The FODMAP diet is designed to reduce the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease. The acronym stands for Fermentable Oligosaccharides Disaccharides Monosaccharides And Polyols — all types of carbohydrates that can be difficult for people with digestive issues to absorb. This article will discuss whether takeaways are allowed on the FODMAP diet and what you can eat while following this plan.
What can I eat?
While on the FODMAP diet, you should avoid high fructose corn syrup, honey and foods containing excess fruit sugars (oranges, bananas, etc.). You will need to reduce your intake of onions, garlic and legumes, and products like gluten-free bread that contain high amounts of Fructans. You should also limit your intake of broccoli, carrots and cabbage as they contain high amounts of Polyols, which can be difficult for people with digestive issues to absorb.
The FODMAP diet allows plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables
Yes, it does. The key is not to eat too much at once. For example, you could have a small bowl of fresh berries or banana as a snack but not an entire punnet. Also, make sure to spread out your fruit intake throughout the day and avoid eating too many high FODMAP foods in one sitting.
Can I take supplements?
There are several FODMAP dietary supplements available that can help you follow the diet more easily. It’s important to discuss these with your GP before taking them as they could interact with any medication or pre-existing medical conditions. If in doubt, always seek advice from your doctor.
Is it a permanent diet?
No, the FODMAP diet is a short-term solution to help you manage your symptoms. If you have trouble digesting certain types of food, avoiding them can improve your quality of life and reduce digestive issues. The trick with following any restrictive dietary plan though, is making sure that once you come off it, you don’t go back to your old ways and start eating the foods that triggered symptoms again.
What if I cheat?
It’s very important not to! If you do, then this can make things worse and undo all of the hard work put in so far. The FODMAP diet is not about weight loss. It’s designed to help you manage your digestive issues. If the diet is not working for you, then speak with your doctor or another qualified health professional about what else might be causing your symptoms and how best to treat them.
Conclusion
The FODMAP diet is a short-term solution to help you manage your symptoms. If you have trouble digesting certain types of food, then avoiding them can improve your quality of life and reduce digestive issues! The trick with following a restrictive dietary plan, though is making sure that once you come off it, you don’t go back to your old ways and start eating the foods that triggered symptoms again.
Always consult your GP before embarking on a significant diet change.
