HEALTH 5 Myths about the Low FODMAP Diet

There are many myths and misconceptions about the low FODMAP diet. We’ve paired up with Monash FODMAP to debunk the top 5!  

1. A low FODMAP diet is a gluten free diet

This is far from true. Unless you have Coeliac disease, gluten is safe to consume and a gluten free diet is unnecessary.

Research shows that is it often the FODMAPS in food that triggers symptoms in people with so called ‘non-coeliac gluten sensitivity’ – not the gluten [2, 3]!

Some people with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) may experience less symptoms following a gluten free diet – however this is usually because FODMAPs and gluten exist in the same foods.

Ultimately, many people with IBS are able to keep gluten in their diet while still experiencing an improvement in their symptoms simply by following a low FODMAP diet.                          

Our Wholegrain LowFOD™ Loaf is the perfect example of a product containing gluten that is low in FODMAPs and very popular among those with IBS and sensitive tummies.

2. Wheat containing foods such as bread, cereal and pasta are off limits on a low FODMAP diet.

 Here’s another myth we can bust!

While larger serves of these foods may be high in FODMAPs, small serves are often safe and low in FODMAPs. It all depends on the serving size! The Monash University FODMAP Diet App is a great way to check this. You can use the App to see low, moderate and high FODMAP serves of many foods.

More great news – we’ve launched an entire Wholegrain LowFOD™ range including freshly baked bread loaves, rolls, pizza bases and even our favourite snack – the Cheesymite.

3. FODMAPs are bad for your gut

Definitely not true. While people with IBS often have highly sensitive bowels and may experience tummy troubles after a high FODMAP meal, FODMAPs are actually very good for our gut.

They are the fuel source for our gut bacteria and encourage the growth of ‘good’ bacteria in our bowel.

In a nutshell, while FODMAP restriction is needed initially, moderate and high FODMAP foods can be reintroduced into the diet as tolerated in the long term.

4. A low FODMAP diet will help all people with tummy troubles

Again, this is not quite true!

It is very important that before you change your diet, you check with your GP and get a proper diagnosis for any gastrointestinal symptoms.

There are many conditions that share similar symptoms to IBS but require different treatments. So, get a diagnosis and then talk to your doctor about all the available treatment options – one of which might be diet. 

5. A low FODMAP diet is a diet for life

Wrong!

The low FODMAP diet is not designed to be followed forever; it’s actually a short term diet designed to identify what foods you can tolerate and which ones to avoid.

Following the diet under the guidance of an experienced dietitian is helpful and will support you in achieving better symptom control, and to follow a more nutritionally balanced diet for the long-term.

If you are currently eating low FODMAP, Bakers Delight is excited to be expanding our Monash FODMAP certified low FODMAP range!

Our NEW Wholegrain LowFOD™ Cheesymite Scroll and Wholegrain LowFOD™ Pizza Bases have recently joined our current range, which already includes the popular Wholegrain LowFOD™ Loaf and Roll. 

 

 

1. Biesiekierski, J.R., et al., No effects of gluten in patients with self-reported non-celiac gluten sensitivity after dietary reduction of fermentable, poorly absorbed, short-chain carbohydrates. Gastroenterology, 2013. 145(2): p. 320-8 e1-3.
2. Skodje, G.I., et al., Fructan, Rather Than Gluten, Induces Symptoms in Patients With Self-reported Non-celiac Gluten Sensitivity. Gastroenterology.
3. Dale, H.F., et al., The effect of a controlled gluten challenge in a group of patients with suspected non-coeliac gluten sensitivity: A randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled challenge. Neurogastroenterol Motil, 2018.