Have you ever heard of the FODMAP diet?  Chances are unless you or someone you know suffers from Irritable Bowel Syndrome, it’s not something you’ve had to think too much about.

Here at Kez’s Kitchen we have a passion for creating delicious snacks for people with all sorts of dietary requirements, including those avoiding fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols (which is what FODMAP stands and, put simply, types of carbohydrates). 

With next month being IBS awareness month, we wanted to share a little of our knowledge of FODMAP with you.

A FODMAP diet is one where short-chain carbohydrates that are known to be poorly absorbed by the small intestines are completely avoided in the diet, usually for 2-6 weeks, and then introduced back slowly.  The aim in doing this is to figure out which foods trigger digestive stress (which can show up as bloating, gas, gurgling and uncomfortable visits to the bathroom).  Although breath tests can be used to test for FODMAP intolerance, it’s thought by many that this food-based approach is the most reliable.

A FODMAP diet is most commonly used by people with a diagnosis of IBS, but can be used for people with other digestive disorders.  In all cases it’s worth noting that you should always be under the instruction of a doctor or qualified health professional and should never be adopted without professional supervision (in fact, before making any big changes to your diet you should consult with a doctor!).

Now the technical explanation is out of the way, what does it actually mean day to day?

A whole lot of foods need to be cut out – full lists and information can be provided by your doctor, some main foods include garlic, onion, certain meats, fruits, vegetables, legumes and dairy products.  It’s a very complex and restrictive diet but very rewarding long term when it helps IBS sufferers identify which foods trigger their symptoms.

Thankfully it’s usually only required short-term, with only the foods found to be causing digestive problems remaining excluded or limited from the diet.

If you or someone you know has been prescribed a low-FODMAP diet, we’re incredibly proud to have developed many products that will make your life more enjoyable.  Check out our low FODMAP range here and if you ever have any questions about any of our products you’re always welcome to contact us at info@kezs.com.au.

(We know we said it once but we’ll say it again – please contact your doctor before making any changes to your diet.  FODMAP is a medically prescribed diet and not to be undertaken without medical reason and supervision).