FODMAP Diet: A Fad Diet or Helpful for Everyone?

The FODMAP diet is gaining traction on blogs, media and in the research studies.

Does that mean that this “newish” idea could help everyone or is it another dreaded Fad diet?

Remember, over 100 years ago researchers thought carbohydrates were the biggest problem for people with digestive conditions. Recent studies are starting to show significant improvement (74%) in digestive symptoms using the FODMAP Diet [1]. Based on that, I think the idea is worth a more in-depth look. So, let’s start with a primer of what you need to know.

What is the FODMAP Diet?   

Let’s start with the alphabet soup name: “FODMAP.” It’s a medical acronym for Fermentable, Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides and Polyols. Yummy right? The diet portion of the name is in reference to a sequence in which the foods with higher FODMAP content are removed and slowly added back in. First, let’s figure out what those big words mean, then I’ll tell you how they might be hurting you and how to avoid them.
F is for Fermentable – In this context, the fermentation of these carbohydrates occurs either in the small or large intestine. In many cases, this is normal and happens in healthy people. But in people affected by IBS the fermentation causes more pain than normal. The theory here is (in affected people) a reduction in all fermentation will improve the quality of patients’ lives.

O is for Oligosaccharides – “Oligo” is a Greek prefix for having few or little and saccharide is another word for sugar. So, this is a word that means short-chain carbohydrates. In the case of FODMAPS, we’re talking specifically about fucto-oligosaccharides (fructans) and galacto-oligosaccharides (galactans). The fructans group is comprised of FOS and inulin. Glacatans are made up of Raffinose and Stachyose (mostly found in beans).

D is for Disaccharides – “Di” meaning two, and again saccharide meaning sugar. So, this word means two sugar molecules linked together. Interestingly, in the case of FODMAPs, researchers don’t believe all disaccharides are problematic… only lactose (milk sugar).

M is for Monosaccharides – “Mono” meaning one, this word is used to describe one basic sugar molecule. In the context of FODMAPs, researchers don’t implicate all monosaccharaides only fructose.

And

P is for Polyols – This is another name for sugar alcohols such as sorbitol, mannitol, xylitol and isomalt. These sugars are malabsorbed by everyone and are free to be fermented by bacteria wherever the bacteria find them. Even healthy people can experience digestive problems from eating sugar alcohols.

I’m sure you’re thinking, “Great but why do I care?” Well, it turns out researchers have found that these specific foods contribute to digestive problems like diarrhea, constipation, gas, pain and bloating.

http://scdlifestyle.com/2012/09/fodmap-diet-a-fad-diet-or-helpful-for-everyone/