As our understanding of how food interacts with our body, it’s becoming increasingly clear that some types of foods are problematic for a lot of people. A specific group of foods appears to be causing digestive distress
for the majority of the population on some level. For some people, these foods are causing severe IBS, whereas, for others, they can cause food intolerance symptoms such as bloating or nausea.
Regardless, it does appear that FODMAP’s may be causing problems for a lot of the population. It’s becoming apparent a lot of people are living with food intolerances to these short-chain carbohydrates. But what are FODMAPs?
What Are FODMAPs
Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides & Polyols (FODMAP’s) are a group of short-chain carbohydrates found in certain foods, including wheat. There is a growing base of research showing ever-strengthening links between these foods and food intolerance symptoms, including gas, bloating, stomach pain, diarrhea, and constipation. While this was thought to be restricted to be people with specific food intolerances initially, it now looks like it may affect near enough every single person. A food intolerance test can help you identify any particular FODMAP foods which you have food intolerances to.
FODMAPs and food intolerance symptoms
There seems to be a strong correlation between consuming FODMAPs and the experience of food intolerance symptoms. As they tend to be carb-dense foods, digestion appears to release an excess amount of gas, causing trapped wind, flatulence, and bloating. They also seem to draw liquid into your intestines, which causes diarrhea. This can make it look as though you’re living with a condition when you’re actually just dealing with the consequences of FODMAP food intolerance.
High FODMAP foods
Foods that are high in FODMAPs include:
- Fruits – Apples, Watermelon, Cherries, Apricots, Blackberries.
- Dairy – Milk, Ice Cream, Yoghurts, Cheeses.
- Vegetables – Asparagus, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage.
- Wheat – Bread, Pasta, Pancakes, Breakfast Cereals.
- Beverages – Beer, soft drinks with high-fructose corn syrup, and fruit juices.
You can find plenty of alternative foods if you find food intolerances to any of the above items using a food intolerance test.
Taking a food intolerance test
A great place to start finding your food intolerances, FODMAP or otherwise, is using a food intolerance test. You can find a range to suit all budgets here.
