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[Bohn Jamer]

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My dietitians Low FODMAP diet guide lists all squash as suitable.Perhaps I should remove "summer" from the chart!You might also try Zucchini.Most FODMAP vegetables, with the exception of Sugar Snap Peas, contain Fructans and Polyols, not Fructose.Fructans and Polyols are FODMAPS & unsuitable.If you had problems with carrots perhaps this was due to your overall diet.Diet on low FODMAP for awhile until your gut settles and then retry carrots.

personally I find i can't have red peppers either. In fact, for whatever reason, red's seem worst for me. carrots have some galactans which may be the problem. I suppose it all depends on which of the F O D M A P you are most sensitive to.

[DietitianCarrie]

Hi Simon86I specialize in working with the dietary component of IBS and relief from adverse reactions to foods and chemicals. Even though you are very frustrated you are on the right track. Since you have food allergies, I highly suspect you have food sensitivities (non-IgE) rather than an intolerance. It has been my experience when working with IBS patients that even though they are following the FODMAP.diet they are still experiencing an immune reaction. Food sensitivities makes a person feel sick because the immune system reacts to foods and cause the release of chemicals called mediators (such as histamine, prostaglandins etc) from white blood cells. It's the mediators that cause the inflammation, pain, and other symptoms associated with food sensitivities. Food sensitivity is a very complex reaction to our immune system. There ate many differet cells that have different profiles of mediators, many mechanisms that cause mediators to be released and of course many different mediators. The thing that makes food sensitivities complicated is that there are various ways the immune system can respond to hypersensitivity. 1. Food sensitivity reactions may be delayed by hours or even days after ingestion. 2. Food sensitivities are dose related.3. Reactive food vary widely from person to person 4. There are many reactive foods and chemicals5. There are 7 different types of food sensitivity reactions I highly recommend that my IBS, migraine and fibromyalgia patiently undergo non-IgE mediator release testing and follow up their results with an immunocalm elimination diet. I hope this information was helpful and provided some valuable insights as to why you symptoms have may not subsided!

[melman102]

Well, I've been dealing with pain predominant IBS for a long time now. I've started the Low FODMAPS diet and so far I haven't really noticed a huge difference. Still pain.I just have a few questions if anyone can help.1. Are Clementines ok? I noticed Oranges are ok, but Nectarines are not. Where do clementines fit?2. Is wheat ok? It seems there is varying discussion on this? I'm trying to stay away but so much stuff has wheat?3. Are organic corn chips ok? 4. Is natural cane sugar soda ok? I went to whole foods and got some of this.5. What is there to drink besides water? I was used to drinking Orange/Apple Juice in the morning, but now I don't have that.I am just struggling to find snacks or foods to eat and beverages to drink. I also think I'm still in the stage where everything I eat still hurts. So I'm not sure what to eliminate and what is safe to eat, etc. For instance, today for lunch, steak cooked in beef broth/bit of wine and rice and that still killed me.Any help will be greatly appreciated.ThanksMel

[Inconceivable]

I THINK clementines are okay. Don't take my word for it, though.I drink either water or green tea throughout the day. You could used one of your fruit portions for the day and squeeze some juice.

Well, I've been dealing with pain predominant IBS for a long time now. I've started the Low FODMAPS diet and so far I haven't really noticed a huge difference. Still pain.I just have a few questions if anyone can help.1. Are Clementines ok? I noticed Oranges are ok, but Nectarines are not. Where do clementines fit?2. Is wheat ok? It seems there is varying discussion on this? I'm trying to stay away but so much stuff has wheat?3. Are organic corn chips ok? 4. Is natural cane sugar soda ok? I went to whole foods and got some of this.5. What is there to drink besides water? I was used to drinking Orange/Apple Juice in the morning, but now I don't have that.I am just struggling to find snacks or foods to eat and beverages to drink. I also think I'm still in the stage where everything I eat still hurts. So I'm not sure what to eliminate and what is safe to eat, etc. For instance, today for lunch, steak cooked in beef broth/bit of wine and rice and that still killed me.Any help will be greatly appreciated.ThanksMel

[postinfectious ibs]

Does this mean all of us have a problem with absorption in the small intestine? I can't tolerate milk and high fructose foods.My symptoms appeared after a colon infection...and the GP feels that shigellosis does not affect the small intestine so a low FODMAP diet won't help me. He said it's just due to a sensitive colon and decreased flora. Now I am confused. Any advice friends?

