The acronym FODMAP stands for “fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols.”
These are all types of sugars that are poorly absorbed by the small intestine.
Fructans are non-digestible and thus are available to be acted upon by gut bacteria.
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3.GOS:GOS stands for galactooligosaccharides, which are sometimes called galactans.
GOS can be found in legumes, including beans, chickpeas, and lentils.
Like fructans, GOS are non-digestible and thus have similar effects on the body and in IBS patients.
4.Lactose:Lactose is the main sugar found in milk and other dairy products.
5.Polyols:Polyols are sugar alcohols with scientific names that typically end in “- ol.”
(Note: Not all things ending in “-ol” are polyols.)
People who have IBS are typically not sensitive to every FODMAP key in.
TheMonash University Low-FODMAP Diet Appis an excellent resource for identifying the specific FODMAP content of common foods.
Are there over-the-counter medications for IBS?
Yes,nonprescription medicationssuch as anti-diarrheal medication, laxatives, and probiotics, can be used for symptom relief.
Your healthcare provider may also want you to try a low-FODMAP diet.
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The Ohio State University.Should you avoid eating fructans?
Monash University.Enzyme therapy can help reduce symptoms in IBS patients sensitive to galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS).
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Published 2017 Nov 21. doi:10.1186/s41043-017-0113-1
Monash University.What are the polyols?
Tuck C, Barrett J.Re-challenging FODMAPs: the low FODMAP diet phase two.J Gastroenterol Hepatol.
