My Journey with the FODMAP Diet: Finding Relief from Bloating and PCOS Symptoms
Hello everyone, I'm excited to share my personal story of how I discovered the FODMAP diet and how it's helped me manage my bloating and PCOS symptoms.
It's been four years since I was treated for gastritis and Helicobacter, and while I recovered from the medication, my gut became super sensitive, causing me cramps for a month. The cramps eventually passed, but my stomach would often bloat, and I had no idea why.
I'd already seen my therapist and gastroenterologist, but visits didn't help, and German doctors only had one medication for stomach issues - Pantoazole, which is like our Omeprazole. I'd taken Pantoazole for a course, but I didn't see why I needed to take it again, even when a professor, a gastroenterologist in Germany, recommended I take it again on my last visit, along with psyllium for my gut.
So, I had to figure things out on my own by reading online and making my own conclusions based on my symptoms. In the end, it worked out, and I haven't been to the gastroenterologist in ages. I've even become my own gastroenterologist and can offer advice to others now.
But one doctor, a specialist in gastroenterology in Russia, suggested that I might have SIBO and that I should follow the FODMAP diet. Bingo! We finally figured it out.
The FODMAP diet is all about excluding or severely limiting foods that contain a large amount of FODMAP carbohydrates and replacing them with safer options. Scientists discovered that certain foods can cause bloating and pain in the digestive system for some people. These include certain carbohydrates that are easily broken down in the gut but poorly absorbed or not absorbed at all.
These carbs include lactose, fructose, fructans, galactans, and sugar alcohols. These compounds have been grouped together under FODMAP. FODMAP is an acronym that stands for fermentable (F) oligo-, di-, and mono-saccharides, and polyols (M). Undigested carbs are actively broken down by bacteria in the large and small intestine, producing gas.
The diet recommends excluding these products that cause problems. Some people can eat a ton of plums and apricots and not have any issues, while others will get bloated just from eating one plum/apricot and experience cramps in their intestines.
My FODMAP Journey
When following a low FODMAP diet, it's recommended to exclude the forbidden foods that cause excessive gas in the stomach for about a month. Through trial and error, I've discovered that the foods that cause bloating for me are legumes, chickpeas, bulgur, and all types of bread and pastries. I'm particularly sensitive to Borodinsky bread, which seems to cause fermentation.
Spices like garlic, onion, and black pepper also trigger issues if they're overpowering in a dish. I used to love eating oatmeal for breakfast, but that was until I got a stomach bug that changed my gut flora. After that, I found out that oatmeal contains gluten and a lot of fiber, which was causing the irritation in my stomach.
Milk is another FODMAP product that I need to watch out for. And if it's sweetened with flavors like MILKSHAKE, it's even worse! I've found that taking a lactase tablet, like Lactrase, helps me digest milk without any bloating.
Other FODMAP products include dried fruit like apricots, apples, bananas, and nectarines. Interestingly, I can tolerate plums, which are also considered a high FODMAP food. However, I have to steer clear of dates, prunes, and other high FODMAP fruits like watermelon and mango.
Processed foods like sausages, hot dogs, and chips are also high in FODMAPs, thanks to added flavor enhancers. I've noticed that these foods make me feel bloated and uncomfortable. On the other hand, gluten-free pasta and macaroni are a safer option for me.
Cakes and pastries are also high in FODMAPs, thanks to the gluten and cream used in their ingredients. While I do enjoy these treats, I try to limit my consumption of them.
I've noticed that beer triggers a massive bacterial overgrowth in me - it's got yeast, and the yeast just makes the bacteria worse. I don't drink beer because of the SIBO, not just because of the alcohol. I used to love beer, though!
Wine has the same effect, unfortunately. Honey is also a foodmap product, so it makes me bloated right away. And all those seeds and nuts - almonds, chia seeds, sesame seeds, flaxseeds - they're just not great for my gut.
And don't even get me started on fizzy drinks and energy drinks - they're just full of gas, which is not what I need with SIBO, and it's bad for everyone, really.
Food on a FODMAP Diet
The idea is to eat 'quiet' foods with minimal fiber. Think rice, meatballs without the onions and peppers, and fresh salads that don't trigger any issues.
Rice with fish, salmon is a staple in my diet. I've been making omelets for breakfast for years now, and it's become a breeze. Sometimes I add a sandwich or a salad, and it's all pretty straightforward, as long as I'm managing my SIBO.
Baked veggies are a game-changer for managing my gut health. When reintroducing 'problematic' foods, I start with small portions and monitor my body's reaction. I've successfully added bananas and apples to my diet, and now I don't experience any issues.
However, some foods just don't agree with me, no matter how slowly I introduce them. I've tried gradual reintroduction, but the result is always the same - discomfort.
Based on my experience, the following foods tend to cause issues for me: oats, bulgur, rice, beer, wine, beets, cabbage, apricots, peanuts, white bread, Borodinsky bread, milkshakes, and sweetened milk. I also have trouble with ice cream, but a lactulose tablet can help.
By avoiding these gas-producing foods, I've noticed a significant reduction in bloating, and my stomach has shrunk in size. I feel more comfortable and have fewer spasms in my digestive system. It's amazing how much of a difference this diet has made for me.
- Reduced bloating
- No more discomfort
- Fewer digestive spasms
- Overall, it's been a game-changer for my gut health
- Not all doctors are familiar with the FODMAP diet
- It requires careful planning and attention to detail
- Saying goodbye to some of my favorite foods