[Metalius]

Hi Common and other members,this is a fantastic topic. Thank you for your hard work, it's a great value. I'd like to ask you if the following foods can be consumed on a fodmap free diet and some general rules about cooking and storing foods. 1) Vegetable broth (made with suitable vegetables). I knew that in the cooking process part the fructose content of vegetables is released. So I think that the broth could contain an unbalanced ratio of fructose/glucose. I mean, in the liquid part (broth) you could have more fructose that glucose. What do you think? Moreover is it ok to store the vegetable broth in the fridge for some days?2) In general, how is it better eating vegetables and fruits? Raw, slightly cooked or cooked for a long time? If cooked, is it better steamed, boiled, stewed, baked or cooked in a pan with a little fat? I knew that cooking vegetables for a long time helps to break down the wall cells (fibers) and release the minerals and nutrients trapped in the fibers. In this way nutrients (minerals, vitamins, enzymes, etc.) are more available than in the raw food. In this case, nutrients can be found also in the watery part released during the cooking process. So it should be better to keep and eat also the watery part ( or soup/broth) because it is rich of minerals and nutrients. 3) Coconut oil. I'm used to eat a lot of coconut oil. 4) Ghee. Lactose and casein free. 5) Glucose syrup. I found this ingredient in some chocolate bars, is it ok?6) Candied fruits. 7) Products made with corn flour. Sometimes I eat some pasta made with 100% corn flour, is it ok? It is really good.8) Pumpkin, potatoes and high starch vegetables. Is it better to keep them in the refrigerator or at room temperature? 9) White rice (basmati or thai). Is it better boiled or steamed? I'm used to boil it, and I like. I do not have a rice cooker.Thank you for the support

[snuggles]

Hi,I am new to all this and have just discovered this forum online. Could anyone please help me? - When it says that rice is ok to eat does this mean any sort of rice or just plain white rice?Thank you

[ARAY]

Excellent result T.For years sufferers have tried many treatments without result.Distrusting of cures, to many, the FODMAP diet might appear as just another fad solution.Quite a few might find that sticking to this diet will pleasantly surprise them.I'm not sure about Collards, but Endive, Spinach & Silver Beat are all FODMAP free.Eating them with a stable gut should present no problems.An unstable gut, overloaded with FODMAP, is already compromised and is easily overwhelmed with any food one might consume. Tomatoes are acceptable however the seeds, which are very acid, can affect some.When preparing a tomato sauce, I like to sieve out the seeds.You'll find that early FODMAP lists were limited by the resource of those assigned to analyze foods.With time further research has allowed more to be categorized and to correct errors.Unfortunately many haven't kept their lists up to date.The attached chart has had a dozen recent changes and reflects foods listed by a large Public Hospital in my area.

[ARAY]

Thank you so much, Common, for sharing what you have learned. When searching for a list via the research, I was gradually shocked to find that this information seems to be being deliberately withheld from the public in order to profit from it --that is, ordering a pamphlet, book or paying for steep one-time price for access to a journal. To me, this gives it more the aura of another one of the commercial diets, (eg Atkins, which have certainly made a lot of money for their proponents) rather than the product of serious academic research. I'm not questioning the credibility of the research--only sad to see that profit-motive coming from what I believe is a public university.Have you been able to gather any information about greens other than spinach and endive? I am wondering about collards, kale, Swiss chard, arugula and other lettuces besides butter. Also, what about Lima beans? Lastly, do you know why tofu is listed as acceptable though soy beans are anathema?Thanks again.

[irksy]

Hello, I am new to the forum and have been wondering whether to try the FODMAP diet (by the way, thank you so much for putting the most user-friendly list of foods up!!).I have put a post in General Discussion (sorry not sure how to link it) to see if anyone else is experiencing similar symptoms...to cut a long story short...I was diagnosed with IBS 8 years ago (alternating diarrhea/constipation, fatigue were main symptoms)...didn't get much support from doctors so I made the decision to cut out lactose (i was intolerant to this as a baby/toddler) which improved my symptoms to the point where I have lived with no big problems.Last September I had a bad stomach bug which I just haven't recovered from! I am now experiencing nausea on a pretty much permanent basis and have absolutely no appetite (also, bizarrely, I have inconsistent red, hot itchy palms and fingers, a really dry mouth, heavy heartbeat and have started to get tired really quickly). I went to a gastroenterologist last week and he is doing some tests on my liver, thyroid and iron levels (just blood tests). I have already had some blood tests done via GP which only showed high Iga antibodies (although coeliac antibodies negative - my dad and nan are both coeliacs), low white blood cell count and low sodium...I specifically asked for these results as the GP said that nothing required any follow up, so not sure of other levels of things.I cut gluten out after the blood tests and this has made a HUGE difference to my bowels, which are the most normal they have ever been. So...my symptoms now are the constant nausea, really 'gurgly' stomach noises (which can be heard across the room over the TV!!) and the bizarre itchy hands etc!! I rarely have bloating or indigestion since cutting out gluten.Do you think it's worth giving FODMAP a try? I'm so grateful for any thoughts, comments, suggestions!! many thanks

[Blanca]

