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What is FODMAP?

FODMAP describes a group of carbohydrates, namely: 

Fermentable Oligo-saccharides, Di-saccharides, Mono-saccharides and Polyols.

These are carbohydrates are found in the foods most of us consume every day.

Fermentable refers to the process by which gut bacteria ferments any undigested carbohydrates, which produces gases in the stomach.

Oligosaccharides are fructans and GOS (galactose sugars that form gluctose) generally found in glutens such as wheat and rhye, as well as garlic, onions, and legumes.
Disaccharides are lactose sugars found in dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and cheese, as well as sucrose, a sugar typically used for baking or sweetening.

Monosaccharides are simple sugars known as fructose, and are generally found in certain fruits,vegetables, and honey. Particularly in sweetened products and calory-reduced foods that have high-fructose corn syrup, the amount of monosaccharides tends to be high.

Polyols are sugar alcohols known as sorbitol and mannitol, found in some fruits and vegetables and commonly used in diet products or artificial sweeteners.

Frusano products have been formulated around an array of food sensitivities and intolerances, FODMAPs included. 

What are FODMAPs and how do they affect the digestive tract?

Technically, all of these carbohydrates should be processed in the small intestine, and many people consume high FODMAP foods without any issues. Nevertheless, the small intestine is not always able to consume all types of carbohydrates and offer their nutrients to the body.

The reasons behind these digestive issues can vary. Some people don’t have the necessary transport molecules, while others fail to have the adequate enzymes needed to digest them properly.

The mechanism is the same for most people affected instead of the small intestine, the colon processes the bacteria. During the process of fermentation, gases build-up, which leads to excess gas, bloating, pain, and irregular bowel movements.

As we are aware of this problem of intolerances, Frusano wants to help you to eat better again through our low-FODMAP products. 

Change of diet in case of intolerances

What can you do if you're negatively affected by high-FODMAP foods?  A change of diet is the clear  alternative, but that's often easier said than done – but understanding the concept of FODMAP is important to for patients with lactose intolerancefructose malabsorption, or irritable bowel syndrome.

low-FODMAP diet involves patients avoiding lactose, fructose, sugar substitutes and various polysaccharides. Appropriate measures should also be taken for food intolerances or allergies, i.e patients should first and foremost avoid foods that trigger symptoms.

Note that a strict change to a low-FODMAP diet can alter your intestinal flora. It is even more important that special care and attention is paid when changing your diet.

IBS patients and people with lactose and/or fructose intolerances who didn’t see any improvements from simply going without food containing lactose and fructose often report positive results from the FODMAP diet. Even patients with inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease have had positive experiences with low-FODMAP diets.