Why You Should See A Dietitian Before Starting the Low FODMAP Diet

Posted on July 23, 2018

TOP 5 REASONS TO SEE A FODMAP EXPERT

It’s easy to find information on the low FODMAP diet online.

But there are many reasons you need expert, one on one advice before embarking on your low FODMAP journey.

1. Dietitians ensure there are no nutritional deficiencies caused from being too restrictive.

Many people who start the low FODMAP diet alone may feel as if they have only a few selections of foods and dishes they can eat. This can lead to taste fatigue and frustration. Over time, eating the same foods can lead to nutritional deficiencies. Some nutrients at risk are fibre, calcium, iron and folate.

2. Dietitians can assess if it is safe for you to start the low FODMAP diet.

There are many causes of gastrointestinal distress that need to be ruled out before starting a low FODMAP diet. Coeliac disease, inflammatory bowel disease and bowel obstructions are just a few medical conditions which can cause irritable bowel syndrome. A thorough medical assessment by a doctor is required before seeing a dietitian for IBS management. A dietitian and doctor will work together to ensure your diagnosis of IBS and management through the low FODMAP diet is safe to initiate.

3. Dietitians can help determine which FODMAP you are intolerant to.

It is likely that you are not intolerant to all of the FODMAP groups. Unnecessary restrictions to your diet may lead to nutritional deficiencies. Close monitoring of the challenge phase is essential to figuring out serving sizes in which you tolerate. Dietitians will help you to increase the variety of foods in your diet.

4. Dietitians can help you with your IBS if the low FODMAP diet is not working.

There are many other triggers that may cause your bowel to be irritated. Studies show that the low FODMAP diet works for approximately 75% of people with IBS, but what about the other 25%? Whilst the low FODMAP diet is the gold standard for IBS management, dietitians know about other methods of symptom relief for IBS.

5. Dietitians can provide low FODMAP substitutes in your everyday diet and lifestyle.

When you google “low FODMAP diet”, there are many lists of low FODMAP foods and high FODMAP foods that appear in your search. What if you want to go out for a meal with friends? What if a specific food product does not come up on your google search? Dietitians can help you navigate nutrition information panels, direct you to FODMAP Friendly Certified products that are safe to eat, and can help you understand restaurant menus to find hidden FODMAPs which you may not even know about.