White wheat bread (United States): A low FODMAP serving of wheat-based white bread is 1 slice or 35 grams, according to Monash University. Larger servings (2 slices) contain high amounts of the FODMAP, fructan.
Standard white bread (made of wheat) has been tested by Monash and is low in FODMAPs for one slice (24g). Even though it contains wheat, it has been processed and does not contain enough fructans to cause symptoms for most people with IBS.
Common Low FODMAP Bread Varieties
Sourdough (white wheat, whole wheat, spelt): 2 slices. Gluten-free (white): 2 slices. Millet: 2 slices. Wheat (wholemeal, white): 1 slice.
You can still enjoy a slice of toast in the morning or a low FODMAP sandwich for lunch, as long as you follow these serving sizes: White wheat bread: 1 slice or 35 grams. White wheat sourdough: 2 slices or 109 grams. Whole wheat sourdough: 2 slices or 97 grams.
Portion sizes are crucial on a low-FODMAP diet. Just because a food is classed as low FODMAP doesn't mean you can eat it in unlimited quantities, and some high-FODMAP foods are safe to eat in small portions. The goal of a low-FODMAP diet is to reduce the overall level of FODMAPs – it's not a FODMAP-free diet.
Can I have a cheat day while on the low FODMAP diet? The good news is that cheating with high FODMAP foods will not damage your body but they might make you feel rotten.
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.
Food to eat during an IBS flare
My most common choice is a piece of toast with a smear of peanut butter or jam. This goes down quite easily for me and the bread fills me up. Bread is also a good source of energy and keeps me functioning so I can get on with my day.
It doesn't matter if the bread contains honey, or wheat, or fruit juice concentrate. If the bread has gone through a lab testing process and is sporting one of the certification icons (seen below in this article) then it is low FODMAP in the serving sizes recommended.
Did you know per Monash University low FODMAP app, carrots do not have any FODMAPs? Toast topper #2: Veggie and cheese: Red pepper, cilantro, lemon zest, crushed red pepper and a little ground pepper too, and a scoop of lactose free cottage cheese! (I used Lactaid brand lactose free cottage cheese) Mmmm!
Sourdough is one of the best tolerated breads on the low FODMAP, plus its super healthy and good for those gut bugs.
Wirtz explained that some research suggests that sourdough bread acts as a prebiotic to feed the gut bacteria. Because it undergoes a fermentation process, eating sourdough bread allows better digestion, promotes higher nutritional uptake of minerals and vitamins, and improves gut health.
So you need to eat less than 120-130 grams of carbs in a day for a low-carb diet, or less than 50 grams for a ketogenic diet. A piece of bread might be 20 grams of carbohydrate, so sure, you could have some bread.
Nairn's biscuit breaks.
The flavors oats grahams and oats, chocolate & coconut are low FODMAP.
First up, tortilla wraps. Monash has FINALLY tested wheat tortillas and has found that they're low FODMAP in servings of one 35 g wrap per sitting. 1 + 1/4 wraps (43 g) are high in the FODMAP fructan and should be avoided if you're in the elimination phase.
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.
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.
“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.
Increase the amount of fibre in your diet, for example: cereals, e.g. All Bran®, Bran Flakes®, Weetabix®, muesli, fruit and vegetables and brown bread. You must however drink plenty of water: 1-1½ litres a day. Eat your meals slowly and chew food thoroughly.
Dr. Lee emphasizes that eggs can be an ally for most people with IBS, so try to incorporate them into your diet as tolerated. “Eggs are a powerful, low-carb, protein-packed and nutritious food with good fats that your body needs.
Some people might find relief in a few days; others can take a couple of weeks. So, if your symptoms persist, it's time to start troubleshooting so you can decide if you want to continue with the FODMAP diet or move on to a different strategy.
There is also concern that long-term restriction of high-FODMAP foods changes the makeup of bacterial colonies in the gut, which may negatively impact intestinal health and possibly worsen digestive issues over time. Oligosaccharides, in particular, are an important energy source for beneficial bacteria.