Dr. Elizabeth Squirell · Gastroenterologist · Kingston Health Sciences Centre
The low-FODMAP diet
A short-term, 3-step eating plan that helps many people with IBS find which foods trigger gas, bloating, pain and diarrhea. Best done with a dietitian.
Key points
- The low-FODMAP diet is for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or IBS-type symptoms when IBD is calm. Get a diagnosis from your doctor first.
- It has 3 steps: cut back on high-FODMAP foods for 2 to 6 weeks, test them back one group at a time, then eat as widely as you can.
- It is not a forever diet. Step 1 is short. The goal is to eat as many foods as you comfortably can.
- Work with a registered dietitian who knows the diet, so you stay well fed.
- Use the Monash University FODMAP Diet app (it has a small one-time fee) to check foods and serving sizes.
- In Ontario, you can call 811 (Health811) to talk with a registered dietitian for free.
- If Step 1 does not help after 6 weeks, stop and talk to your doctor or dietitian.
- Not for weight loss, and not a good choice if you have or had an eating disorder, or you are underweight.
Go to emergency or call 911 if you have
- Severe belly pain that does not settle
- Blood in your stool, or black stools
- Vomiting, and you cannot keep fluids down
- A fever with belly pain