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.
Low FODMAP foods to enjoy instead include:
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.
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.
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.
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.
“Egg is on the list of foods you're allowed to have on the low-FODMAP diet. Eggs help because they're rich in proteins and nutrients and very low in fermentable carbohydrates. This means they are less likely to cause symptoms,” Dr. Lee explains.
Coffee is low FODMAP, but caffeine can be an irritant for many people, those with IBS and even those without, hence the confusion. Coffee contains caffeine, which is a gut irritant,so although it may be low FODMAP, there are still other issues to address.
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.
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.
Yes – blueberries are safe to eat on a low FODMAP diet depending on portion size. A typical portion should not exceed 20 berries (28g).
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.
Carrots are a FODMAP-free food. Enjoy according to your appetite. Dijon Mustard is low FODMAP in servings of 1 tablespoon or 23 grams. Garlic-infused oil is a popular way to add low FODMAP garlic flavor on the low FODMAP diet.
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.
Fresh tomatoes are in the low FODMAP category, so can be eaten freely and according to appetite.
Peanut Butter in the United States is considered low FODMAP in servings of 2 tablespoons or 32 grams. Double-check labels and avoid products containing higher FODMAP ingredients like molasses or high fructose corn syrup.
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.
Following a low fodmap and other restrictive diets can increase the anxiety and stress you feel around meal times in general, and when it comes to eating certain foods. Unfortunately, you start becoming afraid of food and fearful of reintroducing them back in, due to what may happen with your symptoms.
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.