High FODMAP Fruits: Apples, Pears, and Watermelon From Granny Smiths to Pink Ladies, a single apple (65g) serving is flagged as high FODMAP by Monash University's FODMAP Diet experts. Apples contain elevated levels of fructose and polyol-sorbitol, both of which intensify IBS symptoms and trigger diarrhea.
Can I Eat Apples on The Low FODMAP Diet? Great questions! And the answer is, YES, you can eat apples on the low FODMAP diet.
Foods High in Fructose
It turns out some very healthy foods like apples, pears and dried fruits are naturally high in fructose, which when ingested, can trigger some of the same side effects as undigested lactose. Fruits lower in fructose, such as berries, citrus and bananas, may be a better choice for people with IBS.
Low FODMAP foods to enjoy instead include:
Fruit: Bananas, blueberries, cantaloupe, grapefruit, honeydew, kiwi, lemon, lime, oranges, and strawberries. Vegetables: Bamboo shoots, bean sprouts, bok choy, carrots, chives, cucumbers, eggplant, ginger, lettuce, olives, parsnips, potatoes, spring onions, and turnips.
The main FODMAPs present in fruit are sorbitol and excess fructose. Fruits particularly high in excess fructose include apples, pears, mangoes, cherries, figs, nashi pears, pears, watermelon and dried fruit. Fruits particularly rich in sorbitol include apples, blackberries, nashi pears, peaches and plums.
From Granny Smiths to Pink Ladies, a single apple (65g) serving is flagged as high FODMAP by Monash University's FODMAP Diet experts. Apples contain elevated levels of fructose and polyol-sorbitol, both of which intensify IBS symptoms and trigger diarrhea.
At 200g (4/5 cup), Greek yoghurt is low FODMAP. Regular yoghurt may have a decent lactose content, so rather go for a lactose free option when following phase 1 of the low FODMAP diet.
What to eat instead: Eat fruits that are lower in fructose, such as banana, blueberry, boysenberry, cantaloupe, cranberry, grape, orange, lemon, lime, kiwi and strawberry.
Aged cheeses include Cheddar, Camembert, Cheshire, Pecorino Style, Swiss, Brie, Blue Cheese, Havarti, or Parmesan. These are low FODMAP cheese options and they are normally well tolerated by people with lactose intolerance.
Increase the amount of fibre in your diet, for example: cereals, e.g. All Bran®, Bran Flakes®, Weetabix®, muesli, fruit and vegetables and brown bread. You must however drink plenty of water: 1-1½ litres a day. Eat your meals slowly and chew food thoroughly.
Carrots are a FODMAP-free food. Enjoy according to your appetite. Dijon Mustard is low FODMAP in servings of 1 tablespoon or 23 grams. Garlic-infused oil is a popular way to add low FODMAP garlic flavor on the low FODMAP diet.
Yes – blueberries are safe to eat on a low FODMAP diet depending on portion size. A typical portion should not exceed 20 berries (28g).
Standard white bread (made of wheat) has been tested by Monash and is low in FODMAPs for one slice (24g). Even though it contains wheat, it has been processed and does not contain enough fructans to cause symptoms for most people with IBS.
Broccoli can be low FODMAP, depending on the part and serving size. Florets (or the darker green heads) are lower in FODMAPs than the stalks (the lighter green part). Broccoli florets are low FODMAP in servings of ¾ cup or 75 grams.
According to both Monash University and FODMAP Friendly, cherry tomatoes are low FODMAP and you can safely enjoy them 45g (3 tomato) serves (1 4). Just keep an eye on portion sizes as they do contain moderate amounts of fructans in 60g serves (1).
Eggs digest easily and are a safe choice for people with IBS. Eggs can be enjoyed hard-boiled, soft-boiled, scrambled, or poached. Omelets and frittatas can be your meal of choice for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and make a great option when eating out in a restaurant.
Some of the best foods for IBS include: Eggs. Eggs are easy to digest and don't upset the colon. Also, they are a great source of protein as part of a weekly diet.
Traditional sourdough breads made from wheat, wholemeal wheat, and spelt flours are low FODMAP because they contain reduced levels of fructans (2). This means they can make a great low FODMAP bread option.
Rice is a great staple food on the low FODMAP diet. To date, Monash University has tested white, brown, basmati, and red rice and each is low FODMAP in 1 cup or 190-gram servings of cooked rice.
You may also be eating more starches and sugars from hyper-processed gluten free, low FODMAP packaged foods than usual, which may overwhelm the absorption capacity of a sensitive, hyper-active gut. If you suspect this, try eating more fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds and see how you feel.
Can I have a cheat day while on the low FODMAP diet? The good news is that cheating with high FODMAP foods will not damage your body but they might make you feel rotten.
This is a concern long term, as healthy bacteria that live within our large intestine actually use these prebiotic fibres as a food source to survive. The reduction in prebiotic intake on a low FODMAP diet may negatively alter the gut microbiota in as little as 3-4 weeks. This may have effects on long-term health.