IBS and low-FODMAP diet tips


Irritable bowel syndrome is a functional intestinal disease. That means that the function of the bowel is disrupted, not the bowel itself. After all diagnostic possibilities have been assessed, tests have taken place, and no other disease or disorder has been found, then a diagnosis of IBS is possible. 

The search for the root cause of IBS is difficult. However, it has been proven the sensitivity toward certain foods can cause many IBS symptoms, of which real food allergies are rarely included. Most likely, patients with irritable bowel syndrome suffer more often with at least one food intolerance, particularly fructose intolerance. Stomach cramps, flatulence, and diarrhea appear by a fructose intolerance especially after the consumption of fruit or sugary meals.

The symptoms appear very individually, mainly after the consumption of high fructose foods or from another existing food intolerance. Stomach cramps, flatulence, and diarrhea occur with a fructose intolerance, particularly after the consumption of certain fruits or sugary meals.

Studies show that 74% of the patients with irritable bowel syndrome and fructose malabsorption, an increasing improvement happens to the irritable bowel symptoms when fructose is avoided in the diet. Also, following an elimination diet can reduce the symptoms of IBS and increase quality of life for the affected person. 

IBS diet plans 

Because every person experiences irritable bowel symptoms differently, a generalized diet cannot always be prescribed; it's essential to self-assess reactions to foods and their respective symptoms.

Because the individual tolerance level of food by every patient varies, there are no stricly "forbidden" foods. What results in severe complaints for one patient, may for another patient cause absolutely no problems. Therefore, the person affected with irritable bowel syndrome has to adjust their diet according to their individual symptoms. To find out which food causes a person's individual irritable bowel symptoms, elimination diets can be helpful.

Many people report positive results after following a FODMAP diet for IBS symptoms. A low-FODMAP diet involves patients avoiding lactose, fructose, sugar substitutes and various polysaccharides.

Frusano’s low-FODMAP products are lactose and fructose free, and don’t contain any sugar substitutes or indigestible polysaccharides, and fall far below the low-FODMAP limits in terms of their sucrose and fructose-free nature and glucose surplus.