FODMAP diet – an effective aid for sensitive stomachs
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Revised 7/1/2026
Published 5/2/2024
Irritable bowel syndrome is a functional gastrointestinal disorder. This means that the bowel is seemingly healthy with no signs of abnormalities in endoscopic examinations despite persistent symptoms.
IBS is short for irritable bowel syndrome. Irritable bowel syndrome was previously referred to as spastic colon.
Symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome include abdominal pain, bloating and gastrointestinal problems such as constipation and diarrhoea. Abdominal symptoms may be accompanied by urinary problems, headache, heartburn and non-cardiac chest pain. For some, the same symptom will recur over and over again, whereas for others, the symptoms and their intensity will vary. The symptoms may also come and go.
The symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome may be similar to those of inflammatory bowel disease or coeliac disease, for example. Therefore, it is important to rule out the possibility of other diseases if you have been suffering from prolonged gastrointestinal symptoms.
See a physician if you suspect irritable bowel syndrome or if your symptoms are severe, persistent or impact the quality of your life. You should also see a physician for examinations if you have severe diarrhoea or constipation, have blood in your stools, experience weight loss or fever, or you need to get up to pass stool at night. These symptoms can be a sign of something more serious than irritable bowel syndrome.
Based on the discussion, the physician may order laboratory tests, such as blood tests and stool samples. These may already indicate whether the symptoms are caused by something more serious than IBS.
Blood tests can show signs of, for example, coeliac disease or inflammatory bowel diseases, and suspected lactose intolerance may be confirmed by a blood sample.
If necessary, the physician will also order a colonoscopy and a gastroscopy. Endoscopic examinations may also involve the collection of biopsies, which are then sent to a pathologist for examination.
When the possibility of other diseases is ruled out and no organic disease is found, the most likely cause is irritable bowel syndrome.
The most important thing in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome is a regular lifestyle and eating rhythm. Stress and haste should be avoided, as they often increase symptoms. Exercise and adequate fiber intake are especially important for those suffering from constipation.
Diet and lifestyle treatment help most people control the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and improve their quality of life. There are two main lines of dietary treatment: first-line treatment and FODMAP diet treatment. The focus of first-line treatment is on regular meal times, sufficient fiber and fluid intake, calm eating, and careful chewing. If necessary, foods that produce a lot of gas can be replaced with better-tolerated alternatives. Exercise, taking breaks from sitting, adequate sleep, and stress management can also relieve symptoms.
If the first-line treatment does not provide an adequate response, you can switch to the FODMAP diet treatment. The treatment progresses in three phases: elimination, exposure and maintenance. During the elimination phase, FODMAP carbohydrates are restricted for 2–6 weeks, after which they are added back into the diet one group at a time. The goal is to identify the FODMAP groups that cause symptoms and to find the most diverse, nutritionally adequate diet possible. The elimination phase should not be continued for more than 4–6 weeks, as long-term restriction can have an adverse effect on the intestinal microbiota.
A dietitian will help with the planning and implementation of the FODMAP diet treatment.
Diarrhea and constipation medications can also be used for the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome according to the instructions given by a doctor or pharmacist, if basic tests have been performed and the doctor has diagnosed irritable bowel syndrome.
Fiber supplements can also balance bowel function and can be used for the rest of your life. There are also prescription medications for troublesome stomach pain. Discuss medication for irritable bowel syndrome with your doctor.
Abdominal pain
The causes of stomach pain and treatment options should be investigated when the pain starts to interfere with everyday life.
Acid reflux
A disease where the stomach contents rising into the oesophagus repeatedly cause heartburn or inflammation of the oesophagus.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
The most typical symptom of inflammatory bowel diseases is diarrhoea. If the diarrhoea persists, blood may be present in the stool.
Lactose intolerance
The inability to digest lactose due to a deficiency of the enzyme lactase, resulting in gastrointestinal symptoms.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder. This means that the bowel is seemingly healthy with no signs of abnormalities in endoscopic examinations despite persistent symptoms. Irritable bowel syndrome is not a dangerous condition, but it is often unpleasant and debilitating.
A functional gastrointestinal disorder refers to a variety of gastrointestinal symptoms that are not related to an organic cause, such as a structural changes in the intestine or long-term inflammation. In irritable bowel syndrome, the bowel is seemingly healthy and normal, but the person still has bowel symptoms. In other words, an endoscopy of the intestines does not reveal any inflammation or other abnormalities that would explain the symptoms.
There are a number of causes of IBS, and they vary from person to person. Some people's stomachs are more sensitive than others. Irritation of the intestine may occur as a result of:
Gastric diseases, such as norovirus, as well as germs picked up when travelling, such as campylobacter, salmonella and protozoa, can cause irritation in the intestine. For some people, the bowel calms down after the virus or bacterial infection has passed, while others discover that they now have a recurring case of IBS.
Studies show that 5–25% of westerners suffer from IBS at some point in their lives or from time to time. IBS is twice as common in women as in men.
IBS is short for irritable bowel syndrome.
A spastic colon is another term for irritable bowel syndrome. The name was changed from spastic colon to irritable bowel syndrome when it was discovered that the symptoms were also connected to the small intestine.
