Did you know that around one in seven Australians experience the uncomfortable symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) at some point in their lives? From abdominal pain to bloating, and inconvenient visits to the bathroom, IBS is no walk in the park. Let’s have a look at IBS, the symptoms and what you can do to find relief.
Understanding IBS
IBS, or irritable bowel syndrome, is a condition of the digestive system that can cause a variety of uncomfortable symptoms. These may include abdominal pain, wind, constipation, diarrhoea, or bloating.
Triggers
While the exact cause of IBS remains a puzzle, many people find it flares up after an episode of stress, illness, or certain foods. Identifying and managing your triggers is key to keeping symptoms at bay.
Finding Relief
Luckily, there are plenty of ways to manage IBS and improve your gut health. From gut-directed hypnotherapy to dietary strategies, there are plenty of options depending on what works for your lifestyle. Dietitians Australia state that three in four people see improvements in their IBS symptoms within weeks of adopting a low FODMAP diet.
Cracking the FODMAP Code
FODMAPs, an acronym for Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides, and Polyols, represent a group of short chain carbohydrates and sugar alcohols found in foods naturally and as food additives, that pose challenges for efficient absorption within the small intestine.
Once these carbohydrates venture into the large intestine, they trigger the absorption of excess water, resulting in gastrointestinal distress such as diarrhoea, bloating, and discomfort.
High FODMAP foods include garlic, onions, apples, dairy products, and legumes—items notorious for unsettling digestive harmony.
We know staying away from some of our favourite foods can be tricky, for those of us who have a sweet tooth (aka all of us?!) Lakanto’s Classic Monkfruit Sweetener has been certified FODMAP Friendly, meaning it has been laboratory tested to be low in FODMAPs. If you’re on the lookout for two delicious FODMAP Friendly approved recipes, check out our Strawberry Aqua Fresca and our Low Carb Sea Salt Dark Chocolate Almond Clusters!
Seeking Support
If you're struggling with IBS symptoms, don't suffer in silence! Seeing an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) can provide personalised, evidence-based advice to help you manage your symptoms and get back to feeling your best. You can also learn more about the benefits of a Low FODMAP Diet at FODMAP Friendly. Here’s to happier guts and happier days ahead!
LEARN MORE HERE about our FODMAP Friendly certified Monkfruit Sweeteners.