Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment Options of IBS

"There is a proven way to treat IBS and other intestinal disorders without drugs or other invasive procedures: a low-FODMAP diet," Pedre, M.D.

FODMAP are a family of carbohydrate sugars and fiber that can aggravate IBS:

The acronym stands for Fermentable (Process by which intestinal bacteria break down undigested carbohydrates to produce gases such as hydrogen, methane and carbon dioxide) oligosaccharides (fructo-oligosaccharides present in wheat, rye, onions and garlic) and Galactooligosaccharides (found in legumes / legumes), disaccharides (a lactose present in milk, soft cheese and yogurts), monosaccharide (fructose in excess of glucose, present in honey and many fruits and vegetables), and polyols (sugar polyols such as sorbitol and mannitol, present in some fruits and vegetables and used as artificial sweeteners).

It's a mouthful, but in the difficult cases of IBS, diets low in FODMAP can completely change the game. Basically, with a diet low in FODMAP, you aggressively eliminate or reduce high-fiber vegetables, high-sugar fruits, legumes, dairy products and sugar alcohols for a while.

There is also compelling research to support: "One study found that a low-FODMAP diet improved symptoms in about 68 to 76 percent of IBS patients – results that I've seen. I have seen in my own practice, "said Pedre. "IBS aside, a diet low in FODMAP helps a variety of bowel disorders, including Crohn's disease, celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease and even Bacterial proliferation of the small intestine.

Despite the success of the poor FODMAP diet, some important caveats apply. On the one hand, it can be restrictive and difficult to follow properly (unless you have a practical guide on a low FODMAP diet). In addition, many people with IBS do not need such a restrictive long-term diet. For those who benefit, Pedre stresses that the goal should be the gradual reintroduction of healthy FODMAP foods like vegetables, legumes and fruits.

To increase your chances of success, Pedre recommends keeping a food diary. "Tracking your food intake is a great way to locate FODMAP-rich foods and other food intolerances, and [to help you] target adult offenders. "