Welcome to 30 days of FODMAP Facts! Each day we’ll be posting a fact about all things FODMAP, so be sure to stay tuned and share your thoughts in the comments.
30. Today’s FODMAP Fact: IBS is more common in females than males, with one study finding women made up 60-65% of IBS sufferers.
29. FODMAP Fact: Poor sleep, stress, and anxiety have all been shown to exacerbate IBS symptoms.
28. Did you know that supermodel Tyra Banks suffers from IBS? In an interview with Vanity Fair Banks spoke on the matter, exclaiming, “I’m very gassy.” Well relax Tyra, you’re with friends here!
27. FODMAP Fact: Many people try the popular ‘agave syrup’ in place of fructose laden sweeteners like honey. Unfortunately, agave syrup can contain over 90% fructose itself, making it even
higher in sugar the sugar than honey!
26. TGIF! Friday’s FODMAP Fact: Chewing on charcoal tablets can be an effective way to alleviate some IBS symptoms – just remember to rinse your mouth out
before going in public!
25. Today’s FODMAP Fact: Did you know that light exercise can help reduce discomfort levels associated with IBS?
24. FODMAP Fact: Despite popular opinion, ideal daily fibre intakes vary from person to person. While an increase in dietary fibre might be beneficial for some individuals, the same amount might aggravate symptoms in another.
23. FODMAP Fact:
Feeling dog-tired? Fe
vers, brain fog, and extreme lethargy are lesser-known side effects of IBS.
22. FODMAP Fact: Studies have suggested that that IBS may be a hereditary condition. Does this rin
g true for you and your family tree?
21. Find yourself tempted by that tropical treat, the banana? Well, great news! While ripe bananas are indeed higher in FODMAPs, greener, more firm bananas get the FODMAP Friendly seal of approval – so chimp out and chomp away!
20. FODMAP FACT: Quinoa is not just hipster friendly – it’s also FODMAP Friendly! Use it in place of high-FODMAP couscous to create a hearty, delicious, and nutritious meal that won’t upset your stomach!
19. FODMAP Fact: It’s estimated that around 1 in 8 people experience IBS type symptoms – that’s close to 3 million Australians, or 875 million people worldwide!
18. FODMAP Fact: Research suggests that many people mistake gluten intolerance for FODMAP issues!
17. FODMAP Fact: Not all gluten-free foods are FODMAP friendly, but this is a common trap that people new to the FODMAP diet fall into!
16. FODMAP Fact: Rover feeling a bit ruff? Did you know that animals can suffer from symptoms of IBS too?
15. FODMAP Fact: Herbal teas have calmative properties, so are a popular aid for IBS type symptoms. What’s your favourite flavour of herbal heaven?
14. FODMAP Fact: Packaged seasoning mixes often contain onion or garlic so can wreak havoc on stomachs. Making your own from fresh herbs and spices is a great way to keep things FODMAP friendly – plus you can really tailor the flavours to suit the dish!
13. FODMAP FACT – The low FODMAP diet was first created in 1999! How long have you known about FODMAPs and their role in digestive health?
12. FODMAP Fact: These cold days & nights sure make us long for spring! But, worry not, for you can still get your fix of SPRING onion – just stick to the low-FODMAP, greener parts and eat with confidence!
11. FODMAP Fact: Who’s watching Wimbledon over the weekend? Did you know that Kirsten Dunst, star of the 2004 film Wimbledon, suffers from IBS? Hope she’s having her ‘serve’ of FOMAP friendly foods!
10. FODMAP Fact: Many people try to ease their digestive tract issues by taking apple cider vinegar – but be careful you don’t overdo it and potentially over-alkalize your stomach acid, or rot your teeth! Have you tried the polarising apple cider vinegar?
9. FODMAP Fact: When you’re new to the world of FODMAPs, shopping can be pretty daunting. But don’t worry, long-term FODMAPPERS often become complete pros at analysing food packets. Have you noticed your “shop smarts” develop with time?
8. FODMAP Fact: We’ve had some questions about what exactly it is that FOMAPs do, so we thought it’s time to go back to basics! The acronym ‘FODMAP’ stands for: FERMENTABLE OLIGOSACCHARIDES, DISACCHARIDES, MONOSACCHARIDES and POLYOLS. These are short chain carbohydrates which are poorly digested by some people, resulting in IBS type symptoms like bloating, gassiness, constipation and diarrhoea, when ingested in large quantities. The FODMAP Friendly logo denotes products which are low in FODMAPs, allowing those on a low-FODMAP diet to shop and eat with confidence!
7. FODMAP Fact: Have you heard of asaofoetida? The spice (pictured above in plant form) has a long history of being used as a replacement for onions, and as such, is sometimes utilised by people on a low-FODMAP diet. Due to its pungent odour however, asaofoetida is ominously referred to as Devil’s Dung – but don’t panic, it tastes nowhere near as strong as it smells…just be sure to store it in an airtight container!
6. FODMAP Fact: Some people turn to acupuncture to provide relief from IBS type symptoms, believing that by stimulating pressure points with thin needles they can boost the body’s natural healing capacities. Have you ever done your best cactus impression in the name of relief?
5. FODMAP Fact: Not all high-FODMAP foods or food products have the same effect on everyone. What ingredient, food or drink is your digestive nemesis?
4. FODMAP Fact: As the only Government Certified program for low FODMAP foods, we take our testing very seriously. That’s why we’ve approved testing by the experts at the largest food testing facility in Australia, DTS Food Laboratories – and their 60 years of experience – to ensure you can eat with confidence!
3. FODMAP Fact: Aloe vera juice is a yellow, bitter liquid derived from the leaf of an aloe vera plant. It is a powerful laxative, however, it can cause painful cramping and is not recommended for use in IBS!
2. FODMAP Fact: We know FODMAPs are poorly absorbed by the small intestine, but did you know that the average small intestine is around 20 feet long? Ironically though, the large intestine is much shorter, coming in at at a comparatively petite 5 feet!
1. FODMAP Fact: FODMAP Friendly has over 70 Certified products under our program, and we’re always on the lookout for more tasty treats and healthy helpings to test – letting you shop and eat with more choice and confidence than ever!
To say thanks for all your support, we’re also going to be giving away a HUGE hamper of all our featured products. Stay tuned to FODMAP Friendly for more info on how to go in the running for this massive prize!
