Do you want to know what Fodmap is?
You are reading the right information.
Did you know that you are a reflection of what you eat? Poor diets will take a toll on your physical, social, and psychological health. For instance, some food such as Fodmaps can cause serious digestive issues.
What are Fodmaps?
Fodmap is a short form for Fermentable Oligo-saccharides, Di-saccharides, Mono-saccharides, and Polyols. These are sugars that are poorly absorbed in the small intestines. They are available in certain foods, including beans and wheat. In fact, some people report to experience digestive problems after consuming a Fodmaps.
Some of the digestive problems linked to Fodmaps include constipation, stomach pain, gas, bloating, and diarrhea. However, such complications can be lessened by consuming a Fodmap diet. This is a type of food with low Fodmap.
Research has proved that a low-Fodmap diet has several health benefits, especially for people with digestive disorders.
What are the Effects of Fodmaps
As earlier pointed out, Fodmaps are certain carbohydrates/sugars that are not easily digested. So, they are not also absorbed in the bloodstream. Therefore, they proceed to the intestines and mixes with the gut bacteria.
The gut bacteria will then use the sugars for fuel. This leads to the production of hydrogen gas. This eventually causes a myriad of digestive complications. Furthermore, Fodmaps also cause diarrhea. But these symptoms only occur in some people especially those with IBS (irritable bowel syndrome)
Below are common Fodmaps;
Fructose; this is a simple sugar available in vegetables and some fruits.
Lactose; this is a type of carbohydrate, and it’s available in dairy products such as milk.
Fructans; you can find this one in several foods such as rye, wheat, barley, and spelt.
Polyols; these are sugar alcohols such as maltitol, mannitol, xylitol, and sorbitol. Also, you can find them in certain fruits or vegetables that we use as sweeteners.
What will Happen after You’ve Consumed Fodmaps?
In most cases, Fodmaps pass via the intestines unchanged. This is because of their resistant nature to digestion. This is why they are referred to as dietary fiber. However, some carbs are only indigestible in some people. These are carbs such as fructose and lactose. Also, the body’s response to these carbs varies from one person to the other. According to research by scientists, carbs trigger several digestive complications such as IBS.
Once the Fodmaps reach the colon, they are fermented, after which the gut bacteria use them as fuel. The gut bacteria releases hydrogen once the Fodmaps reaches the colon. This effect leads to bloating, stomach cramping, and all other symptoms we’ve mentioned. Furthermore, Fodmaps are active osmotically. This means that they can draw water/ liquid in the intestine hence causing severe diarrhea. However, if you develop Fodmap related symptoms, here is what you need to do;
Switch to Low- Fodmap Diet
The health experts recommend a low-Fodmap diet to patients suffering from Irritable bowel syndrome or IBS. For instance, 15% of the US population suffers from IBS– most of the victims are undiagnosed.
There is no clear cause of IBS. However, some foods, such as Fodmap, cause IBS. Stress is also a vital cause of the condition. But a low Fodmap diet is of great benefit. It helps improve the symptoms and general body health.
People who switch to a low Fodmap diet report a significant reduction in symptoms. They report less gas, less diarrhea, reduced stomach pain, and less bloating. In addition, the diet has psychological benefits on an individual.
Foods that have a high content of Fodmaps are fruits, sweeteners, dairy products, and vegetables. Others include wheat, legumes, beverages, rye, and barley, among others.
To improve the quality of your life, especially if you have IBS, make sure you try a Fodmap diet. It will not only ease your discomfort, but you’ll start living a quality life.