FODMAP diet

I know someone on the Low FODMAP diet.

She has found the Monash University Low FODMAP App very useful.

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

"The concept of FODMAPs was developed through research at Monash University. Professor Peter Gibson, Director of Gastroenterology at The Alfred Hospital and Monash University and Dr Jane Muir, Head of Translational Nutrition Science at Monash University led the first group in the world to measure the majority of FODMAPs in food. The team now has a comprehensive database of FODMAP content in food that has been generated out of their laboratory at Monash University."

It's worth speaking with a dietician who understands it, as if it's done properly, the elimination and challenges can take months, not weeks. One of my close friends did it last year. Before starting, she had coeliac, Crohns and ulcerative colitis ruled out as causes of her problems. She followed the low FODMAPS diet for 6 or 8 weeks, before re-introducing the individual foods. The early stages of the elimination were hard - she didn't feel any better, and she lost a lot of weight (more than she needed to). Each of the weekly food challenges was a certain portion size of one food type at a time for 3 days in a row. She's narrowed her triggers to 3 main foods, and is much healthier now, so I think it's worth doing and doing properly. She still uses the Monash app to check on foods that she doesn't eat regularly. One of my colleagues had no medical checks, and was recommended by her GP to try the low FODMAPS, but without guidance, she hasn't stuck to it for more than a week, so she also hasn't had any improvement.

I am currently following the low FODMAP plan. I started on August 10 and for 5 weeks had a respite from my symptoms. Like your husband, I have been tested for many things but with no clear diagnosis. My consultant believes my pain is related to a sluggish colon and IBS. Unfortunately since the 5-week point I have been having flare ups and my dietician thinks my symptoms are stress-related rather than food related. He said I need to be pain-free for 4 weeks before starting the reintroduction of possible trigger foods, but I haven't yet been able to make the 4 weeks. I have found it relatively easy to follow the plan, but it is very limiting socially as I cannot eat out. My diary is open if you want to see the sorts of things I eat. I am trying to limit to 1500 cals a day and I have lost weight, so that's a plus. I use the Monash app and a pamphlet issued by Monash that my dietician gave me.
It's really great that you are supporting your husband in this. My husband is kind of along for the ride, and most of the meals I make are satisfying for him as well. We no longer have takeaways but I buy him ready meals for a Friday night treat. Otherwise we have stir frys, casseroles or salads.
I hope your husband finds a solution to his issues.

Same as above poster. Same diagnosis I've been following low fodmap for 2 1/2 years already.

JuniperT wrote: »

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I don't know if it's because I'm on my phone but I can't see your diary .

I have checked my settings and it says the diary is set to public, but I have sent you a friend request in case that makes it easier to see.

My dietician said I should follow the plan for 6-8 weeks initially before starting the reintroduction. Because you reintroduce in such a controlled way, you actually end up following it for much longer. I'm on Day 78. The main changes for me have been that I have to make meals from scratch which involves lots of planning and preparation time. A lot of pre made savoury foods include onion or garlic (both things I love) but that have to be excluded.
A sample day for me would be 'overnight' oats with banana and almond milk for breakfast, chicken salad for lunch, pork stir fry for dinner, and some grapes and a homemade oat cookie (recipe from the Monash app) for snacks.