I cut gluten out after the blood tests and this has made a HUGE difference to my bowels, which are the most normal they have ever been. So...my symptoms now are the constant nausea, really 'gurgly' stomach noises (which can be heard across the room over the TV!!) and the bizarre itchy hands etc!! I rarely have bloating or indigestion since cutting out gluten.Do you think it's worth giving FODMAP a try? I'm so grateful for any thoughts, comments, suggestions!! many thanks

Hi Irksy,I seem to have a similar history to yours and the FODMAP has definitely been worth it for me. I've been basically following it since November and it has cut down the nausea and gas by at least 90% - some days I don't have any at all. And I am no longer bloated all the time. I took pantoprazole for two years for acid reflux and I am off that completely now. I went off the medicine for my colonoscopy and endoscopy, started the diet right after and never needed to go back on the medicine.I'm also anemic (why we did the colonoscopy which found nothing causing it) which I believe was due to the acid-reflux medicine interfering with nutrient absorption, as well as IBS-D not helping! Since Nov my iron levels have slowly been rising, though I can only take the iron pills once every three-four days as my system reacts strongly to them. Still, it is progress.I started the diet by cutting out gluten and some of the fruits and vegies esp onion, when I could. Sort of eased into it. Then after a couple of weeks I decided it was working well enough that it would be worth going the whole way and completely following the diet. My doctor suggested it and is referring me to a dietician later this month so I can properly test what causes the most problems and hopefully I can add some things back at some point.It did take several weeks for my system to settle down. I still had some periods of stomach upset but could see enough improvement to continue. Had to really read labels, etc, and make sure stuff wasn't hiding (like honey and milk). So I avoided packaged foods and did more cooking and baking where I knew exactly what was in what I ate. Stripped it down to the real basics to get a good baseline and see if it really was the high-FODMAPs that were causing some of my troubles.I found that once I was completely on the diet, I was actually less hungry. Before following the diet I think some of my previous gurgling and nausea I was translating to "have to eat something to settle stomach" and I tended to graze through the day. I also would get kind of jittery-panicky episodes where I would feel like I had eaten too much sugar or caffine even when I hadn't and just have to eat something like protein right then. Since FODMAPs I don't get the jitters. And I actually can go more than two hours without eating something! I've also lost a few pounds which is a happy side benefit (tho not a reason to go on the diet!). Basically my digestive system has settled down and is calm.I do find that portion size is as important as avoiding high FODMAPs. Even when I eat "safe" foods, if I have a very large meal with snacking afterwards I can feel heavy and "blah" and I do get a bit of acid-reflux the next morning. But not enough to need medicine.I am also taking psyllium fibre prescribed by my doctor for both the IBS-D and diverticulitis. It sounds odd to take fibre for diarrhea but as my doctor explained it psyllium also absorbs excess fluid in your system and helps even things out. I take half a teaspoon morning and again late afternoon with a big glass of water and it has helped a lot. (I started with half that and worked my way up over two weeks.) I used to swing between IBS-D and IBS-C and basically now have neither.In six weeks of completely watching the FODMAPs and taking psyllium, I have only had two stomach upsets which sent me semi-urgently to the bathroom. Contrast that with almost every other day lengthy bathroom visits previously! I did wonder if only taking the fibre would have given me the same results, but if I eat a high-FODMAP food I definitely get gas and bloating so for me I think the combination of diet and fibre is the answer. Everyone varies, however, so you need to find your own balance. Sorry to be so long! But maybe hearing the details of how it is working for me will help you decide if you want to pursue it. I just figured I'd give it a good try for two to three months and it has been a good decision for me. I've heard the low FODMAP diet can help about 3/4 of IBS patients so that's pretty good odds!

[lstump]

How about banana peppers? And has anyone discovered ANY soup that doesn't have onion or onion powder in it? Thanks! You are all SO helpful!

I just found one today that I *think* is ok. Try Imagine Natural Creations ~ Creamy Sweet Potato Soup. www.imaginefoods.com(And I saw that you found this one right after your original post - sorry for the repetition).

Edited by lstump, 14 January 2012 - 09:10 PM.

[irksy]

Hi Blanca,Thank you so much for taking the time to let me know about your experiences. I am still confused!! I went to see an acupuncturist and specilaist in chinese medicine on Friday and she was amazing (would definitely recommend this to anyone who has not explored this)...she identified that the problem was that my spleen is working in excess, when it is supposed to be balanced with my stomach...if one is working in excess then the other is working less (bit like a see saw). She also identified that my liver is struggling to cope with the excess antibodies (made in the spleen and showed up on blood tests...very big coincidence) and toxins, as well as that I had candida. She has recommended the candida diet, which, when I have looked in to it shares a lot of principles with FODMAP, but you cannot have any fruit initially (as they contains sugars which 'feed' the yeast)and you can have all vegetables (includin onion and garlic!). I am definitely going to give one of them a go...shopping later today so need to make my mind up!!I'm really sorry if this has already been covered in this post (I have read it all, but have also read so much other stuff I can't remember where I read what!!)but does anyone have any suggestions of FODMAP vs candida diet??many thanks!!

