FODMAPs short for, fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols are a collection of short-chain carbohydrates (or sugars) found naturally occurring in an array of foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, processed foods etc. These sugars can cause a trigger in symptoms for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) sufferers, due to the sugars not being able to be entirely digested or absorbed in our intestines. When the FODMAPs hit the small intestine water is naturally attracted, following through to the large intestine where the FODMAPs become fermented by the gut bacteria which in turn creates gas. The mix of water and gas can cause discomfort due to the expansion caused in the intestinal walls, especially creating sensitivities and discomfort in IBS sufferers (monashfodmap, 2021).

The low FODMAP diet limits foods that have been found to aggravate the gut and cause IBS symptoms, and priortises foods that are classified as low FODMAP. Foods limited include garlic, onion, apples and most legumes, and foods that are included on a low FODMAP diet include eggs, tofu, hard cheese, wholegrains like rice and oats and vegetables such as tomatoes and potatoes.

If you are undertaking a low FODMAP diet, it is important to seek the advice of a dietician or healthcare practitioner.