Zucchini can be low FODMAP, but it's one of those foods where serving size matters. Per Monash University, zucchini is low FODMAP in small servings of ⅓ cup, diced, or 65 grams. The FODMAP Friendly Food Program has also tested zucchini and they give it a pass at a slightly larger ½ cup or a 75-gram serving.
Fruit: Bananas, blueberries, cantaloupe, grapefruit, honeydew, kiwi, lemon, lime, oranges, and strawberries. Vegetables: Bamboo shoots, bean sprouts, bok choy, carrots, chives, cucumbers, eggplant, ginger, lettuce, olives, parsnips, potatoes, spring onions, and turnips.
People who have fructose intolerance should limit high-fructose foods, such as juices, apples, grapes, watermelon, asparagus, peas and zucchini. Some lower fructose foods — such as bananas, blueberries, strawberries, carrots, avocados, green beans and lettuce — may be tolerated in limited quantities with meals.
Summer Squash: All types of summer squash tested are low in FODMAPs. However, because zucchini/courgette is a little higher in FODMAPs than the yellow-skinned summer squash, I suggest a limit of 1/2 cup for that type of summer squash.
According to Monash University's FODMAP food experts, a single 65g serving of zucchini is low in FODMAPs, and should be fine for people with a range of IBS sensitivities.
While not true vegetables, beans and other legumes often worsen the gas and bloating associated with IBS. The list of vegetables you can enjoy is long and includes favorites such as green beans, carrots, spinach, sweet potato, zucchini, and other squashes.
Cucumbers are a FODMAP-free food. Enjoy according to your appetite. Garlic-infused oil is a popular way to add low FODMAP garlic flavor on the low FODMAP diet.
5. Tomatoes. Fresh tomatoes are in the low FODMAP category, so can be eaten freely and according to appetite. However, just before you go and throw plain crushed canned tomatoes into your low FODMAP pasta dish, beware that canned tomatoes have higher levels of fructose compared to fresh tomatoes.
Carrots are a FODMAP-free food. Enjoy according to your appetite.
At 200g (4/5 cup), Greek yoghurt is low FODMAP. Regular yoghurt may have a decent lactose content, so rather go for a lactose free option when following phase 1 of the low FODMAP diet.
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.
Aged cheeses include Cheddar, Camembert, Cheshire, Pecorino Style, Swiss, Brie, Blue Cheese, Havarti, or Parmesan. These are low FODMAP cheese options and they are normally well tolerated by people with lactose intolerance.
Traditional sourdough breads made from wheat, wholemeal wheat, and spelt flours are low FODMAP because they contain reduced levels of fructans (2). This means they can make a great low FODMAP bread option.
Rice is a great staple food on the low FODMAP diet. To date, Monash University has tested white, brown, basmati, and red rice and each is low FODMAP in 1 cup or 190-gram servings of cooked rice.
Broccoli can be low FODMAP, depending on the part and serving size. Florets (or the darker green heads) are lower in FODMAPs than the stalks (the lighter green part). Broccoli florets are low FODMAP in servings of ¾ cup or 75 grams. Broccoli stalks have a smaller low FODMAP serving of ⅓ cup or 45 grams.
Yes! Potatoes are low FODMAP. Monash has listed white and purple unpeeled potatoes as being low FODMAP in serves of up to 500g per person.
Zucchini might cause digestive issues in people suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Bitter zucchini might also cause stomach cramps or diarrhea. Zucchini might cause allergies in individuals like nausea and pruritus (severe skin itching).
Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutriens, zucchini helps get rid of the body of free radicals and excess inflammation. The lutein in zucchini encourages skin health by reducing inflammation responses.
Vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage and cauliflower are high in sulfur and can cause bloating and gas. Try some of these vegetables to see if they are easier to digest: carrots, spinach, sweet potatoes, zucchini, green beans, celery and squash.