Eating well

Low-FODMAP Diet

The low-FODMAP diet is a short-term, dietitian-led approach to identify which fermentable carbohydrates trigger symptoms in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Written by Meds Global Health Clinical Team · Clinically reviewed by Dr Muhammad Suffyan, MB BS, Founder & Clinical Director · Last reviewed · How we review

What it means

FODMAPs are types of fermentable carbohydrates found in many foods that can trigger bloating, wind and tummy symptoms in some people. The low-FODMAP diet temporarily reduces them, then carefully reintroduces them to find personal triggers.

Why it matters

It can significantly improve symptoms for many people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Because it is restrictive, it is meant to be a structured, temporary process guided by a dietitian, not a long-term way of eating.

Practical tips

How to make it work

  • See your GP first to confirm IBS and rule out other causes of your symptoms.
  • Work with a registered dietitian, who guides the three phases: restriction, reintroduction and personalisation.
  • In the restriction phase, swap high-FODMAP foods for suitable alternatives for a few weeks.
  • Reintroduce FODMAP groups one at a time to see which, and how much, you tolerate.
  • Build a long-term, varied diet that only limits your specific triggers.
  • Keep a symptom and food diary throughout to spot patterns.

Good to know. The full low-FODMAP diet is restrictive and can reduce fibre and nutrient intake if followed long term or without guidance. It should be done with a registered dietitian and is not intended to be permanent.

Answers

Low-FODMAP Diet: frequently asked questions

Is the low-FODMAP diet a long-term diet?

No. It is a structured, temporary process — restrict, then reintroduce — to identify your personal triggers, after which you return to as varied a diet as possible, only limiting the specific foods that affect you.

Do I need a dietitian for the low-FODMAP diet?

It is strongly recommended. The diet is complex and restrictive, and a dietitian ensures it is done safely, keeps your nutrition adequate, and guides the reintroduction phase properly.

Related

More on eating well

Mediterranean DietThe Mediterranean diet is a way of eating rich in vegetables, fruit, wholegrains, beans, o…DASH DietThe DASH diet is an eating pattern designed to lower blood pressure, rich in fruit, vegeta…Intermittent FastingIntermittent fasting means cycling between periods of eating and not eating, such as the 5…Low-Carb DietA low-carb diet reduces carbohydrate foods such as bread, rice and sugar in favour of prot…Gluten-Free DietA gluten-free diet avoids gluten, a protein in wheat, barley and rye. It is essential for …Healthy Weight LossHealthy weight loss means losing weight gradually through balanced eating and activity — a…

Education and reference only. This is general UK health guidance, not personal medical or dietitian advice. If you have a health condition or specific needs, check with your GP, pharmacist or a registered professional before making big changes.

Sources

Where this is drawn from

  • NHS — Eat well & Live Well
  • British Dietetic Association (BDA)
  • UK Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN)

Building health-promotion or lifestyle content?

We create clear, accurate, referenced health explainers, guides and behaviour-change content for teams and learners.

Talk to us ☎ +44 7448 439750
☎ Call Get a Proposal