FODMAPs
Are Types of Carbohydrates

FODMAPs

Why should you care about carbohydrates known as FODMAPs in your food? Because they could be making you feel sick!

After you chew and swallow food, it moves into the stomach. From the stomach it journeys first to the small intestine, followed by the large intestine. As the food travels, chemicals (called enzymes) in the intestines break it into digestible parts.

FODMAPs, unlike some other carbohydrates, are tricky for the intestines to digest, so they stick around longer. As a result, they can pull too much or too little water into the gut, or be fermented by gut bacteria. For some people, this can trigger IBS symptoms such as gas, bloating, cramping, constipation and/or diarrhea. Since eating FODMAPs triggers the symptoms, a low-FODMAP food plan often makes people feel much happier and healthier!

 

So what foods are high and low in the carbohydrates known as FODMAPs? This is a complicated question because:

  • Not all carbohydrates are FODMAPs.
  • FODMAPs are present in many different foods and food categories.
  • If two or more low-FODMAP foods are combined into one serving, it may lead to a high-FODMAP food serving.
  • Many people find that one or more FODMAPs cause symptoms, but other FODMAPs do not.

It can be frustrating and confusing, but don’t give up! If your doctor, dietitian or other healthcare professional has recommended a low-FODMAP diet then you’ve come to the right place. The free guide below will help you navigate through a low-FODMAP diet. Click on it to download a free PDF that you can print and use!