[loulabelle]

Ive just ordered Sue's book. Hoping it comes quick cos im finding it hard with family meals. How do you all make a gravy, stock, soup etc with any onion powder. My husband bought me gluten free stock but it has onion powder in it.Thanks in advance for replies

[Kathleen M.]

Well if you make your own from scratch you can just not put onion powder in it. Stock just takes time, it isn't hard. You can use bones and left overs, the parts you peel off or ends you don't use and just put it in a slow cooker, (or simmer on stove, but slow cooker is easier) and let it cook all day then strain off all the bits. You can use that as a soup base.Gravy just use the pan drippings and add a bit of whatever starch is OK and either water or homemade stock.Stock freezes really well so you can make a bunch then freeze it (and you can boil it down by 1/2 after you strain it so it doesn't take up as much room and just add water back).

[loulabelle]

[quote name='Kathleen M.' timestamp='1326648306' post='854344']Well if you make your own from scratch you can just not put onion powder in it. Stock just takes time, it isn't hard. You can use bones and left overs, the parts you peel off or ends you don't use and just put it in a slow cooker, (or simmer on stove, but slow cooker is easier) and let it cook all day then strain off all the bits. You can use that as a soup base.Gravy just use the pan drippings and add a bit of whatever starch is OK and either water or homemade stock.Stock freezes really well so you can make a bunch then freeze it (and you can boil it down by 1/2 after you strain it so it doesn't take up as much room and just add water back).Excellent thank you. I am actually boiling up all the chicken left overs from lunch today as I type this. I also added fresh rosemary and half a lemon and salt and pepper for flavour. I was gonna strain it down and add suitable veg tomoro for a soup but love your stock idea about boiling it down to 1/2 then add water back in when using. Think I will be buying more whole chickens. We normally have a stuffed boneless chicken before I started on fodmap diet.I didnt actually mind my roast without gravy today. Dont know if its just me but already after 2 days it seems I can taste flavours in my food alot more than I could before diet!!! Anyone find this?Im hoping to lose 3 stone on fodmap diet aswell and think going back to basics and avoiding junk is going to help me achieve my goal.

[loulabelle]

Hi Kathleen. I tried making some stock. I boiled up all the chicken leftovers for few hours and added a lemon, rosemary stalk and salt and pepper. Well it was disgusting. Very bitter and burnt flavour. Thinking maybe shouldnt of put the lemon in there. Do you add anything to yours? I threw it all away. Need to wait until we have a whole chicken to try again. Thanks

[Kathleen M.]

Sounds like the lemon may have been a bit much. If you like lemon I would add it at the end to taste rather than simmer with it, or add when you use the stock for something.I generally simmer the chicken carcass with a bit of celery and carrot (and since I tolerate onion I'll use that) and save adding salt or other seasonings for the end. I tend to like the stock really plain so I can use it for anything without it having too much flavor to it. That way whether I do something Italian, or Indian, or Chinese it doesn't have a competing flavor profile.I don't boil it hard, just a slow simmer until it falls apart. That is where the crock pot works well. Nice slow cooking.

[molldoll]

Hello,It's been a long time since I've asked for help. Does anyone have a problem with wine? It seems ANYTHING I eat hurts. I used to be OK with soy sauce but today I was in agonizing pain with that on some veggie sushi. Food is a constant distraction and problem not knowing when/what I will eat next and is a sort of obsession but it seems everything HURTS that I eat! I already know that gluten, soy and dairy are bad and I've been vegan for 4 years exactly. What can I do?I go to school so I which has a pretty good cafe/restaurant area. It just seems that I'm always in pain and that my tummy is always making gurgling noises and that I'm always bloated which sucks for fitting in clothes. I always have loose formed stools and to get technicial, they can be fatty/oily like and one time I noticed that the food I ate the night before was the same the next morning in the toilet when I went to the bathroom as if it was never digested! Food just seems to slip right through me! I'm sorry to be so graphic but NO one seems to help me! I've seen 2 GI doctors and they just say "Oh you have IBS and being vegan you eat high gassy foods so sucks to be you!" Any one have any suggestions?!

[molldoll]

I am so sick of feeling SICK and not fitting into pants every day. It feels like I've swallowed swords accompanied with severe gas. Where can I find the best example copy of the FODMAP diet? I made an appt in Feb with what will be my 3rd time seeing a GI dr. The other two didnt seem to say anything more than, "oh you have IBS. sucks to be you." I'm already vegan, I dont eat gluten and I've cut out soy. I can only imagine what is left to do! I am soooooo desperate!! HELP!!