Following fodmaps? Don’t make this common mistake
The low fodmap diet has helped many regain control of their bowels, and their lives! As a dietitian who specialises in fodmaps and food intolerance, there is no better feeling than seeing someone’s life turned around within a few weeks.
Yet it’s the effectiveness of fodmaps that’s has led many to make a common mistake, and understandably so. That is, remaining on a diet free of fodmaps for many months. It makes perfect sense, especially for someone who has finally enjoyed a few weeks of freedom from pain, bloating and having to run to the toilet with little notice. Why would you rock the boat so shortly after seeing drastic improvement?
The concern with fodmaps long-term
It's true that fodmaps have the potential to cause all sorts of problems for someone who is sensitive. Yet they still play a valuable role specifically to our microbiome. Fodmaps are an important source of prebiotics, which help feed the healthy species of bacteria which we want to continue to thrive. Prebiotics are not to be confused with probiotics, which are actual living strains of bacteria. Whilst it’s true that not all prebiotic foods are also high in fodmaps, examples of which are bananas and cooked and cooled potato & rice. It does remain difficult, however, to extract enough variety without at least some types of high fodmap foods.
It's yet to be seen what the exact risks are for someone remaining on a strict low fodmap diet. Yet it makes good sense that denying our microbiome of a primary fuel source has potential to cause unwanted harm over time.
Why fodmap challenges are a crucial process
Clients who I’ve worked with right across Adelaide would understand the importance of doing fodmap challenges. This is a series of three days tests which cover sorbitol, mannitol, fructose, lactose, and fructans. Whilst it is a tedious process, importantly, this allows us to grow a list of high fodmap foods that can be reintroduced into a persons long-term diet, at least in moderate amounts. This is crucial for prebiotic diversity.
With the help of a dietitian who specialises in fodmaps and food intolerance, you will be able to find the right long-term balance of restricting certain fodmap triggers, whilst reintroducing others to support your microbiome health.
There are still too many who suffer in silence with an issue which can be resolved in a matter of weeks. If this is you, make sure you get the help of a professional who has experience dealing with fodmaps and food intolerance.
