From Granny Smiths to Pink Ladies, a single apple (65g) serving is flagged as high FODMAP by Monash University's FODMAP Diet experts. Apples contain elevated levels of fructose and polyol-sorbitol, both of which intensify IBS symptoms and trigger diarrhea.
Great questions! And the answer is, YES, you can eat apples on the low FODMAP diet.
Foods High in Fructose
It turns out some very healthy foods like apples, pears and dried fruits are naturally high in fructose, which when ingested, can trigger some of the same side effects as undigested lactose. Fruits lower in fructose, such as berries, citrus and bananas, may be a better choice for people with IBS.
The main FODMAPs present in fruit are sorbitol and excess fructose. Fruits particularly high in excess fructose include apples, pears, mangoes, cherries, figs, nashi pears, pears, watermelon and dried fruit. Fruits particularly rich in sorbitol include apples, blackberries, nashi pears, peaches and plums.
High FODMAP foods that you should avoid include:
Fructose: Fruits (including apples, mangos, pears, watermelon), honey, high-fructose corn syrup, agave. Lactose: Dairy (milk from cows, goats, or sheep), custard, yogurt, ice cream.
IBS trigger: Fruits that contain high quantities of the sugar fructose, which can cause problems for IBS sufferers. Fruits that are high in fructose include apples, pears, watermelon, and fruit products like fruit juice and dried fruit.
Apples contain elevated levels of fructose and polyol-sorbitol, both of which intensify IBS symptoms and trigger diarrhea. The excess fiber apples are famous for, especially in their skins, can also irritate your gut.
Apples. The teachers' favorite contains sorbitol, a sugar that's naturally in many fruits. Some people's bodies can't absorb it properly, which gives them gas and bloating. It can cause diarrhea, especially for children.
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.
What's wrong with apples? Apples make the FODMAP list because, according to the Cleveland Clinic, they're particularly high in fructose, which, along with lactose, tends to be problematic for IBS sufferers.
One of the biggest offenders is fructose, which is found naturally in fruits (such as peaches, pears, cherries, and apples) or added to foods and drinks, such as applesauce, soda, and juice beverages. Many people who ingest more than 40 to 80 grams of fructose per day will get diarrhea.
Apples vs.
If you need a healthy snack, a banana that isn't too ripe is a good, low FODMAP choice. You can even use mashed banana in recipes that call for apples.
Symptoms may involve the skin, gastrointestinal tract, cardiovascular system, and respiratory tract, and may include one or more of the following: Abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps. Hives (allergic urticaria), itching, eczema. Wheezing, nasal congestion, shortness of breath, repetitive cough.
What to eat instead: Eat fruits that are lower in fructose, such as banana, blueberry, boysenberry, cantaloupe, cranberry, grape, orange, lemon, lime, kiwi and strawberry.
When making applesauce, apples are peeled and cooked down. Both processes help to reduce the likelihood of triggering IBS symptoms. In addition, we also suggest baking fruit in the oven!
If someone with IBS tolerates dairy products, plain and unsweetened Greek yogurt is a nutritious dietary addition. Greek yogurt contains live probiotics—bacteria that offer many health benefits, including for gut health. If you are lactose intolerant, you might still be able to enjoy Greek yogurt.
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.
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.
You can ease your IBS symptoms by eating a balanced diet that is low in FODMAPs and saturated fat. These include lean meats, eggs, fatty fish, leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and fruits that are lower in sugar. Fermented foods may also be good for the gut flora in you have IBS. National Institutes of Health.