How The ‘Low-FODMAP Diet’ Can Help Manage Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Laura Manning, MPH, RD, CDN Clinical Nutrition Coordinator Susan and Leonard Feinstein IBD Clinical Center at Mount Sinai Abdominal pain and a swollen belly, gas, constipation, or diarrhea—these symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affect one in seven American adults. A common gastrointestinal (GI) disorder, IBS is a long-term but not life-threatening condition. Still, it can interfere with many aspects of daily life, and is one of the top reasons for missing work. There is no specific test for IBS, so gastroenterologists typically diagnose it only after testing for and ruling out all other GI problems. We do not know exactly what causes it, and so far there is no cure, so treatment focuses on controlling symptoms. Traditionally, IBS has been managed in many different ways, including dietary intervention, supplements, and medications like anti-cramping and anti-diarrheal drugs. A relatively recent approach, called the low-FODMAP diet, has helped many people with IBS and is fast becoming the new gold standard for managing symptoms. What Does ‘FODMAP’ Mean? FODMAP is an acronym for a group of carbohydrates: fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols. These are sugars that occur naturally in a variety of foods and are added to many processed foods. They are normally good for us, but people with IBS tend to be sensitive to them. FODMAP foods include: Fructose. Typically found in many fruits, like watermelon, apples, and cherr...
Source: Healthy Living - The Huffington Post - Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news