How a dietitian can help you with the low FODMAP diet for IBS

If you have IBS you may have heard of, or even tried the low FODMAP diet.

FODMAP is an acronym for Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides and Polyols. Essentially FODMAPS are a group of carbohydrates that resist digestion in the gut, this means that they are fermented in the large bowel by the bacteria there, causing many of the symptoms of IBS.

The low FODMAP diet works by eliminating these carbohydrates until symptoms have settled, the FODMAPs are then reintroduced in a step wise fashion to see which FODMAPs are responsible for each individuals’ symptoms. The reintroduction stage is probably the most important phase of the diet as each person will be able to tolerate different FODMAPS, in different quantities.

The low FODMAP elimination and reintroduction process can be complex, it is not a case of following a list of foods to include or avoid. Because of this it is vital to have the support of a FODMAP trained dietitian who can support you through the whole process, giving you continual advice and help. They can do this in several ways.

  • Your dietitian can look through your food diary and highlight sources of FODMAPs to you - handy for discovering those tricky ‘hidden’ FODMAPS that creep in!
  • Your dietitian can talk you though the low FODMAP diet to make sure that you have a clear understanding of where FODMAPs come from and how they can affect your IBS
  • Your dietitian can keep in touch with you in between appointments so that you have continual guidance and support, they will be able answer questions for you as and when they arise.
  • Your dietitian can look at food labels or restaurant menus for you to help you make decisions as to whether foods can be included in your diet.
  • Your dietitian can make sure that you have a diet that is personalised to your food preferences, and continues to be nutritionally adequate while you implement the low FODMAP diet.

The low FODMAP diet has been found to be highly successful when supervised by a FODMAP trained Dietitian so why not contact your nearest dietitian today for some expert advice and support.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author. All articles published on Nutritionist Resource are reviewed by our editorial team.

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Preston, Lancashire, PR2 5JP
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Written by Mairi Wilcock, HCPC Registered Dietitian
Preston, Lancashire, PR2 5JP

My name is Mairi Wilcock and I have spent the last 20 years working as a dietitian within both the NHS and private sector. I have extensive experience with helping people with a range of nutritional issues. I love food, meeting new people and helping people achieve their goals, so being a dietitian is for me the best job in the world!

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