MEDIA UPDATES 

Low FODMAP Restaurant in Australia

Major media outlets are routinely writing pieces about the Low FODMAP diet and IBS, helping to increase awareness and encouraging others to join the conversation. With an ongoing dialogue, we can decrease the stigma attached to living with IBS and inspire others to make a commitment to their gut health.

The first step if you’re looking to improve irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or another digestive disorder or disease, is to understand more about the Low FODMAP diet and if it can help. Download my free eBook to help you better understand this diet and get started implementing simple steps to get rid of symptoms like gas, bloating, pain, diarrhea or constipation related to IBS. Click here to get a copy emailed to you right away.

Foddie’s Café in Australia

Located in the idyllic suburb of Albert Park in Melbourne, Australia, Foddie’s Café adds a much needed dining experience for anyone on a restricted diet. Owners, Luke Lucas and Christina Glentis came up with the idea of opening up a café that caters to those with IBS after struggling to find places to eat while dating. Both Luke and Christina have food intolerances and allergies. Foddie’s specializes in low FODMAP, gluten-free, and allergen friendly foods and products. You are bound to find something that satisfies your hunger and sweet tooth at this gut friendly restaurant. Dishes include savoury shakshuka, a Moroccan salad bowl, pumpkin and zucchini fritters, and falafel burgers. You can also purchase low FODMAP food from their online shop which offers a diverse selection of delicious treats, sauces, dips, and protein balls.

Personal Hydrogen Breath Test Device

Forbes mentions the personal hydrogen breath test device, Aire, in an article in their Pharma and Healthcare section. The Aire device measures the level of hydrogen gas your body produces in response to digesting certain foods. Contributor Bruce Lee mentions the numerous things that can increase gas in the body, including FODMAPs, infections, stress, and nerve disorders. Although there haven’t been clinical trials supporting the accuracy of personal hydrogen breath test devices, we see potential for these devices to be helpful for those suffering with IBS. If you’re interested in learning more about Aire, we discuss the device in a previous news article.

Diagnosing IBS

Diagnosing IBS is tricky since symptoms can be non-specific, and due to the fact that there is a considerable amount of overlap in symptoms of IBS compared with other conditions. News Medical recently wrote about how IBS is diagnosed and common conditions that are often confused with IBS. This can not only delay treatment, but prevent people from finding symptom relief because they may be using inappropriate methods to solve their digestive health issues. Conditions that are often mistaken for IBS include: Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and celiac disease. Currently, the ROME III criteria is used to determine whether someone has IBS based on severity of symptoms and stool patterns over time. Usually further testing is used to rule out any of the common diseases often confused with IBS. These tests may include a blood test, stool sample, hydrogen breath test, or endoscopy.

Weight Loss Surgery and Digestive Health

A common weight loss procedure known as a Rou-en-Y gastric bypass is associated with higher rates of IBS, notes Reuters Magazine. Although previous studies have shown that individuals receiving gastric bypass surgery were more likely to have gastrointestinal issues, none prior to this study have linked a specific surgery to long-term gastrointestinal issues. People who have undergone gastric bypass are more likely to suffer from gas, indigestion, stomach gurgling, and changes in stool patterns. The study published in the British Journal of Surgery found that after gastric bypass surgery people were more likely to experience food intolerances and aversions. Most people stated they had issues with high-fat foods, carbonated beverages, spicy foods, and processed foods, such as cakes and pastries.

Dating with IBS

Owners of the Foddie Café in Australia, Luke and Chrissy open up about their experiences dating while having digestive health issues with Larah from Journey to Low FODMAP. Luke has IBS, while Chrissy has an intolerance to lactose as well as fructose malabsorption. Luke explains that it can be difficult when you are initially getting to know someone to talk openly with them about your digestive health issues, especially since many dating activities often involve eating either as the main activity or an aspect of the date. Their shared experience of struggling to find a restaurant that met both of their needs prompted them to open their own restaurant, Foddie Café.

Blogging About IBS

We’re always excited to find out about new blogs chronicling people’s journey with IBS. A blogger based in the United Kingdom is sharing how she deals with her IBS symptoms, her experience adapting to the Low FODMAP diet, and how she handles stress and anxiety over on her site, Jo’s Clothes. It’s great seeing more people share publicly about their struggles with IBS to help make it more acceptable to speak openly about digestive health issues.

 

PRODUCT AND SERVICES UPDATES

Wilde Beer Raspberry Pale Ale

FODMAP Friendly has recently certified Australian company, Koala Beer Pty Ltd.’s raspberry ale as low in FODMAPs. Typically, beer is made with barley or wheat which may cause digestive issues for individuals with an intolerance to gluten. Instead, Wilde Beer is made from sorghum, a gluten-free grain. Currently the craft beer comes in two varieties, a pale ale and a raspberry ale, with plans on launching a Paleo ale later this year. Although most beer would be considered low in FODMAPs, individuals with a gluten intolerance may find Wilde Beer to be a better option for them.

Cobram Infused Oil

Cobram Estate is an Australian olive oil producer famous for their award-winning oils known for their robust flavours and delicious blends. Their onion infused and garlic infused oils have been certified low in FODMAPs, giving those with IBS a few more options to choose from when it comes to adding flavour to dishes.

Casa de Santé Granola

Casa de Santé is a Low FODMAP food company developed by Dr. Onyx Adegbola. Their product lines include stock, seasoning mixes, and digestive drinks. FODMAP Friendly recently certified their line of granola as being low in FODMAPs. Casa de Santé’s Artisan Granola Packs are oat-free, gluten-free, vegan, and dairy-free. Created in small batches, they use no artificial flavours, colouring, or sweeteners. If you’re up for being adventurous, the granola packs come in savoury flavours such as Golden Tumeric, Indian Spicy Hot, and Tuscan Herb. They also have a plain version for those looking for a low FODMAP version of their favourite granola.

Written by Adi Hazlewood, News and Culture Editor

 

References

1.  Casa de Sante. 2017 Low FODMAP artisan oat free savory granola https://casadesante.com/collections/low-fodmap-artisan-oat-free-savory-granola
2. Wilde Gluten Free Beer. 2017. http://www.wildebeer.com.au/
3. Cobram Estate. About Us. 2017 https://cobramestate.com.au/about-us/craftsmanship/
4. Foddies. Fructose-Friendly Food. 2017
5. Rapaport L. Reuters. 2016. Weight loss surgery tied to digestive issues. http://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-digestion-weightloss-surgery-idUSKBN14H1IK
6. Lee B. Forbes. Can this device help prevent farts? http://www.forbes.com/sites/brucelee/2017/01/08/can-this-device-help-prevent-farts/#6967ad3f4052
7. Thomas L. News Medical. 2017. Irritable bowel syndrome differential diagnosis. http://www.news-medical.net/health/Irritable-Bowel-Syndrome-(IBS)-Differential-Diagnosis.aspx
8. Larah. Journey to Low FODMAP. Foddies Café. http://www.lowfodmapdiets.com/foddies-cafe/