Low-FODMAP Diet

Low-FODMAP Diet

When inflammation levels are low but GI symptoms persist, it may be related to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) within IBD, or other Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction (DGBI) which may be addressed with the Low-FODMAP Diet.

Glass cup with panna cotta and raspberries

About Low-FODMAP

The Low-FODMAP Diet is a temporary dietary plan that limits the intake of certain types of fermentable carbohydrates, including oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols. It is used to treat symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). As some patients with IBD also have the coexistence of IBS, it may be helpful to treat persistent gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms in patients with IBD who have low levels of inflammation, where symptoms may be attributed to IBS rather than IBD.

In following the Low-FODMAP Diet, specific carbohydrates (high-FODMAP foods) are excluded for a period of time and then slowly reintroduced in order to determine which ones in particular may activate symptoms. Small daily amounts of each carbohydrate type are generally well tolerated. The cumulative effect of consuming large daily amounts of higher FODMAP carbohydrate foods may be the cause of GI distress. Higher FODMAP fruits and vegetables that are excluded include onions, garlic, apples, etc; it is recommended to specifically include fruits and vegetables that are low in FODMAPs, such as berries, nuts, carrots, green leafy vegetables, etc. See charts below.

As the low-FODMAP diet has not been shown to reduce inflammation¹, it is recommended for symptom relief only, rather than disease management. It is further recommended for use short term (4 weeks) rather than longer term because it may adversely affect the microbiome ².

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References

Peng Z, Yi J, Liu X. A Low-FODMAP Diet Provides Benefits for Functional Gastrointestinal Symptoms but Not for Improving Stool Consistency and Mucosal Inflammation in IBD: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Nutrients. 2022;14(10):2072. Published 2022 May 15. doi:10.3390/nu14102072‍
Cox SR, Lindsay JO, Fromentin S, et al. Effects of Low FODMAP Diet on Symptoms, Fecal Microbiome, and Markers of Inflammation in Patients With Quiescent Inflammatory Bowel Disease in a Randomized Trial. Gastroenterology. 2020;158(1):176-188.e7. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2019.09.024

Low-FODMAP Foods

High-FODMAP Foods

Eggplant, green beans, bok choy, bell pepper, carrot, cucumber, lettuce, potato, tomato, zucchini
Cantaloupe, grapes, kiwi, orange, pineapple, strawberries
Almond milk, brie and camembert cheese, feta cheese, hard cheeses, lactose-free milk, soy milk (made from soy protein)
Eggs, firm tofu, plain cooked meats/poultry/seafood, tempeh
Corn flakes, oats, quinoa flakes, quinoa/rice/corn pasta, rice cakes (plain), sourdough spelt bread, wheat-/rye-/barley-free breads
Dark chocolate, maple syrup, rice malt syrup, table sugar
Macadamias, peanuts, pumpkin seeds, walnuts

Apples, pears, mangoes, cherries, figs, nashi pears, pears, watermelon, dried fruit (high in fructose)
Artichoke, garlic, leek, onion, spring onions (high in fructans)
Mushrooms, cauliflower, snow peas (high in mannitol)
Wholemeal bread, rye bread, muesli containing wheat, wheat pasta, rye crispbread (Fructans and GOS)
Red kidney beans, split peas, falafels, baked beans (high in GOS)
Soft cheeses, milk, yogurt (high in lactose)
Cashews and pistachios (high in GOS and fructans)
Honey, HFCS, artificial sweeteners (high in polyols)

Source: Monash University

Implementing Low-FODMAP

Patients with IBD seeking to implement a Low-FODMAP Diet should consult with a dietary professional. Low-FODMAP Diet may not be a good choice for everyone, particularly for those at risk of developing eating disorders. It is also difficult to implement properly, so it is best undertaken with an experienced dietitian. Excessive fiber intake from fruits and vegetables can cause GI pain and an increased risk of a bowel obstruction, particularly in patients with strictures. Fiber-containing foods should be added in small quantities at a time to allow the body to adapt to processing more fiber and build the proper muscles and bacteria to handle fiber. Patients with strictures should take extra care to first peel fruits and vegetables and cook them well and may need to consider pureeing them initially.

For patients who are not currently consuming many fiber-containing foods, slowly adding in high-FODMAP foods could cause gastrointestinal symptoms due to the fiber rather than the carbohydrates. High-FODMAP foods draw water into the intestines, which can perpetuate diarrhea. The fermentation of high-FODMAP foods by bacteria in the colon can cause bloating, gas, and cramping pain.

Other options for treating persistent symptoms are a Gluten-free, Dairy-Free and/or Lactose-Free Diets or avoiding Trigger Foods.

Low-FODMAP Research articles

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June 29, 2023

The Low FODMAP Diet for Children with Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Overlapping Functional Gastrointestinal Symptoms - a Case Series

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