A low-fodmap diet is used to treat irritable bowel syndrome because it is low in fermentable carbohydrates (IBS). In the US, IBS is the most prevalent digestive illness. Food is frequently a cause of symptoms like bloating and tummy pain for many patients with this condition. Limiting particular meals can significantly reduce these symptoms. The low-fodmap diet fills this need.
Why consider a low FODMAP diet?
1. It can reduce digestive symptoms
Stomach cramps, gas, reflux, constipation, and bowel urgency are many symptoms of IBS. These symptoms can, needless to say, be extremely painful. Notably, it has been demonstrated that a low fodmap diet minimizes inflation and stomach pain.
According to evidence from four high-quality research, a low fodmap diet increases the possibility that pain and stomach bloating can be relieved by 81%. Numerous studies support this finding and claim that this diet also aids in managing gas, nausea, and constipation. A low FODMAP diet is now widely regarded as the first-line dietary therapy for IBS.
2. Improving your quality of life
IBS sufferers frequently lament a lower quality of life brought on by significant digestive issues. Such digestive issues significantly affect how you interact with fellows in public or job areas.
According to several studies, a low fodmap diet improves the general quality of life by considerably lowering symptom severity. According to some research, this diet may enhance happiness and vitality while reducing fatigue, depression, and stress by easing digestive problems.
3. Managing SIBO
SIBO, also known as small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, is a disorder where the small intestine’s bacterial population overgrows.SIBO is a condition that frequently affects those with IBS; in fact, those with IBS are 3 to 5 times more likely to have SIBO than those without.
Some researchers believe that bacterial overgrowth may be the cause of some IBS symptoms. Fodmaps feed the gut bacteria; hence cutting back on them is anticipated to slow bacterial development and manage SIBO.
4. Reduced histamine
A potent inflammatory signal is histamine. Histamine is involved in allergy reactions and other immune modulation; some foods contain it, while others may cause the production of more histamine after intake. A reduced fodmap diet for three weeks led to an eight-fold reduction in urine histamine in one clinical research.
5. Comparisons to traditional IBS diet
According to some research, the low fodmap diet is more effective than conventional dietary recommendations at reducing the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Many agree that the low fodmap diet is at least as helpful as standard recommendations; however, some are dubious.
A low fodmap diet was found to be more effective than a typical IBS diet in one trial of 82 adults with IBS. In addition, fewer participants on the reduced fodmap diet than on the conventional diet reported either no improvement in symptoms or a worsening of symptoms.
Final thoughts
A low fodmap diet temporarily and permanently decreases symptoms for most IBS sufferers. Additionally, it enhances life quality, lowers inflammation, and might be better than conventional IBS dietary recommendations. It could, however, have some disadvantages. Therefore, it is advised to speak with a doctor before making any significant nutritional modifications.
