FODMAP changing lives for 20 years

RESEARCHERS behind the Low FODMAP Diet are marking 20 years since their breakthrough in managing digestive disorders that affect millions globally.

Developed at Monash University in 2005, the diet was released to the public in 2012 and has since expanded to include a global app, cookbook, food certification program, website, and online courses for patients and healthcare professionals.

FODMAPs are a group of short-chain carbohydrates found in many foods and additives that are not fully digested or absorbed, often triggering symptoms in people with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

These symptoms can include bloating, abdominal pain and digestive discomfort.

Professor of gastroenterology at the Monash University School of Translational Medicine, Peter Gibson, said up to 10 per cent of people globally live with IBS.

“The Low FODMAP Diet empowers people to create a diet that works for them,” Gibson said.

“We’ve also worked hard to ensure the accuracy of our information.

“We’re not trying to cut things out completely; we’re helping to reduce the effect FODMAPs have on some people.”

Tweed-based naturopath, herbalist and kinesiologist Kim Moser estimated 90 per cent of her clients were experiencing digestive issues.

She said the FODMAP protocol was a valuable tool for managing symptoms.

“FODMAPs are fantastic for reducing symptoms, and it’s a first port of call I would use to help reduce symptoms of bad digestion or ill health in the first instance,” Moser said.

“It’s not something that you necessarily would have to stay on, because if you’re not getting to the root cause, then you’ll just have a restrictive diet the rest of your life.

“You’ve gotta get underneath that.”

Monash University will host its annual public lecture, FODMAPs: 20 Years On, on September 16.

The event is open to health professionals and the public, and features members of the original research team. It can also be viewed online.

For more information, visit monashfodmap.com