Feeling overwhelmed by Low Fodmap!

meetingacrosstheriver · July 2017

I've been having GI issues for 2 years now, at present we are not 100% sure of what the issue is. I've been tested for Coeliac twice (gene positive) with the biopsies coming back negative on two seperate occasions now. My specialist (leading research in Coeliac and GI issues where I am) has suggested a low FODMAP diet, but also to lower my intake of wheat and gluten to see if it helps ease the symptoms whilst I undergo some other tests.

I haven't seen a dietician as yet for the FODMAP diet, this will eventually have to happen later down the track once a clear medical diagnosis has been made, however I am wondering if anyone has any resources they can share which will help understand the FODMAP diet and reading labels on packaged products?

I'm pretty good with reading labels when it comes to determining gluten free (various Drs have put me on, and then taken me off this diet for a number of years) however, I find reading labels to determine low FODMAP quite challenging, and from my understanding not all gluten free products are low FODMAP. I'm also unable to eat tree nuts or peanuts due to anaphylaxis which also restricts my diet a little more.

I'm aware of the Monash University phone app, however I'm not really in a position to purchase this at the moment, particularly when I may only be on this for a short period of time depending on what the results of my next lot of tests are.

Any help to understand and follow this diet would really be appreciated!

Thank you!

livingleanlivingclean · July 2017

I would honestly stick to wholefoods and cooking from scratch. There are very few "safe" packaged foods - there will be some that are FODMAP approved, and labelled as such.

meetingacrosstheriver · July 2017

Not a massive packaged food eater, but there are still a few staples I do buy (e.g. bread, passatta, spice mixes and a couple of sauces) as money and time wise, they really aren't worth me making. 98% of the time, I am making my foods from scratch due to other health issues.

livingleanlivingclean · July 2017

If they aren't a massive part of your diet, skip them completely. Garlic and/or onion would likely be a culprit in a lot of sauces, and may not even be labelled separately, just come under "spices". There are plenty of free lists and infographics on what you can and can eat... This website is pretty good imo:
http://www.ibsdiets.org/fodmap-diet/fodmap-food-list/

JeromeBarry1 · July 2017

Your specialist doctor should be able to put you in contact with perhaps a dietician who can provide close assistance with this complex situation.

meetingacrosstheriver · July 2017

JeromeBarry1 wrote: »

Your specialist doctor should be able to put you in contact with perhaps a dietician who can provide close assistance with this complex situation.

@JeromeBarry1 As mentioned above in my opening post, this will eventually happen once a clear medical diagnosis has been made

The specialist is currently trying to rule out some other GI issues (such as inflammatory bowel disease) so that we have a clear diagnosis to take to the dietician. I have seen dieticians in the past, however without a clear diagnosis they have been of no help and symptoms have gradually become worse. I've ended up wasting a lot of time and a fair amount of money seeing them.

meetingacrosstheriver · July 2017

livingleanlivingclean wrote: »

If they aren't a massive part of your diet, skip them completely. Garlic and/or onion would likely be a culprit in a lot of sauces, and may not even be labelled separately, just come under "spices". There are plenty of free lists and infographics on what you can and can eat... This website is pretty good imo:
http://www.ibsdiets.org/fodmap-diet/fodmap-food-list/

@livingleanlivingclean Thank you, I will check the link out.

meetingacrosstheriver · July 2017

bump

bbell1985 · July 2017

Ugh. It does seem overwhelming. I have GI issues too and have considered it but man...I just don't think I have the will power and dedication. I'm following the thread though.

livingleanlivingclean · July 2017

meetingacrosstheriver wrote: »

livingleanlivingclean wrote: »

If they aren't a massive part of your diet, skip them completely. Garlic and/or onion would likely be a culprit in a lot of sauces, and may not even be labelled separately, just come under "spices". There are plenty of free lists and infographics on what you can and can eat... This website is pretty good imo:
http://www.ibsdiets.org/fodmap-diet/fodmap-food-list/

@livingleanlivingclean Thank you, I will check the link out.

Don't just check the link out. Google. It's your health, you deserve to take the time to figure stuff out, you might find blogs or websites from people in your area who have info on what to buy and where to shop for safe foods. I did low FODMAP for a while and the only issues I had were restricting fruit and vegetables to the ones on the "safe" list. There is plenty of things to eat.

RodaRose · July 2017

https://www.dietvsdisease.org/diy-low-fodmap-diet/
http://fodmapliving.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Stanford-University-Low-FODMAP-Diet-Handout.pdf

meetingacrosstheriver · July 2017

RodaRose wrote: »

https://www.dietvsdisease.org/diy-low-fodmap-diet/
http://fodmapliving.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Stanford-University-Low-FODMAP-Diet-Handout.pdf

Thank you @RodaRose for your response. Both of the links you provided were extremely informative and have helped me to better understand exactly what FODMAPs are and what I should be looking for when I am reading labels and out shopping for fresh produce!

RodaRose · July 2017

Good luck to you, @meetingacrosstheriver

mindyjo74 · August 2017

I completely understand how overwhelming this diet is. I have recently found that I have ibs in addition to being hypoglycemic. Following both recommended plans is SO exhausting to plan and SO difficult. Keep us updated! I am also going to see about meeting with a dietician.

Feeling overwhelmed by Low Fodmap!

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