FODMAP diet for people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

FODMAPs are short chain carbohydrates and sugar alcohols that are poorly digested by the body. They ferment in the large intestine (bowel) during digestion, drawing in water and producing carbon dioxide, hydrogen, and methane gas that causes the intestine to expand. This causes GI symptoms such as bloating and pain that are common in disorders like IBS.

FODMAPs are in some foods naturally or as additives. They include fructose (in fruits and vegetables), fructans (like fructose, found in some vegetables and grains), lactose (dairy), galactans (legumes), and polyols (artificial sweeteners).

A low-FODMAP diet consists in the global restriction of all fermentable carbohydrates, that is recommended only for a short time. 

FODMAP stands for Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides, And Polyols, which are short chain carbohydrates and sugar alcohols that are poorly absorbed by the body, resulting in abdominal pain and bloating.

A low-FODMAP diet is recommended for managing patients with irritable bowel syndrome and can reduce digestive symptoms of IBS including bloating and flatulence.