The low-FODMAP program is a dietary management plan designed to reduce the symptoms of IBS, a digestive condition that affects about 7 – 15% of the world’s population.
FODMAPs are a collection of short-chain carbohydrates (sugars and related molecules) that occur naturally in many foods. Upon ingestion, they can trigger the typical symptoms of IBS (bloating, distension, excess gas, diarrhea and/or constipation) in sensitive individuals which can have a profound effect on the quality of life and daily activities.
The low-FODMAP diet program helps to find a balance between good symptom control and expansion of the diet. It identifies the person’s high-FODMAP problem foods as many people find that while some types of FODMAPs are definite triggers for their symptoms, other types of FODMAPs can be well tolerated.
The program is a three-phased diet, in which:
- Phase 1 – the low-FODMAP eating regimen – serves to identify FODMAP sensitive individuals and initiate symptom relief.
- Phase 2 – FODMAP reintroduction – identifies sensitivities to individual FODMAP food subgroups.
- Phase 3 – FODMAP personalization – serves to liberalize restrictions and establish a ‘personalized’ FODMAP diet for long-term.
