A Map for the FODMAP Diet

When people with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) continue to have symptoms, they may be interested in exploring new diets. Jacalyn See, clinical dietitian at Mayo Clinic, offers some insight into the FODMAP diet, and whether this diet could help people with gluten-related disorders.

The term FODMAP is an acronym for:

Fermentable
Oligosaccharides
Disaccharides
Monosaccharides
And
Polyols

These are found in wheat, onions, garlic, milk, legumes, high fructose corn syrup, apples and many other foods.  The FODMAP diet is an elimination diet to determine food intolerances in people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It requires the elimination of fermentable carbs for 4-6 weeks, and then reintroducing one food at a time to see if symptoms recur.

Should people with celiac disease follow the FODMAP diet? According to Jacalyn See, "The FODMAP diet does not treat celiac disease. The only treatment for celiac disease is a gluten-free diet. However, if you are on a strict gluten-free diet and are still having symptoms, you may be a candidate for the elimination diet."

The FODMAP diet may be more appropriate for people with non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS).  People with NCGS do not have a diagnosis of celiac disease, but their gastrointestinal symptoms may improve on a gluten-free diet.  Some studies suggest that FODMAPs are associated with other gastrointestinal symptoms, and that NCGS may be a form of irritable bowel syndrome.  So, if you are gluten-sensitive and your symptoms are not completely controlled on a gluten-free diet, you may benefit from being on a low-FODMAP diet.

Whether you have celiac disease or NCGS, be sure to discuss this, and any new diet, with your doctor who will want to do some tests to determine that your symptoms are not caused by uncontrolled celiac disease, or other serious conditions like pancreatic disorder or colitis.

Meet other people talking about FODMAP diet, celiac disease, and IBS on Mayo Clinic Connect – join the conversation, share experiences, ask questions, and discover your support network. Here are some discussions you might like to follow...

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