The Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Diet Guide

Try A Low FODMAP Diet

For irritable bowel syndrome patients, eating often leads to dramatic digestive symptoms. But restricting the consumption of trigger foods has also been shown to reduce the frequency of flareups in many individuals with food sensitivities. For those who have irritable bowel syndrome, the most common diet is called a low FODMAP diet. Doctors use a low FODMAP diet as the first clinical treatment recommendation for irritable bowel syndrome. FODMAP is the short version of a chemical name that describes certain fermentable carbohydrates found in foods all over the food pyramid. Unfortunately, it's not as simple as eliminating just one product or category of food. FODMAPs are divided into four groups. Some of the foods high in these carbohydrates include legumes, rye, wheat, onions, garlic, soft cheese, yogurt, milk, mangoes, fruits, agave nectar, honey, lychee, blackberries, and certain low-calorie sweeteners found in coffee substitutes or sugarless gum. Since many fruits and vegetables are on the list, individuals have to educate themselves and be conscious rather than just avoiding wheat and dairy.