Fatty Foods and Fibre High Fat foods include fried foods, many takeaway foods, pastries, crisps, cakes and biscuits; so try to limit your intake of these foods or choose a low fat variety.
They may also pose risks, especially if you have IBS, IBD, gluten intolerance, or certain food sensitivities. If you experience bloating, gas, and abdominal pain after eating a few pieces of digestives, it's highly likely that they contain certain ingredients that trigger your symptoms.
It's also a pleasant surprise to discover that 2 plain savoury or sweet biscuits (cookies), which are generally made from wheat flour, are low FODMAP. Just remember that larger serves become high FODMAP (1). As always you will need to check these products for additional high FODMAP ingredients.
Nairns biscuit breaks.
The flavours oats grahams and oats, chocolate & coconut are low FODMAP.
Because many people with IBS have problems digesting specific foods, it is possible that taking digestive enzyme supplements known to help the body digest these foods will reduce symptoms.
1. Gluten-free toast. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) , a person with IBS may wish to avoid gluten in their diet. Gluten is in products that contain wheat, barley, and rye.
It can cause bloating; if someone is constipated, it can make that worse; and if they're loose it will make them looser,' says Professor Whorwell. 'So try eating refined cereals – Rice Krispies, white bread, white pasta, cream crackers – and avoid things like brown bread, Weetabix, Ryvita and digestive biscuits.
One biscuit provides over 19.3 grams of carbohydrates, 1.2 grams of fiber, and 1.8 grams of sugar. Most biscuits are made with refined white flour. Though flour is a starch and a complex carbohydrate, a traditional biscuit has a glycemic index of 70. 2 This means biscuits digest quickly.
Plus, two plain rice cakes or up to 20 plain rice crackers at a time are considered low FODMAP friendly which means they'll be easy to digest if you have trouble with high FODMAP foods.
I've put together a handy list of the top 5 low FODMAP breakfast cereals to hopefully shave some time off your morning routine! Gluten Free Weetbix – I cannot explain my delight when Sanitarium brought these out earlier in the year. Quick, easy and tasty.
Common Low FODMAP Bread Varieties
Sourdough (white wheat, whole wheat, spelt): 2 slices. Gluten-free (white): 2 slices. Millet: 2 slices. Wheat (wholemeal, white): 1 slice.
This is because chocolate, particularly milk chocolate, contains a lot of sugar, including lactose, milk proteins and fat – all of which can cause symptoms in susceptible persons. This is particularly true in persons who are lactose intolerant or who have conditions like IBS.
Lay's Classic Potato Chips are another accessible low-FODMAP snack option and are low-FODMAP at 1 serving.
On a strict low FODMAP diet but wanting to indulge in some sweets? In quantities under 30g, you can still treat yourself to some chocolate this festive season without triggering any symptoms. We recommend a good quality dark chocolate as the best (and usually the healthiest) option.
Foods To Avoid With IBS
High-fiber products, found in cereals, grains, pastas and processed foods. Gas-producing foods, like beans, lentils, carbonated beverages and cruciferous vegetables such as cauliflower.
Some foods can make IBS-related constipation worse, including: Breads and cereals made with refined (not whole) grains. Processed foods such as chips and cookies. Coffee, carbonated drinks, and alcohol.
Reduce gas by avoiding onions, garlic, beetroot, Brussels sprouts, wheat, chickpeas and dairy products. Taking a digestive enzyme before meals can help reduce symptoms. Try a supplement of bromelain, an enzyme found it pineapple, to ease inflammation.
Corn is one of those tricky foods – fresh corn can easily be high FODMAP in moderate portions, while many processed corn-based products such as corn tortillas, corn chips, corn flakes, cornmeal, and popcorn are low FODMAP.
Food to eat during an IBS flare
My most common choice is a piece of toast with a smear of peanut butter or jam. This goes down quite easily for me and the bread fills me up. Bread is also a good source of energy and keeps me functioning so I can get on with my day.