Irritable bowel syndrome and the FODMAP plan – 3 steps to managed symptoms

Stage 1 – The low FODMAP stage

What? You will follow a low FODMAP diet for at least two weeks.

Why? Two reasons….to see if FODMAPs are responsible for your symptoms and if so, to get you symptom free as soon as possible.

How? You will receive a full outline of low FODMAP foods, support apps, and all other help you need via ongoing email support.

Stage 2 – FODMAP Reintroduction

What? You will eat ‘test’ foods high in a single type of FODMAP to check your reaction (if any).

Why? You are unlikely to be intolerant to all FODMAP types.  Testing will pinpoint which FODMAP types cause your symptoms.

How?  You will be guided through a very structured protocol, testing one food at a time at specified quantities.  Email support will be provided throughout.

Stage 3 – Personalised FODMAP plan

What? You will now have knowledge of the single FODMAP types and quantities you can, and cannot, tolerate.  This information will be used to predict your tolerance of other foods.

Why? So you can eat as wide and varied a diet as possible while managing your symptoms.

How? Your dietitian will use your test results to determine:

1. The foods with multiple FODMAPs you are likely to be able to tolerate.

2. The overall quantity of FODMAP types from a combination of foods you are likely to tolerate.

If you‘re not sure if you’re ready to try the FODMAP plan, read Mary’s story below..

“I just wanted to drop you a quick note to once again thank you for your wonderful support in sorting out my lifelong stomach issues.  It has been two years since we first started the FODMAP diet and it is not over stating things by saying the process has been life changing. After YEARS of living with daily stomach problems I can genuinely say that I am living completely pain free. It was only when I went out for dinner last weekend and thought I’d picked something safe but there must have been something unknown (probably onion!) in a lovely tasting reduction that triggered me. The pain was excruciating for a day or so but I said to my husband that I couldn’t believe I used to live like that all the time! I now eat a very healthy and varied diet and thank you regularly for introducing me to delicious new foods…I feel educated and empowered to feed my body with what it needs and am forever thankful for the information and support you gave me to get here.”