Food intolerances and IBS

Fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols (FODMAPs) are short-chain carbohydrates that are poorly absorbed in the small bowel and can cause gas, pain, and bloating when they reach the large bowel and ferment. These fermentable carbohydrates have been found to exacerbate IBS symptoms. Research to date has demonstrated that adhering to a low FODMAP diet can reduce IBS symptoms for 3 in 4 people with IBS. The low FODMAP diet is an involved process that can take a couple months. The process involves initially adopting a low FODMAP diet, followed by a period of food reintroduction to assess your tolerance to a given FODMAP. The results of this process will form the basis of your personalised long-term diet. For a comprehensive guide to FODMAPs and IBS, visit https://www.monashfodmap.com/