Is a Low FODMAP Diet Plan for Me?

I am here to clarify all of the questions you may have about who this groundbreaking Low FODMAP diet plan is for – read closely, because it might be perfect for you!

The Low FODMAP diet plan is almost a misnomer because it is not really a “diet” per se. It is at first a 2-6 week experiment to help you identify the foods that are triggering your digestive distress, and then it becomes a way of living and eating that minimizes your IBS symptoms, and lets you enjoy your food and feel great.

Do you suffer from gas, bloating, constipation, or diarrhea?

Your doctor might have suggested that you try this way of eating to combat certain digestive conditions. The Low FODMAP diet plan has been studied in patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and has very promising statistics to back up how helpful it can be. In recent studies, 50-70% of people who tried it for IBS felt relief from their symptoms. Your doctor may have also suggested trying this plan for other digestive disorders. Though it has not been formally studied as yet, people are utilizing this plan with success for a wide range of digestive complaints.

Of course, it is also likely that you read about this on your own, heard about it through a friend, or family member who thought it might be a good idea for you. If you suffer from regular uncomfortable or embarrassing bloating, gas, pain, or other digestive distress – and have ruled out more serious conditions, the FODMAP diet plan can help alleviate your digestive discomforts and leave you feeling great.

I have worked with hundreds of people implementing the Low FODMAP diet plan for a wide range of digestive complaints – and many of my patients have had tremendous success in identifying their triggers. My patients and I are lucky to now have incredible products like those from Fody to make the transition to Low FODMAP living so much easier – and tastier!

When is the Low FODMAP diet plan not right for me?

If you do not have digestive issues and are looking for a weight loss diet, this is not for you. FODMAPs are in many healthy foods (hello, broccoli and cauliflower!), so there is no reason to avoid these foods if it will not ease your discomfort. It is possible to lose weight, to maintain your weight, or to gain weight on the diet. Depending on what your goals are, a registered dietitian can help you devise a plan to meet your weight goals on this diet.

If you have an eating disorder, it is not recommended to jump into a FODMAP diet plan on your own. The diet can be restrictive and can trigger disordered eating. A registered dietitian can help modify the plan to help a patient who is suffering from both an eating disorder and a digestive disorder.

Have more questions?

I hope this answers your questions about who this Low FODMAP diet plan is right for. If you have any further questions please send them to info@fodyfoods.com and I will answer them in my next blog post!

About the Author

Danielle Capalino

Danielle Capalino, MSPH, RD, is a registered dietitian in New York City, providing nutritional counseling on digestive health. She is a graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the John Hopkins School of Public Health.

daniellecapalino.com