FODMAP Diet

The term FODMAP is the acronym that derives from Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides And Polyols.

In simpler terms, they are a group of short-chain carbohydrates that are fermentable and poorly absorbed in the small intestine. FODMAPs are naturally present in food and in the human diet, and because they are not properly absorbed, they are a food source for the bacteria in the intestinal flora, which can cause discomfort.

So the main goal of the FODMAP diet is to reduce or eliminate these carbohydrate components that are present in your diet.

The FODMAP diet is recommended for people suffering from irritable bowel syndrome, celiac disease, Crohn's disease, or other digestive disorders.

We can find FODMAP through different food groups:

• Oligosaccharides
  • including fructans and galacto-oligosaccharides - some fruits, vegetables and cereals;
• Disaccharides
  • including lactose - milk and some dairy products;
• Monosaccharides
  • including fructose - some fruits, vegetables and sweeteners;
• Polyols
  • including sorbitol, xylitol and mannitol - some fruits, vegetables and additives.

They are rapidly metabolized by bacteria in the intestine(Fermentable).

The FODMAP diet has the following aspects:

• General downloads in fodmaps;
• Lacto-ovo vegetarian low fodmaps;
• Vegan drops in fodmaps;
• Low fat low on fodmaps;
• Lactose-free low fodmaps.

People who are intolerant to FODMAPS may have the following symptoms:

• Bloating and abdominal distension
• Abdominal pain and discomfort
• Change in bowel habits
• Stool variations
• Excessive Flatulence
• Bowel sounds
• Fatigue

Symptoms caused by FODMAPs can occur when:

• are poorly absorbed in the small intestine;
• the small molecules of FODMAP are consumed in large quantities;
• molecules are not absorbed in the small intestine, and that when they reach the colon they metabolize with the bacteria that are present there, producing hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and methane.

The various types of FODMAPs are usually present in one meal, and because they all cause distension when they reach the colon, the effects are cumulative. This means that the intensity of the distension depends on the amount of FODMAPs consumed.