IBS sufferers could find relief in a low-FODMAP diet

After six weeks, more than 50 per cent of the 90 patients followed reported major improvements in abdominal pain when following a low-FODMAP diet. © ericsphotography/Istock.com

FODMAPs are a family of short-chain carbohydrates that have recently gained much attention in the realm of health and nutrition, especially when it comes to digestive health. A low-FODMAP diet, first developed in Australia, aims to cut out these poorly-absorbed sugars which are naturally present in certain fruits, vegetables and cereals. Scientists have now found that this diet can improve the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.

In 2005, Australian nutritionist Sue Sheppard suggested that irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) could be triggered by substances found in food other than gluten and lactose, long held up as the cause of often debilitating digestive symptoms such as diarrhea, cramps, bloating and inflammation.

These substances were identified as FODMAPs -- Fermentable, Oligo-saccharides, Di-saccharides, Mono-saccharides, and Polyols -- sugars that are difficult to digest and poorly absorbed. FODMAPs are found in cereals (wheat, barley, rye), pulses, fruit, certain vegetables (artichoke, chicory, Jerusalem artichokes, Brussels sprouts, mushrooms), dairy products and certain "low-sugar" products, which can cause bloating and stomach aches after each meal as they ferment in the colon.

This diet was scientifically validated in May by an American study, published in the Gastroenterology Journal, which found that a low-FODMAP diet could ease the symptoms of IBS

After six weeks, more than 50 per cent of the 90 patients followed by researchers at the University of Michigan, USA, reported major improvements in abdominal pain when following a low-FODMAP diet, compared with 20 per cent for the control group, who followed a regular diet. Improvements were also seen in symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea and stool urgency. After four weeks, a significantly higher number of patients in the low-FODMAP group reported improved quality of life (61 per cent) compared with the control group (27 per cent).

"This is the only methodically rigorous clinical trial to show that diet-based therapy can not only improve symptoms, but also quality of life in patients with IBS," said assistant clinical professor and gastroenterologist Shanti Eswaran.

Fruits allowed as part of a low-FODMAP diet include bananas, grapes, grapefruits, kiwis, mandarins, oranges, passion fruits, pineapples and tomatoes. However, apples, pears, apricots, plums and mangoes should be avoided. As for vegetables, Swiss chard, carrots, zucchinis, celery, green beans, lettuce, parsnips, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, cucumbers, palm hearts, endives, spinach, pumpkins, turnips and squash are all fine. Cheese lovers should stick to hard cheese.

Approximately 30 million Americans suffer from irritable bowel syndrome.