Low FODMAP Food Plan

What are FODMAPs (and why avoid them)?

The Low-FODMAP Food Plan aims to limit food sources of certain carbohydrates
and sugars which contain higher levels of:

  • F: Fermentable
  • O: Oligosaccharides (fructans and galactooligosaccharides)
  • D: Disaccharides (lactose)
  • M: Donosaccharides (fructose)
  • A: And
  • P: Polyols (sugar alcohols including sorbitol, xylitol, maltitol, mannitol, and isomalt)

Research indicates that these carbohydrates and sugars, collectively referred to as “FODMAPs,” are not readily absorbed in the digestive tract and are fuel for bacteria in the large intestine. As FODMAPs pass through the small intestine, they attract water. As they move to the large intestine, FODMAPs are digested by bacteria, which in turn, produce gas.

In some people, the digestion of FODMAPs and resulting gas production, causes considerable discomfort. This discomfort may be worsened in individuals with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO).

Given the restrictive nature of this food plan, you are strongly advised to work with an experienced functional medicine practitioner who can diagnose and provide additional treatment when following this food plan.

Currently, our medical food plans are only available to RIFM members through our patient portal (Elation).