FODMAPs and Your Gut: How we can help
If you’ve ever dealt with bloating, cramping, constipation, or unpredictable digestion, you may have come across the low FODMAP diet. It’s often recommended for people with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), but what exactly is it—and should you try it?
What are FODMAPs?
FODMAP stands for Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides and Polyols—a fancy way of describing certain types of carbohydrates that can be difficult to digest.
These sugars are found in everyday foods like:
Onions and garlic
Apples and pears
Bread and pasta
Beans and lentils
Dairy products
Sweeteners like sorbitol and mannitol
For some people, these foods ferment in the gut and trigger symptoms such as bloating, pain, diarrhoea, or constipation.
Why a Low FODMAP Diet Can Help
The low FODMAP approach can be effective in reducing uncomfortable gut symptoms. By temporarily reducing high FODMAP foods, you give your digestive system a chance to calm down, reduce inflammation, and reset.
In fact, research shows that around 75% of people with IBS experience relief when following a properly guided low FODMAP plan.
Why You Should Work With a Practitioner
While the diet can be a game-changer, it’s not meant to be done on your own. Here’s why:
It’s restrictive – Without the right support, it’s easy to miss out on important nutrients.
It’s complex – High and low FODMAP foods aren’t always obvious, and portion sizes matter.
It’s a tool, not the solution – Eliminating foods doesn’t fix the underlying cause of your gut issues. A practitioner can help investigate the root (such as SIBO, dysbiosis, or low stomach acid).
At The Gut Recovery Centre, our naturopaths guide you through the process safely, making sure you still enjoy a variety of foods and feel confident about what you’re eating. We also help you uncover and address the underlying causes of your gut issues so you can reintroduce foods sooner and with fewer symptoms.
Why You Shouldn’t Stay Low FODMAP Long Term
Here’s the important part: the low FODMAP diet is not designed to be forever.
Long-term restriction can actually harm your gut because:
Good bacteria starve – Many FODMAP foods are prebiotics, which feed your healthy gut bugs.
Reduced diversity – Your microbiome thrives on variety, and restricting foods for too long reduces it.
Quality of life matters – Constantly worrying about what you “can’t” eat is stressful and isolating.
The goal is always to reintroduce as many foods as possible while supporting your gut to handle them better.
The Bottom Line
A low FODMAP diet can be life-changing when done properly, but it’s a short-term strategy, not a long-term solution.
With the right support, you can use FODMAPs as a tool to reduce symptoms, identify triggers, and ultimately heal your gut so you can enjoy more freedom with food.
At The Gut Recovery Centre, our naturopaths can guide you through the low FODMAP process while supporting your gut to heal. We also offer:
Colon hydrotherapy to reduce bloating and discomfort that often comes with sensitivities to high FODMAP foods.
Microbiome gut testing to uncover the deeper reasons behind your symptoms.
Ready to get started? Book an appointment or message us today to find the right path for your gut health.