruits, including apples, bananas, kiwis, pears, and grapes, are also in this category.

Polyols

Included in the polyols group are carbohydrates such as xylitol, mannitol, and sorbitol. This includes sweeteners you'd commonly see in sugar-free gum, for example.

You can also find polyols in fruits and vegetables, including pitted fruits like plums, peaches, and cherries. Other fruits and vegetables are cauliflower, mushrooms, apricots, apples, pears, green beans, and nectarines.

How Do They Affect Your Health?

If you have IBS or IBD (or are prone to digestive issues), FODMAPS may trigger or worsen your symptoms. Since FODMAPS can ferment and lead to gas, their water-attracting properties affect how your bowels move.

This can lead to distension and is caused by a fluid increase and causes gas to press on the bowels.

Additionally, this can lead to bloating, abdominal pain and cramping, constipation, diarrhea, and more. These symptoms affect how the bowel wall muscles contract, leading to pain and even more discomfort.

If you have Ulcerative Colitis, a form of IBD, you may be told to go on a "low-FODMAP" diet or advised to avoid FODMAPs altogether.

FODMAP Diet

The most common FODMAP diet is a low-FODMAP diet plan. As mentioned, this diet can help anyone experiencing IBS or IBD, especially during an ulcerative colitis "flare."

As with any diet, only begin one under a doctor's supervision.

Begin by removing all high-FODMAP foods. Replace them with low-FODMAP foods. Be sure to include all nutrients and food groups.

When following the low-FODMAP diet, stick to it for 2-6 weeks. Look to see if symptoms improve if used to combat IBS or IBD.

Over the next 8-12 weeks, slowly reintroduce high-FODMAPs. The goal is to see which FODMAPs your body can and can't tolerate.

As you introduce a new high-FODMAP, only introduce one at a time every three days. During these three days, gradually increase the amount of the new FODMAP daily. Check to see if symptoms return after you've completed this elimination diet.

Limitations

Anyone experiencing an eating disorder should not try the low-FODMAP diet. It's restrictive and should be avoided.

Additionally, pregnant people should avoid the low-FODMAP diet. Pregnant women risk missing important dietary supplements that can only be found in certain foods. The low-FODMAP diet may deprive a growing fetus of essential vitamins and minerals it needs to grow.

Precautions

While a low-FODMAP diet can help anyone experiencing IBS or IBD, several drawbacks may exist.

For example, when high-FODMAP foods are restricted for extended periods, bacterial colonies in the gut may experience changes. These changes can harm your intestinal health. You may even experience worse digestive issues than the ones you intended to treat.

Additionally, the body needs oligosaccharides for energy, as they help beneficial bacteria.

Understanding FODMAPs

Although FODMAPs have a place in every balanced diet, high-FODMAP foods can lead to GI distress. A low-FODMAP diet may help reduce the incidence of IBS and IBD and can work to alleviate symptoms. Once you identify trigger foods, you can work to reduce or remove certain FODMAPs from your diet.

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