Low FODMAP Diet & Digestive Health News

With the public’s growing concern for eating healthy and more awareness about Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), we are seeing a greater focus on digestive health. Amidst the publishing of new research and the release of new products targeted at improving digestive health, it can be difficult to keep up-to-date. Here are this week’s highlights.

MONASH UNIVERSITY UPDATES

Monash University is regularly adding new food items to the app and certifying newly released Low FODMAP products. With constant changes it can be difficult to keep up, but our team is working hard to highlight the latest updates to the app as they happen so you can continue eating well for your health and your gut, without all the confusion and guesswork.

If you are following the Low FODMAP diet and haven’t already downloaded the app, we recommend you do. This is the best tool to provide you with an up-to-date list of low, moderate, and high FODMAP foods. New foods are regularly added in addition to updates for existing items based on the latest testing and research.

Pickled Onions Tested for FODMAPs

The Monash app has been updated with pickled onions. Large pickled onions contain low levels of FODMAPs, however small pickled onions were high in FODMAPs (containing high fructose). Although the experts aren’t quite sure the reason behind the different levels of FODMAPs in the onions, this could be another example of how food processing affects FODMAP. Be sure to check the app for the latest updates!

MEDIA UPDATES

Inulin and Digestive Health

A recent press release predicts that inulin is about to take over the digestive health market. The article on Sat PR News gives an overview of the digestive health market. Inulin can be used as a digestive supplement, as it is a type of fibre. It can help increase gut motility and get things moving again. The inulin market is booming with new food products and digestive aids that are reported to help ease symptoms.

Digestive Enzyme Supplements

A recent publication from PR Newswire shared a market analysis of digestive supplements. This article outlined that the digestive supplement market will continue to grow into 2025. Specifically, plant-based enzymes will continue to take up a larger portion of the market and will focus on treating indigestion related to chronic digestive disorders. With increased demand and popularity comes an influx of new products to the market, not all of which are backed by research. Be sure to consult a qualified health care professional before testing out a new product to make sure it is safe for you.

10 Proven Remedies for Relief from Chronic Constipation

Dietitian Joe Leech shared his 10 go-to ways to help relieve your constipation. This recent article shared some great tips to help with IBS-C symptoms or chronic constipation related to other conditions. Have you ever thought to reduce stress in your life to help your constipation? Or to use abdominal massage to get things moving? The article breaks down some different strategies you can try and what symptoms they might be helpful for relieving.

Tips for Following the Low FODMAP Diet

The Knowridge Science Report published an article on the Low FODMAP diet and what people need to know. This article gives you the quick run down on the diet, how long you should follow it, and how to begin reintroduction. Remember that trying this diet can be difficult, especially without support. This report also gets into details about some of the challenges that come along with the Low FODMAP diet and how to overcome them.

Taken from: Knowridge Science Report

Healthy Habits to Ease Tummy Trouble

If you’ve been around the IBS community for a while now, you know how the whole body works in connection. Gut troubles can be aided by many other behaviours including healthy eating, reduced stress, and exercise. Making sure you are taking care of your whole self can help improve symptoms of IBS. This article shared on Knowridge Science Report shared ways to incorporate healthy behaviours into daily life. IBS is experienced differently by everyone, so it’s always best to check with your health care team before implementing any changes to your diet or lifestyle.

RESEARCH UPDATES

Gluten Free Not for Everyone

A Harvard University study explores the gluten-free diet and finds that it is not ideal unless you have celiac disease. This study looked at 20,000 Americans over several years and found that those who consumed gluten had a lower risk of developing a metabolic disorder (including diabetes). Gluten-free foods often have less dietary fibre and fewer micronutrients, which can help to prevent disease. This evidence supports the need for re-introduction of foods on restrictive diets, and to avoid elimination of foods unless medically necessary.

New Treatment for Gastroenteritis

A new phase has been started on a randomized controlled trial evaluating a new treatment for gastroenteritis. BEKINDA is an anti-nausea and vomiting drug which is being used for symptom relief for a full 24-hour period with a single oral tablet. The study is looking at new ways to use BEKINDA, which is currently used in IBS at lower doses. Scientists are now exploring the potential for the drug help prevent similar symptoms in stomach flu patients. This study is in the early stages, with results expected to be published later this year. If you would like to learn more about how this drug is used for IBS or the stomach flu you can read about the study here.

FODMAPs to help IBS and Crohn’s

This article by Monash University discussed the efficacy of the low FODMAP diet in people with IBS and Crohn’s disease. It described a series of studies that look to fill the gaps in the evidence behind the low FODMAP diet to determine if the diet helps with gastrointestinal symptoms in populations that have not yet been studied. Additionally, enteral formulas (formulas used for tube feeding patients) were evaluated for FODMAP content to determine whether the use of these formulas is appropriate for patients with GI disorders.

Foods as Therapy for Gastrointestinal Distress

A paper published in Gastroenterology & Hepatology discusses a number of non-pharmaceutical treatment options for GI care. This article discusses several food tools to manage GI disorders such as IBS and IBD. These food tools include probiotics, an immunoglobulin/protein isolate and an elemental diet. Research behind these treatments is still in the early stages, and more evidence is needed before they might be implemented as treatments by GI disorders.

Written by Tory Ambrose, News and Culture Editor

References

Gluten Free May Not Be For Everyone