When a person has issues digesting certain carbohydrates which leads to gas, diarrhea, vomiting, bloating and more, they have a condition known as a FODMAP Intolerance.
The carbohydrates causing this intolerance are Fermentable, Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides and Polyols, or FODMAPS.
In order to relieve the symptoms they need to reduce any foods that trigger the intolerance symptoms and adopt a low FODMAP Diet.
This means avoiding high FODMAPs that may be found in foods such as certain fruits, certain vegetables, legumes, certain grains, seeds, cereals, meat, poultry, fish, tree nuts, milk/dairy, sugars, sweeteners, condiments, sauces and much more. A qualified health care provider will usually work with an individual that has a FODMAP Intolerance to set up a diet based on their individual intolerances.
Avoiding food high in FODMAPs may also be a diet selected for People with other gastrointestinal conditions such as Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and Crohn's disease.
SYMPTOMS
Some of the symptoms may be characterised by:
- Gas
- Pain
- Bloating
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
The validity and severity of these symptoms are dependent on the individual and the level of exposure, as determined by a qualified health care provider.
TREATMENT
If you experience, or are in the presence of someone that encounters, an immediate reaction (this may include difficulty breathing, wheezing, throat tightening, etc), call or have someone call triple zero (000) immediately.
A qualified health care provider will work with an individual that has a FODMAP Intolerance to set up a low FODMAP diet based on their individual intolerances and an Action Plan on how to relieve the symptoms.
Always present your Allergy Card, Medical Alert Bracelet or Necklace to ensure health care providers, family members, friends, colleagues and others are aware of your Allergy or Allergies.
TESTING
A Diagnostic Elimination Diet may be used to test for a FODMAP Intolerance.
LABELLING
Some labels or terms you may come across on FODMAP Intolerance friendly products:
"FODMAP Friendly" "Low FODMAP"
RANDOM FACT
The first Low FODMAP Diet was released in a cookbook dedicated to the diet by Sue Shepherd back in 2004.
The information provided on Allergy Life Australia is to generally educate and inform you about living with allergies, intolerances and conditions, and is not intended as medical instruction or as a substitute for diagnosis, examination and advice by a qualified health care provider.
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HAVE YOU HAD AN EXPERIENCE WITH A FODMAP INTOLERANCE OR KNOW SOMEONE THAT HAS? LET US KNOW IN THE COMMENTS BELOW
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