Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | Fodmap question - Why is it suggested to eliminate the high-fodmap foods, then reintroduce them later?

"I am newly diagnosed with IBS-C. Why is it suggested to eliminate the high-fodmap foods, then reintroduce them later to see which ones gave you trouble. To me the whole point is if it gave you trouble in the first place don't eat it? Also, some of the fodmap cookbooks have recipes in them that have high-fodmap ingredients in them?"

Hi - the whole point of the FODMAPS diet is to work with a registered dietitian to determine your particular sensitivities - if any. About 25-30% of people with IBS have NO FODMAPS intolerances, so this diet is not helpful for them.

You want to find your specific intolerances, and then find to what degree you CAN tolerate those specific FODMAPS. You don't just want to exclude them, in total, forever and ever, because you will be stripping entire categories of foods from your diet that you need for good nutrition. There are some exceptions, like lactose, where you can eliminate dairy and it will all be for the better in terms of IBS.

But you shouldn't wipe out all beans and legumes from your diet, for instance, even if galactans are one of your issues.

You want to find how much you can tolerate with FODMAPS, so that you can include as many fruits, veggies, beans, etc. in your diet as possible, in as wide a range as possible.

FODMAPS cookbooks will take this into account, and vary between low FODMAPS and truly FODMAPS free. You may be able to use a high FODMAP ingredient in a small quantity in a recipe, thus making the finished dish itself low FODMAPS.

I'd urge you to only do this diet with an RD who knows both FODMAPS and IBS, so you don't risk stripping foods out of your diet that you don't need to. The more variety and flexibility you have the easier it will be to eat safely for IBS.

XOXO
Heather

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Heather is the Administrator of the IBS Message Boards. She is the author of Eating for IBS and The First Year: IBS, and the CEO of Heather's Tummy Care. Join her IBS Newsletter. Meet Heather on Facebook!

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