What Is the Low-FODMAP Diet and What Foods Can You Eat On It?
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You might not know what FODMAPs are—unless you have IBS, in which case you know they are Enemy No. 1. According to the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders, 10-15% of the world's population is thought to suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Out of that demographic, 60-65% of sufferers are female. 40% of IBS patients have mild symptoms, 35% have moderate symptoms, and 25% have severe symptoms.
A hugely helpful strategy for controlling those symptoms? Eating the right foods to reduce flare-ups—also known as the Low-FODMAP Diet. So let's help you do just that! IBS is daunting, but there's also lots you can do diet-wise to feel better. Here's everything you need to know
What are FODMAPs?
FODMAP stands for “fermentable oligo-, di-, and monosaccharides and polyols.” These substances are tough to digest or absorb, which can trigger colon contractions if you suffer from IBS. You want to avoid FODMAP-rich foods any way you can, if you experience symptoms after you eat them. Some examples of foods high in FODMAPs include:
Lactose-packed products: milk, cottage cheese, cream cheese, ice cream and sour cream
Many fruits, foods and beverages containing fructose
Veggies such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, artichoke, Brussels sprouts, onions, shallots, leeks and asparagus
Beans
Artificial sweeteners like sorbitol, mannitol, isomalt, maltitol and xylitol
That eliminates a lot of foods, doesn't it? Well, the good news is, there are a lot of foods you can happily indulge in without worrying about finding the nearest bathroom. The following plentiful list of low-FODMAP foods will give you hope—and help you feel lots better.
200 Low-FODMAP Foods
Low-FODMAP Grains, Pastas and Cereals
Wheat-free breads
Gluten-free breads
Corn bread
Oat bread
Rice bread
Spelt
Sourdough bread
Potato bread
Wheat-free pasta
Gluten-free pasta
Cornflakes
Tortillas
Brown rice
Rice crackers
Rice Krispies
Rice bran
Rice noodles
Rice basmati
White rice
Related: 110 Foods You Can Eat on the Mediterranean Diet
Low-FODMAP nuts and seeds
Almonds
Macadamia
Peanuts
Pine nuts
Pumpkin seeds
Fennel seeds
Mustard seeds
Low-FODMAP Vegetables
Alfalfa sprouts
Bean sprouts
Bell pepper
Carrot
Green beans
Bok choy
Cucumber
Zucchini
Bamboo shoots
Eggplant
Ginger
Chives
Olives
Parsnips
Potatoes
Turnips
Bamboo shoots
Bean sprouts
Beetroot
Bok choy
Butternut squash
Chicory leaves
Chives
Choy sum
Collard greens
Eggplant
Fennel
Green beans
Ginger
Karela
Leek leaves
Butter lettuce
Iceberg lettuce
Radicchio lettuce
Red coral lettuce
Rocket lettuce
Romaine lettuce
Okra
Olives
Parsnips
Pumpkin
Radishes
Red bell pepper
Spaghetti squash
Spinach
Squash
Swiss chard
Fresh tomatoes
Canned tomatoes
Cherry tomatoes
Roma tomatoes
Water chestnuts
Yams
Related: What Are Nightshade Vegetables and Why Do Some People Avoid Them?
Low-FODMAP Fruits
Bananas
Blueberries
Cantaloupe
Clementine
Dragon fruit
Lingonberries
Grapes
Guava
Honeydew melon
Kiwifruit
Lemon
Lemon juice
Lime
Lime juice
Mandarin oranges
Passion fruit
Papaya
Pineapple
Plantains
Raspberries
Rhubarb
Strawberries
Tamarind
Tangelos
Oranges
Grapefruit
Low-FODMAP Cheeses
Brie
Camembert
Cheddar
Feta
Monterey Jack
Mozzarella
Parmesan
Swiss
Low-FODMAP Drinks
Lactose-free milk (if lactose is a trigger)
Water
Almond milk
Hemp milk
Macadamia milk
Coconut milk
Rice milk
Coffee
Tea
Fruit juices not made from concentrate
Non-dairy creamer
Low-FODMAP Meats
Steak
Roast beef
Hamburger
Chicken
Lamb
Pork
Prosciutto
Turkey
Cold cuts
Ham
Eggs
Egg whites
Tofu
Canned tuna
Cod
Haddock
Salmon
Trout
Tuna
Crab
Lobster
Mussels
Oysters
Prawns
Shrimp
Low-FODMAP Herbs, Seasoning, Cooking and Baking Products
Basil
Bay leaves
Cilantro
Coriander
Curry leaves
Thyme
Lemongrass
Mint
Oregano
Parsley
Rosemary
Sage
Cumin
Tarragon
Black pepper
Cinnamon
Cloves
Curry powder
Nutmeg
Paprika
Saffron
Turmeric
Canola oil
Avocado oil
Olive oil
Peanut oil
Rice bran oil
Sesame oil
Soybean oil
Sunflower oil
Vegetable oil
Acai powder
Baking powder
Baking soda
Cacao powder
Cocoa powder
Gelatin
Lard
Yeast
Salt
Margarine
Low-FODMAP Desserts
Sorbet
Coconut yogurt
Lactose-free yogurt
Dairy-free pudding
Curious about the DASH diet? We have all the answers.