FODMAPs - Part 3
FAQs
Where’s my favourite food???
Is there something you love but it’s not listed here? (like broccoli!) That means it’s a medium FODMAP food. Enjoy those foods moderately :). The Monash University app lists all of the food and how much of it you can eat without it triggering symptoms…but, sadly, it’s not free (about $15).
Why am I not feeling any better???
Your digestive system might not be reacting to these fibres. That’s okay, every digestive system is beautifully unique. This is helpful for certain issues, but not everything. Email me with your symptoms and I can guide you to something more specific for you. And/or, check out the Digestion Masterclass for some ideas ❤️.
I’m going to get tested for SIBO because I want the antibiotic…should I wait to start the diet?
Yes. Definitely. The antibiotic works A LOT better when you incorporate it with a low FODMAPs diet. You can start the diet now (or just remove those big-time triggers) if you’re anxious to reduce your symptoms, just make sure to continue it throughout your treatment. Start Step 2 after you’re done with your antibiotic treatment.
I don’t have SIBO symptoms, but I still want to try the FODMAPs diet to help my digestive symptoms.
Great! Go for it! And…I want you to ask yourself a few questions:
1. Do you tend to go on and off diets often?
2. Do you gravitate to restrictive diets? Have you done them in the past?
If you answer yes to both questions, please try the FODMAPs diet with gentleness. Your body might fight back at the restrictiveness and that’s a-okay. Controlling, restrictive diets aren’t necessary for health and healing…but sometimes our brain doesn’t believe that. I can help you find a middle ground, don’t hesitate to email me for some guidance. ❤️
I think I might have SIBO but I’m afraid of trying another restrictive diet.
That’s a very okay place to be. Don’t force yourself into a restrictive diet when any part of you is fighting back. Instead, tackle the digestive organ that might be causing trouble. Like, low stomach acid or an unhappy gallbladder (see more in Part 1). Or, start with the Gut Bacteria Rebalance Masterclass and either ignore the dietary component or follow it at 70 – 90% (don’t strive for perfection).
Got a question that I haven’t covered? Email me and I’ll be happy to answer it!
In Conclusion
You might be thinking, “um Lisa, you don’t seem to like this diet”. And you’re kinda right about that.
I really do like this diet when it’s used in the appropriate setting (the right symptoms) and for the appropriate time frame (6 weeks max on Step 1!).
What I don’t like about it is its restrictiveness. I’ve been a nutritionist for 15 years and time and time again I’ve watched restrictive diets cause major long-term problems (digestive and mental health issues). I’ve grown to push away from anything that’s restrictive because, sometimes, the problems it creates greatly outweigh the benefits.
If you’re really curious about how a low FODMAP diet will help your digestive system and you know you can follow it with an open mind and go off it at the first hint of resentment (resentment is usually the first sign that the body is tired of the restriction), then this is a great time for you to try this.
But, if you have any worries that another restrictive diet might trigger bingeing or controlling behaviour around food – don’t try this right now. There are other ways to find balance in your symptoms that aren’t restrictive.
If you need any help, suggestions, or need some alternative recommendations, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’d love to help ❤️
Got any questions or comments? Comment below, jump to our private Facebook Group, or the Ask Lisa page :).