Low FODMAP Diet: Secret To Beating Irritable Bowel Syndrome? (PICTURES)

Low FODMAP Diet: The Secret To Beating IBS?

A low FODMAP diet has been developed in Australia thought to help sufferers of IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome).

FODMAPs - or Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides and Polyol if you're feeling clever - are found in everyday foodstuffs and can be difficult to digest, particularly for IBS sufferers.

Foods such as fruits, dairy products, vegetables and grains, are known as complex foods and if undigested in the small intestine, will move on to the large intestine where bacteria will feed causing excess gas and bloating.

As we like to look after our readers HuffPost Lifestyle have brought together a handy gallery to illustrate some of the foods the low FODMAP diet recommends you avoid.

Apple

Sensitive Stomachs - Food To Avoid

To combat this Dr Sue Shepherd's low FODMAP diet recommends the elimination of complex foods for a period of eight weeks, to reverse the symptoms of IBS.

The low FODMAP diet has been used at Guy's and St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London and has been supported by research at King's College London.

The NHS says that while the exact cause of IBS remains unclear, it is believed to be triggered by a range of factors including stress and issues with the immune system.

NHS self-help tips for IBS

  • Eat regular meals
  • Don't skip meals or eat late at night
  • Don't eat too quickly, take your time
  • Sit down to eat and chew your food well
  • Take regular exercise
  • Make time to relax
Possible Signs Of IBS

Possible Symptoms Of IBS

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