Introduction to Irritable Bowel Syndrome and FODMAP diet – By Kashish Ahuja

I am Kashish Ahuja, nutritionist at The Kenko Life.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal disorder that affects the large intestine (colon). It is characterized by a group of symptoms related to digestion and bowel function, which can vary in severity.

Some symptoms are –

1. Abdominal pain or cramping: Often relieved by a bowel movement.
2. Bloating: A feeling of fullness or swelling in the abdomen.
3. Changes in bowel habits: This can include diarrhoea, constipation, or alternating between both.
4. Excessive gas: Also known as flatulence.

    

The FODMAP diet is a nutritional approach aimed at managing symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and other functional gastrointestinal disorders. FODMAP stands for Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides, and Polyols—types of short-chain carbohydrates (sugars) that are poorly absorbed in the small intestine.

These carbohydrates can cause digestive issues in some people, including bloating, gas, diarrhoea, and constipation, because they are fermented by bacteria in the gut or draw excess water into the intestines.

Common high FODMAP foods include:

• Oligosaccharides: Wheat, onions, garlic, legumes (beans, lentils).
• Disaccharides: Milk, yogurt (due to lactose).
• Monosaccharides: Apples, pears, honey, high-fructose corn syrup.
• Polyols: Stone fruits (cherries, peaches), artificial sweeteners like sorbitol.

   

This diet is typically followed under the guidance of a healthcare professional, like a dietitian, to ensure its nutritionally balanced and effective in managing symptoms.

These carbohydrates can cause digestive issues in some people, including bloating, gas, diarrhoea, and constipation, because they are fermented by bacteria in the gut or draw excess water into the intestines. The FODMAP diet helps identify which specific foods may trigger these symptoms and can be broken down into three phases:

1.     Elimination Phase: For 4–6 weeks, high FODMAP foods are removed from the diet completely. This helps to reduce symptoms and gives a baseline for understanding food triggers.
2.     Reintroduction Phase: Foods are gradually reintroduced one at a time to determine which ones are problematic and which can be tolerated in moderate amounts.
3.     Personalization Phase: After identifying food intolerances, a balanced, long-term eating plan is created that includes only the FODMAPs the person can tolerate.

    

At Kenko Life, you can choose a variety of healthy meal options for your daily dose of nutrition. Call at –  +91 901906245