Anyone out there following a Low FODMAP Diet ... ?

MAH80T50

Hi I'm Theresa,

I'm just wondering whether anyone on here is following the Low FODMAP Diet, and if so what phase are you in?

I am at the Elimination Stage, I've been prescribed a 4 week plan to follow, before I can move onto the Re-introduction stage ...

I am enjoying the challenge, working out what I can eat at this stage, it is making me think twice about my food choices - which is never a bad thing, it's encouraging me to follow a clean eating regime and therefore it is naturally lower in calories on a day to day basis, so I am seeing a lot of positives at this present moment in time.

So if there is anyone who is following this strict (medically prescribed) food plan, please come and say hello, it would be good to find other people who know what challenges are ahead.

I also welcome advice/comments from people who are Coeliac, wheat intolerant, lactose intolerant, diabetic and anyone who faces daily food challenges for that matter.

Lets get to know one another ...

singingflutelady

I follow it indefinitely though modified (additional restrictions) for crohn's disease. Any time I add a high fodmaps food into my diet it's hell to pay

MAH80T50

Hi Flutelady,

I've been unable to digest food without pain, wind, bloating & general unwell feelings since October 2016 - I've been lactose intolerant for about 3 years though, so I was put onto this by my GP last week.

So far, so good - within 48 hours I could feel slight improvements in my digestive health and it's been pretty much gradually improving day by day ... yesterday I was naughty and had low FODMAP chocolates & wine, but my body kicked off a little bit and has impacted on my digestion today as a knock-on effect, but I guess it's early days & I will get setbacks from time to time, despite adhering to my dietary guidelines.

I'm happy with my progress thus far, and I'm confident I will feel the benefits as time goes by ...

Ldonahue921

Just learning about FODMAPS. So far You are the only ones that have any idea what im talking about. Cant find a doc to acknowledge that my issues arent just caliries in vs calories out. Let alone prescribe a nutrition plan.

Orphia

A girl at work was on the Low FODMAP diet.

She used the Monash University app which told her what foods were OK or have FODMAPs.

http://www.med.monash.edu/cecs/gastro/fodmap/iphone-app.html

https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/monash-university-low-fodmap/id586149216?mt=8

comptonelizabeth

^^^
I have ulcerative colitis and followed the fodmap monash diet with the help of a qualified dietician.
Shopping and eating out was the most difficult and I found it easier to eat stuff I'd cooked from scratch at home. It helped me to identify that wheat,lactose,garlic,onions and a lot of sweeteners (sugar alcohols)were trigger foods for me so I now restrict or avoid those foods.
I'm actually trying to gain rather than lose weight and I lost a lot of weight during the elimination stage! Currently as well as avoiding high fodmap foods I also have to stick (Mostly!) to a low residue diet,which is pretty much the opposite of what's considered healthy,but it keeps me well!

livingleanlivingclean

Ldonahue921 wrote: »

Just learning about FODMAPS. So far You are the only ones that have any idea what im talking about. Cant find a doc to acknowledge that my issues arent just caliries in vs calories out. Let alone prescribe a nutrition plan.

That's because doctors know very little about nutrition. A dietician would be able to help you!

Gallowmere1984

livingleanlivingclean wrote: »

Ldonahue921 wrote: »

Just learning about FODMAPS. So far You are the only ones that have any idea what im talking about. Cant find a doc to acknowledge that my issues arent just caliries in vs calories out. Let alone prescribe a nutrition plan.

That's because doctors know very little about nutrition. A dietician would be able to help you!

In my experience, any doctor that isn't a specialist is about as useful as Wikipedia when it comes to getting definite answers. If we could do our own CTs, Xrays, MRIs, and write our own prescriptions, general practitioners would go the way of the Dodo.

MAH80T50

Wow thanks guys,

I feel a bit more normal now ... when I mention FODMAP to anyone they look at me like I've got 2 heads - this great please can I add you guys as friends, maybe we can help one another and it will be great to talk to someone other than my poor long suffering (due to my downward wind) hubby.

I am lucky that my GP has recommended this plan and she has now referred me to Gastroenterology to look into the causes of my digestive problems, but says the FODMAP diet should relieve my symptoms and enable me to get on with my life until my referral comes through, which is apparently the 1st of March.

Thank you all again.

Ldonahue921

my symptoms are not all digestive. All over body pain, constant sinus issues, bloating and very irregular bowel habits. Some days i have a nearly flat belly. Other days I look like im 7 months pregnant.

Ldonahue921

I found a website that might be helpful. www.happygutlife.com has lists of foods and recipes.

singingflutelady

Ldonahue921 wrote: »

my symptoms are not all digestive. All over body pain, constant sinus issues, bloating and very irregular bowel habits. Some days i have a nearly flat belly. Other days I look like im 7 months pregnant.

Depending on what the cause of your GI issues are but some GI diseases are autoimmune therefore are systemic.

Sairzie

Hiya, I'm not following low FODMAP but replying to the OP about other intolerances.

Since January 2nd I've been trialling a gluten and dairy free diet after research into anti inflammatory foods and generally better eating for auto immune/ inflammation. I'm 26 years old and currently waiting for a rheumatologist to see me for suspected arthritis. I'm following the same set of symptoms that my mum did in her late twenties and she now has bad arthritis, which is majorly improved by following gluten and dairy free. I've also for years suffered with bloating, stomach aches and other digestive problems. So far in the last two weeks of following this plan I've noticed significant reduction in swelling around joint areas, reduction in pain, increase in joint mobility and reduction in disgestive issues.

Interestingly a friend is going through the elimination process for FODMAP at the moment and we were discussing how the probiotic effect of onions, leeks and garlics is highly recommended for me on the plan I'm following but makes her feel very very ill!

I find the study of nutrition fascinating and am actually hoping to start studying the subject academically at some point in the future and to work in this field.

katelaurel390

Hi! I just discovered the low FODMAP diet and am currently in my second week of the elimination phase.

I saw a doctor a few years ago and all she could tell me about my stomach issues was it was "possibly mild IBS and mild lactose intolerance". Since going vegan (eliminating all dairy products) I've noticed a lot of improvement, but still have gas, bloating, etc symptoms of IBS.

So far on the low fodmap I've noticed I've been feeling SO much better already. I'm actually looking forward to the reintroduction phase to find out what specifically triggers my symptoms and what food items I'll have to avoid/really reduce in the future.

raquele3394

What is Low FOD MAP diet.