BY DASHNI ANBUARASU
Is it possible that what is known as healthy foods turn out to be the biggest health issue for some? This is the case for those with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
IBS is a condition that causes discomfort in the digestive system and the reason is largely unknown. From diarrhoea, flatulence, constipation and pain, IBS brings different symptoms to different individuals. Fruits, vegetables, legumes, honey, milk and dairy products may be the cause of these symptoms.
These foods are rich in FODMAPs (fermentable oligo-, di-, mono-saccharides and polyols) – food containing fermentable oligo-, di-, monosaccharides, and polyols. A very high intake of FODMAPs may trigger diarrhoea, bloating and pain in patients with IBS.
The name suggests that these foods are a group of short-chained carbohydrates that are poorly absorbed in the small intestine due to a lack of enzymes. These then pass the large bowel to be fermented by gut bacteria.
