The Role of FODMAPS
Monash University did research on short chain carbohydrates in food that cause IBS distress. Using an acronym, they named those carbohydrates FODMAPs. They developed a FODMAP App that lists foods according to their FODMAP qualities, using a simple red light/green light guide. The App also has low FODMAP recipes and medical information that IBS folk can refer to whenever they are grocery shopping, at home cooking and even eating out. Here is the link to Monash University where you can download their app as well as read about their life changing IBS findings.
https://monashfodmap.com/ibs-central/i-have-ibs/get-the-app/
The Role of FIBER
Yes, low FODMAP food is good for folks with IBS, but FODMAPs aren’t the only triggers of IBS attacks. Sadly, the Monash App does not look at insoluble and soluble fiber in food and actually declares many insoluble fiber foods safe to eat because they are low in fodmaps. However, they are NOT SAFE as far as insoluble fiber goes.
IBS folk MUST be made aware of the problems that insoluble fiber can cause, so that we can learn to eat it safely. Heather Van Vorous, in her book Eating For IBS, explains the role of fiber in IBS.
She divides fiber into insoluble (unsafe) fiber and soluble (safe) fiber foods, and explains the role that the wrong or right fiber can play in IBS. She also discusses what other foods are triggers for IBS attacks and why. You can get Heather’s list of insoluble and soluble fiber foods from the helpforibs.com website.
Help for Today’s IBS Patient
I was diagnosed at age eleven with “Spastic Colon,” which is what they called IBS at that time. Doctors did not know much about what caused it and loved to prescribe more fiber (yikes), prune juice (help!) and many other suggestions that caused more flareups than they prevented.
Today there is more focus on this ailment than ever before, along with medications, OTC products, IBS websites, and real help from the medical community that did not exist for me years ago.
I am not a doctor, dietitian or nutritionist, but after years of learning about this syndrome, I want to help others find food they can enjoy without fear.
Many of my recipes are revamped for fodmaps and fiber, but I try to keep their yummy flavors and comforting qualities. I think IBS people need all the comfort they can get (lol), and that is why I started ibskitchn.com.
Here is a link to a typical IBS Kitchn recipe: https://ibskitchn.com/shrimp-fried-rice/
