FODMAP
Has ANYONE had any success with the low FODMAP system?
Yes, it's really helpful to stabilize the gut (especially after a bad flare-up) and it can REALLY help with symptoms. The only problem with it is that depending on what you can eat without symptoms, you'll want to stand on a very strict FODMAP-diet because your symptoms might have "dissapeared" which is misleading because it's a symptomatic strategy formost (meaning FODMAP-heavy foods are still some of the most healthy).
I'm at a point where I enjoyed some HUUUUGE symptom-free gaps in my life (sometimes months) but I might have also enjoyed the diet a little "too much" and not have re-introduced some more FODMAP-packed foods out of fear which could be bad over a long time period.
That being said, here are some of my low/no-FODMAP foods to try:
- oats (work well as breakfast, don't forget to soak them in water for 20min+ before preparing)
- carrots
- zucchini
- parsnip
- cabbage turnip (don't let the name fool you, it's not part of the cabbage-family)
- white meat (chicken, turkey)
- spelt bread (if you can tolerate the gluten)
From what I've seen in this community, many people have success with the Low FODMAP diet, although it certainly doesn't work for everyone. It's a great way to minimize symptoms in the beginning of your IBS journey and figure out what your foods triggers are. However, I also find that many people end up creating their own diet over time. For me personally, some High FODMAP foods are totally fine, and some Low FOPMAP foods don't work for me at all. We're all very different, so it makes sense that our diets are, too. If the Low FODMAP diet doesn't work for you, I would suggest keeping a food diary instead: https://irritablebowelsyndrome.net/living/food-journal-download. Wishing you all the best, Karina (team member) We already keep a food journal, but foods that cause problems today won't necessarily cause problems tomorrow. It just seems so random.
I hear you. Sometimes there isn't rhyme or reason. But it's good you keep a food journal to rule out any foods that trigger. -Elizabeth (team member)
I feel you. My biggest triggers aren't actually foods, but stress and anxiety. Maybe something this could be the case for you, too? I used to focus so much on my diet but in reality, I'm able to eat almost anything except gluten when I'm not stressed. Karina (team member)
I'm on a low- dose antidepressant. I hoped that would help, but.....
So sorry that it isn't helping. What else have you tried so far? Karina (team member)
