When the low FODMAP diet doesn't work.

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 within a short period of time for example 1-2 weeksw, if implemented properly.

As useful as the the low FODMAP diet has shown itself to be, with 3/4 of people with IBS repsonding posotobvely to the low FODMAP diet, many people also find it does not work for them.

In fact, they may find themselves reacting to foods or meals that are low FODMAP.

Possible scenarios.

Why is the low FODMAP diet not working for you. Before switching direction, the following may need to be considered;

1. FODMAPs are still in your Diet.

Maybe there are some unidentified high FODMAP foods still in your diet that are causing the ongoing issues: best to troubleshoot with an experienced Dietitian in FODMAPs plus food intolerances (more about this below).

2. Non FODMAP Gut Triggers are causing the issues.

General non FODMAP triggers such as

• Stress

• Meals that are too big, stres

• Inadequate fibre or fluid

• Poor sleep patterns

• Triggers such as chili, caffeine ( a big one!), and bubbles in drinks

• And stress- did I mention stress?

2. You Dont Have a FODMAP Issue or Any Food Issues

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 Triggers

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). Suspicions around certain foods may help to chase down the food triggers in play.

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 can be triggered by some foods

• 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

Hard to regulate emotions

• Emotions realted to food: getting 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