Most FODMAP-trained dietitians have reported it takes an average of 2-4 weeks to see noticable changes. But at the end of the day, it depends on your body. Some people have reported seeing changes in the first few days, while others see a shift right at the 4-week mark.
It is important to keep in mind that a low FODMAP diet is not a quick fix. It can take time for the body to adjust and for symptoms to improve. Some people may see results within 2-3 weeks, while others may need to stick with it for several months before feeling better.
You can assess your symptom response to a low FODMAP diet using the food and symptom diary in the Monash University low FODMAP App™. This diary allows you to track changes in your IBS symptoms as you follow the diet. Alternatively, you can rate the improvement in your IBS symptoms on a simple, 0 to 100 scale.
The truth is the low FODMAP diet is designed to be followed strictly for an initial 2-6 weeks until symptoms resolve. At that stage, gentle reintroductions are encouraged by your dietitian to learn your level of tolerance.
Here are some ways you might not be following the diet: You might be eating foods that have been mislabeled as low FODMAP. You might be consuming low FODMAP foods, but in greater quantities than suggested, which means you are actually eating Moderate or High FODMAP amounts.
You may also be eating more starches and sugars from hyper-processed gluten free, low FODMAP packaged foods than usual, which may overwhelm the absorption capacity of a sensitive, hyper-active gut. If you suspect this, try eating more fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds and see how you feel.
Well, the low FODMAP diet works, in part, by starving your gut bacteria4. For a short period, this can help bring your system back into balance. However, in the long-term, this likely isn't a very good idea because a healthy gut flora is important for digestive health, nervous system health and immune function.
The low FODMAP diet is not considered a weight reduction diet, however some experience weight fluctuations as a result of restricting or expanding their food choices. Most dietitians agree that one should not pursue active weight loss during the Low FODMAP Elimination Phase and Challenge Phase.
Evidence from four high quality studies concluded that a low FODMAP diet leads to an 81% and 75% greater chance of relieving stomach pain and bloating, respectively ( 7 ). Several other studies concur and suggest that this diet also helps manage flatulence, diarrhea, and constipation ( 1 , 2 , 5 , 8 , 9 ).
Food Stress or Anxiety. Unfortunately, another potential side effect of the low FODMAP diet is getting stressed out about food or fostering an unhealthy relationship with eating. If you're constantly fixating over which foods you can and can't eat, you're setting yourself up for distress in several ways.
1. Space out your meals - the best way to prevent any additive effect of FODMAPs is to leave 3-4 hours between your low FODMAP meals and snacks. If you find yourself peckish in between, refer to tip no. 2!
Add protein sources at meal times and fill up on these first
Try to include a source of these low FODMAP proteins at meal times: Animal sources: Eggs, chicken, lamb, beef, fish, pork, turkey. Check that no added FODMAPs are introduced such as onion/garlic sauces used as flavourings.
Bottom line: “While there's no peer-reviewed research to suggest a low-FODMAP diet improves arthritis symptoms, following the diet for a couple of months can help improve bacterial balance which, in some, may help to reduce inflammation,” says Turner.
Sourdough is one of the best tolerated breads on the low FODMAP, plus its super healthy and good for those gut bugs.
The short answer is no. In fact, we do not encourage patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome who have been following a low FODMAP diet to continue the diet in the long term.
It is well known that individuals following a low FODMAP diet may have reduced numbers of Bifidobacteria due to decreased intake of prebiotic fiber, so a probiotic supplement containing this species can help maintain levels in the gut[2].
We know that approximately ¾ of people who go on a low FODMAP diet will experience controlled symptoms, which in turn improves their stress levels and quality of life. As an adjunct to the low FODMAP diet, there is increasing evidence for gut-directed hypnotherapy to improve IBS symptoms.
It is well known that dietary FODMAPs can trigger gut symptoms in people with IBS. However, as FODMAPs have their effects mostly in the small and large intestine, it usually takes at least 4 hours after eating a high FODMAP meal for FODMAP-related symptoms to occur (see blog on timing of symptoms here).
“We recommend following the elimination portion of the diet for only two to six weeks,” says Veloso. “This reduces your symptoms and if you have SIBO, it can help decrease abnormally high levels of intestinal bacteria.