FODMAP’s and Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Recent research into food triggers for Irritable Bowel Syndrome has focused on a number of dietary sugars called FODMAP’s. FODMAP’s refers to Fermentable Oligo-saccharides,  Di-saccarides, Mono-saccarides and Polyols.   This specific group of naturally occurring sugars can be poorly absorbed in the small intestine and have a wide range of effects in the gut in some individuals. Because they are poorly absorbed they are able to be fermented by bacteria in the gut to produce gas which may lead to wind, bloating discomfort, nausea and abdominal cramps.  And in some people these poorly absorbed sugars have an osmotic effect in the gut which means increased water in the bowel and this can contribute to diarrhoea.

 

The low FODMAP’s diet

The current research strongly suggests that dietary restriction of this group of sugars can lead to an improvement of symptoms in many people with IBS. 

• "The low FODMAPS diet provides an effective approach to the management of patients with functional gut symptoms, with an increasing evidence base."
• "It provides relief of global symptoms in the majority of patients with IBS and offers improvement in functional gut symptoms in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.  It warrants widespread application."  
• “It requires expert delivery by a dietitian trained in the diet" ... and "achieves a high degree of compliance."  

Dr Peter Gibson and Dr Sue Shepherd Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology 25 (2010) 252–258

 

FODMAP’s Clinic at Nutrition Solutions

At Nutrition Solutions our Accredited Practising Dietitan ,  Jocelyn Hunter Clarke , has over 15 years experience and is trained in this specialised area of nutrition.  At Nutrition Solutions we have a regular FODMAP’s Clinic where each patient is individually assessed by Jocelyn  and provided with the necessary resources such as up to date FODMAP’s food guides and shopping guides. Each individual is then  supervised throughout the Low FODMAP’s diet with a combination of email support and individual consultation.  

It is important to note that the FODMAP diet is a relatively new treatment option and many websites and some practitioners are unaware of the recent advances in research in this area. Many food lists and books on the web are out of date. To ensure you receive up to date information and guidance make an appointment at our FODMAPs Clinic.

 

To make an appointment with the Jocelyn please click here.