The low FODMAP diet can work brilliantly to reduce gut symptoms such as bloating and excess gas and gut pain and diarrhoea and/or constipation if you are reacting to FODMAPs (small, poorly digested carbohydrates such as fructose).
Sometimes the low FODMAP diet doesn't work!
Or only partially works with significant residual gut issues still occurring on a regular basis.
Possible scenarios:
1. SNEAKY FODMAPs or OTHER GENERAL NON FODMAP FOOD TRIGGERS
Maybe there are some sneaky high FODMAP foods causing issues: best to troubleshoot with an experienced Dietitian in FODMAPs PLUS food intolerances (see why later).
General non FODMAP triggers such as meal size, stress, inadequate fibre or fluid, poor sleep, triggers such as chilli can also be considered. And stress- did I mention stress?
2. YOU ARE NOT SENSITIVE TO FODMAPS
Maybe FODMAPs are actually fine for you and not causing your gut symptoms, and maybe the symptoms are not related to food.
It is super important to check with your GP and/or gastroenterologist to rule out medical conditions such as endometriosis, Coeliac Disease, Inflammatory bowl disease and any other medical issues that can cause the same symptoms as IBS.
3. YOU HAVE UNIDENTIFIED FOOD INTOLERANCE(S) CONTINUING TO CAUSE ISSUES
Gut or IBS symptoms can be caused by other food intolerances such as dairy or wheat intolerance and/or it can be due to other components in food such as food chemicals (salicylates, amines and glutamates as well as some food additives) .
If the low FODMAP diet has not helped or has only partially resolved symptoms, it may be worth exploring these other food intolerances especially if you feel you have symptoms related to food.
JOIN THE COMMUNITY: BRAND NEW Dietitian led Facebook group: Amines, Salicylates and Glutamates: The Food Intolerance Dietitian for great information and community support.
DO YOU HAVE THE FOLLOWING?
If you or your child has following food symptoms, then YOIU MAY HAVE SOME OTHER FOOD INTOLERANCES IN PLAY:
Headaches and migraines
Extreme fatigue (feel like been hit by a bus)
Flu like aches and pains
Mouth ulcers
Skin issues eg rashes or hives or eczema flare up or itchy skin
Fuzzy or foggy thinking
Sinus issues
Mood changes
Sleeping issues
Gets angry easily or defiant and disruptive and defies rules
Sinus/congestion
Silly over the top behaviour
Hyperactivity or easily distracted and hard to focus
Bed wetting and sneaky poos
Sleeping issues, night terrors
Rashes, eczema flare up, itchy skin
It is important to seek advice from your doctor to check there is no underlying equal issues causing any of these symptoms.
Once medical issues are eliminated and if your symptoms warrant it, it may be worth exploring food intolerances to help you manage your ongoing gut symptoms.
It is a great idea to choose a Dietitian specialising in FODMAPs AND food intolerances while also understanding allergies and Coeliac Disease as possible scenarios will help you arrive at your best diet sooner.
Give me a call, drop an e-mail- see if this could be a fit for you to manage some food intolerances beyond FODMAPs.
Updated 8/4/24