The FODMAP Diet was originally created by a research team from the Monash University in Melbourne, Australia to easily manage Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). A low-FODMAP diet is recommended for managing patients with IBS and can reduce digestive symptoms of IBS including bloating and flatulence.
Table of Contents
- Table of Contents
- What does FODMAP stand for?
- What does FODMAP mean?
- What foods are FODMAPS found in?
- How does a low FODMAP Diet help IBS?
- Additional information on the Low FODMAP Diet
What does FODMAP stand for?
The term FODMAP is an acronym for the following:
- Fermentable Oligosaccharides
- Disaccharides
- Monosaccharides
- And Polyols.

What does FODMAP mean?
FODMAP refers to the scientific terms used to classify groups of fermentable carbohydrates found in particular foods that are known for triggering digestive symptoms like bloating, gas and stomach pain.
FODMAPs are found in a wide range of foods in varying amounts. Some foods contain just one type, while others contain several.
Source
What foods are FODMAPS found in?
- Oligosaccharides: Wheat, rye, legumes and various fruits and vegetables, such as garlic and onions.
- Disaccharides: Milk, yogurt and soft cheese. Lactose is the main carbohydrate.
- Monosaccharides: Various fruit including figs and mangoes, and sweeteners such as honey and agave nectar. Fructose is the main carbohydrate.
- Polyols: Certain fruits and vegetables including blackberries and lychee, as well as some low-calorie sweeteners like those in sugar-free gum.
How does a low FODMAP Diet help IBS?
Going on a low FODMAP diet will enable you to pinpoint the food/s that are high in FODMAPS and are causing IBS symptoms like stomach pain, bloating, reflux, flatulence and bowel urgency.
There are three stages to a low FODMAP diet.
Stage 1: In the first stage, you remove high FODMAP foods from your diet for three to eight weeks to see if your symptoms improve.
Stage 2: In the second stage, you add these same foods back into your diet one at a time to see which foods you tolerate and which ones cause your symptoms.
Stage 3: The third stage, and overall goal is to add back into your diet as many foods as you can tolerate in amounts that will not trigger your symptoms.
It is advisable to check that a low FODMAP diet will help your symptoms. It may do more harm than good. You can check your symptoms with me in a free 30 minute assessment.
Additional information on the Low FODMAP Diet
If you are suffering from bloating, flatulence or other symptoms of IBS, your first step is to check in with your GP. You may get a referral to a Dieititian to look at trying this diet as a way of eliminating foods that may be causing the discomfort.
If you already know that you should be trying a low FODMAP diet to help your symptoms, please book a free 30 minute assessment call with me to discuss getting started.
To read more about the FODMAP diet, check out the information available from the Monash University.
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