People suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) benefit from using cheddar cheese as an alternative to sour cream. People with lactose intolerance can digest this cheese because it contains very few lactose receptors.
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.
Milk and other foods that contain lactose, like cheese and ice cream, can cause gas and bloating in people who are lactose intolerant. About 70% of adults worldwide do not produce large amounts of lactase, an intestinal enzyme that helps break down the sugar in milk.
Dairy is off-limits for many IBS sufferers, although lactose-free dairy (found in cream cheese, half and half, hard cheeses like cheddar, parmesan, and Swiss, and soft cheeses like brie, feta, and mozzarella can be tolerated by many of us.
Baked and Boiled Potatoes
Some people with IBS find cooked potatoes are easy to digest, which is good news because baked or boiled potatoes are a natural source of nutrients like potassium. Depending on how well a person with IBS tolerates fiber, the skin of the potato may need to be removed before it's cooked.
Feta cheese
People with lactose intolerance have trouble digesting lactose, which can cause symptoms like bloating, diarrhea, and gas. Feta cheese is also a good source of protein and calcium. People enjoy it's unique flavour.. If you are lactose intolerant, you can still enjoy feta cheese in moderation.
Feta: low FODMAP at 1 ½ ounces (40 grams) per serving.
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.
However, peanut butter and jelly on white may not sit well with people who have IBS, so sandwiches need some new ingredients. Bread such as sourdough and French are delicious alternatives to plain white bread. Skip the lunch meat, cheese, and mayonnaise and try soy, tofu, or seafood alternatives.
In terms of vegetables, foods good for IBS consist of: Zucchini, Yam and Water Chestnuts. Turnip, Tomato (Canned, Common, Cherry and Roma)
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.
The good news is that a range of these cheeses, such as haloumi and ricotta, can still be enjoyed on a FODMAP diet. Cheese is also a great source of calcium and protein, however it also contains dietary fat, which can be a trigger for some people in IBS.
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.
Hard, aged cheeses like Swiss, parmesan, and cheddars are lower in lactose. Other low-lactose cheese options include cottage cheese or feta cheese made from goat or sheep's milk.
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.
Furthermore, you should purchase plain, low-fat yogurt. Greek yogurt is another good option, but it should be plain and unsweetened. If you find plain yogurt hard to stomach, consider adding low-fructose fruits such as berries or, better yet, nuts, which also help with IBS symptoms and have high levels of fiber.