⭐Criteria for starring system:
- Incorporates appropriate microbiome strategies
- Incorporates appropriate gut healing strategies
- Inflammation reduction is a priority
- Long-term symptom reduction
- Easily implemented
- Reduces disordered eating patterns
⭐Caveat for starring system: This system is our opinion based on the available research at this time. We reserve the right to modify our recommendations as new literature is published and we learn more about the complexities of IBD. Review our recommendations with an appropriate amount of discretion and understand that oftentimes there is not a one size fits all approach for every situation.
Low FODMAP Diet
Overview: Developed by Monash University to treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Since some with IBD have IBS type symptoms, the diet has been proposed to be helpful in IBD. FODMAP is an acronym for fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols, which are sugars and fibers that are poorly absorbed in the small intestine and highly fermentable. For more on the Low FODMAP Diet, check out the resources at Monash University which is where the diet was pioneered.
- Research suggests that the diet might be helpful for reducing functional symptoms in those with inactive CD or UC, not necessarily inflammation.
- The diet is also restrictive and could be unhelpful for many.
- Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27793606/
⭐Meets criteria for:
- Short-term symptom reduction
⭐Does not meet criteria for:
- Incorporates appropriate microbiome strategies
- Incorporates appropriate gut healing strategies
- Long-term symptom reduction
- Inflammation reduction is a priority
- Easily implemented
- Reduces disordered eating patterns