I have noticed for many people who start trialing a low FODMAP diet, it is often thought that it is a long term thing, that they have to stick to forever. Or in some cases, they don’t actually want to try out any of the foods, as they don’t want to end up feeling horrible again. So does the low FODMAP diet need to be stuck to long term? And why should you go through it? Here are four reasons to do The FODMAP Challenge.
Whilst I can totally understand that when the time comes to do the challenges, you may start to feel apprehensive. You don’t want to feel worse again, after finally feeling better!
So, why is it so important?
- So that you know what it is you’re reacting to. Most people do not react to all the high FODMAP groups of foods. Identifying these means that we can reintroduce the groups of foods you didn’t react to, then determine how much of those you did react to you are able to tolerate. Long term, your life will be easier.
- Most people with IBS are able to reintroduce high FODMAP foods and maintain control of their symptoms. This means it is easier to make informed choices when not in control of food choices.
- Relaxing intake of high FODMAP foods avoids unnecessary food restrictions, ensuring your diet meets your nutritional needs, and includes a wider variety of foods.
- Research indicates that long term avoidance of prebiotic foods may affect the composition of your bacteria, and your gut. Prebiotics are compounds which provide food for the healthy bacteria that are found in your gut. Many high FODMAP foods (such as onion, garlic, asparagus, watermelon, legumes) are rich in prebiotics.
While it can seem like quite a tough task, in the long term the positives outweigh the negatives, and will likely result in a happier, healthier life.
The key reason The FODMAP Challenge was developed was to make this process easy for you as possible.
By Chloe McLeod