FODMAPs are Fermentable, Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides and Polys (sugar alcohols) that are poorly absorbed in the small intestine. They are osmotic, meaning they pull water into the intestinal tract. When consumed in excess, they may be fermented by intestinal bacteria, which can lead to gas, bloating, cramping and/or diarrhea and other symptoms common with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Eliminating dietary FODMAPs might alleviate these symptoms. In addition to what is listed below, raw, unsalted nuts and seeds (except for pistachios) are allowed in appropriate serving sizes (2 Tablespoons). Follow the low-FODMAP diet for 6 weeks. After this, if symptoms have resolved, you can add foods back in one at a time to identify your ‘trigger’ foods. Please schedule an appointment with the dietitian to oversee this ‘challenge phase’.

Low FODMAP Meals and Snacks:
Scrambled eggs with spinach and feta
Oatmeal topped with sliced banana, almonds and brown sugar
Lactose-free yogurt with strawberries and crushed walnuts
Rice pasta with chicken, tomatoes and zucchini
Sliced turkey on a gluten-free wrap with lettuce, tomato, Swiss cheese, and mustard
Quesadilla with corn tortilla and cheddar cheese

Food Category High FODMAP Foods Low FODMAP Alternatives
Vegetables Asparagus, artichokes, onions(all), leek bulb, garlic, legumes, sugar snap peas, onion and garlic salts, beetroot, Savoy cabbage, celery, sweet corn Alfalfa, bean sprouts, green beans, bok choy, capsicum (bell pepper), carrot, chives, fresh herbs, choy sum, cucumber, lettuce, tomato, zucchini.
Fruits Apples, pears, mango, nashi pears, watermelon, nectarines, peaches, plums Banana, orange, mandarin, grapes, melon
Milk & Dairy Cow’s milk, yoghurt, soft cheese, cream, custard, ice cream Lactose-free milk, lactose-free yoghurts, hard cheese
Protein Sources Legumes Meats, fish, chicken, Tofu, tempeh
Breads & Cereal Rye, wheat-containing breads, wheat-based cereals with dried fruit, wheat pasta Gluten-free bread and sourdough spelt bread, rice bubbles, oats, gluten-free pasta, rice, quinoa
Cookies & Snacks Rye crackers, wheat-based biscuits Gluten-free biscuits, rice cakes, corn thins
Nuts & Seeds Cashews, pistachios Almonds (less than 10 nuts), pumpkin seeds