I placed myself on a low FODMAP diet for a week as part of my course work and its an interesting experience.

I suffered with IBS when at Uni and stress was a major factor. I have been mostly asymptomatic since then, but occasionally get bloating and flatus and the urgency feeling. I know dried apricots are a no no and when I had IBS, onion was a a problem food.

Started the diet a week ago and lasted 6 days!

What was it like? I managed to replace all my high FODMAP foods with suitable alternatives. It requires a lot of pre-planing and needed to buy in enough foods in advance. Needed to shop at several different places to get all the foods required and it does cost more. I planned my meals in advance and planned for when I was eating away from home.

If I fancied something different I had to check the labels before eating. I always had the handbook within easy access.

Its revealing how many foods have a high FODMAP content when you look a the labels.

I did feel more hungry on the diet as I missed my high fibre sources. Eating either rice krispies, porridge and oatbix are not as filling and this did have a physiological effect!

I missed my favourite fruit and veg but tried some more unusual types.

I tended to eat more low FODMAP snacks which had a higher fat/sugar content.

The low FODMAP diet is only for 8 weeks and it improves the symptoms in 76% of IBS sufferers.

Kings  college is publishing another paper this year which was presented to our course on the 18th and looks at actual FODMAP quantities in the diet so keep you posted.

I hope to meet with my IBS case study soon and discuss the next stage of FODMAP reintroduction.