FODMAP diet

The term FODMAP stands for 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 source of food for the bacteria of the intestinal flora, which can cause discomfort.

Therefore, the main objective 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.

FODMAPs can be found in different food groups:

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

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

The FODMAP diet has the following aspects:

• Generally downloaded in fodmaps;
• Vegetarian lacto-ovo low in fodmaps;
• Vegan downloads fodmaps;
• Low fat in fodmaps;
• Lactose-free low in fodmaps.

People intolerant of FODMAPS may experience the following symptoms:

• Abdominal bloating and distension
• Abdominal pain and discomfort
• Changes in bowel habits
• Stool variations
• Excessive flatulence
• Bowel sounds
• Fatigue

Symptoms caused by FODMAPs can occur when:

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

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