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.
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. Certain vegetables cause gas and abnormal bowel habits.
And the answer is, YES, you can eat apples on the low FODMAP diet. Monash University is constantly testing and re-testing foods and in the August 2018 update they have now provided a low FODMAP/Green Light portion of 20 grams for either Pink Lady Apples or green Granny Smith apples.
Try prunes and liquids: Some fruity foods that are higher in the sugar sorbitol, such as prunes, dried plums (another name for prunes), and prune juice, can loosen bowels. But again, too much can cause gas, bloating, cramping, and diarrhea.
Rice Chex, Corn Chex and various flavors of Cheerios are all low FODMAP in moderate amounts. These breakfast cereals are also widely available both domestically and internationally. There are also some other low FODMAP cold breakfast cereals sold by smaller brands.
May promote gut health
Apples contain pectin, a type of fiber that acts as a prebiotic. This means it feeds your gut microbiota, which is the good bacteria in your gut. Being involved in many functions related to both health and disease, your gut microbiota plays an essential role in your overall well-being.
Apples. Apples are a good source of fiber, with one small apple (5.3 ounces or 149 grams) providing 3.6 grams of fiber ( 2 ). Fiber passes through your intestines undigested, aiding the formation of stool and promoting regular bowel movements ( 3 ).
Eating yogurt can help alleviate irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms since yogurt has probiotics, or “good bacteria,” which helps put healthy bacteria back in your gut.
Almond milk, lactose free milk, hemp milk, coconut milk, rice milk, and soy milk made from soy protein are all good low FODMAP milk options. However make sure you check the ingredients list for added high FODMAP ingredients.
Research confirms white flour is better for IBS
Since gut bacteria can play a substantial role in intestinal health, eating more white bread can be assumed to have some protective effects for those with IBS.
Other healthful low FODMAP foods that you can enjoy include: lactose-free dairy products. some fruits, including bananas, blueberries, grapes, kiwi, oranges, and pineapple. some vegetables, including carrots, celery, eggplant, green beans, kale, pumpkin, spinach, and potato.
But many people have worse IBS symptoms when they eat or drink certain foods or beverages. These include wheat, dairy products, citrus fruits, beans, cabbage, milk and carbonated drinks. Stress. Most people with IBS experience worse or more-frequent symptoms during periods of increased stress.
Certain grains: Gluten-free oatmeal and brown rice are usually well-received by people with IBS and provide soluble fiber, which helps regulate bowel movements. Low-fat yogurt: Some people with IBS have worse symptoms after eating dairy foods.
Include plenty of probiotic-rich foods like kimchi, kombucha, miso, or sauerkraut. Sometimes, you can also eat yogurt if you are not allergic to dairy. Try unsweetened sheep or goat yogurt. These are all foods that help your gut flora get and stay healthy.
A typical flare up usually lasts between 2-4 days but can be much longer. However, taking action to calm a flare up can shorten the time you experience symptoms.
A typical meal plan for IBS sufferers
Breakfast - a bowl of high fibre cereal such as untoasted muesli, weetbix or porridge with fresh or tinned fruit and reduced fat milk or a calcium fortified soy milk and/ or wholemeal or grain toast with minimal margarine and honey or vegemite.
Dairy products, including milk, yogurt, and cheese, can trigger IBS flare-ups. If you find that dairy doesn't agree well with your stomach, consider switching to dairy-free products such as: Coconut milk or almond milk.
This may help to alleviate bloating and regulate bowel movements. An example of a beneficial breakfast for IBS sufferers is our Apple & linseed porridge, which may help ease symptoms thanks to some key ingredients.
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.