FODMAP Diet and Tolerance Tests for New Foods

Jennifer Morzier August 3, 2021 FODMAP, IBS Irritable Bowel Syndrome

If you follow a low FODMAP* diet you certainly know that there is a very specific protocol to follow. Namely, the elimination phase of FODMAPs, then, once the symptoms disappear, the reintroduction tests phase by following a well-established protocol in order to identify the families of FODMAPs that give you symptoms. Finally, there is the maintenance phase during which you reintegrate into your daily life the foods that contain the families of FODMAPs that you have tolerated in order to have a diet as varied and balanced as possible. It is important to remember that your tolerances can change over time.

Test your tolerance to new foods

Reintroduction tests are of paramount importance because they allow you to point your finger towards the family or families of foods that are responsible for your digestive discomfort. Once the tests are finished you can relax the diet to meet your tolerance levels while at the same time controlling your symptoms.

However, Monash University has not yet tested all of the different types of foods, so there may be some that you would like to reinstate but are nervous to do so because you do not know their FODMAP content. This is even more true for processed products. So, what should you do?

Well, luckily there’s a very simple solution: once the reintroduction tests are finished, your symptoms are controlled, and you are eating a more diversified diet, you can test your tolerance for specic foods that have not been tested by Monash.

The protocol remains the same as when reintroducing:

– Wait until you don’t have any symptoms.

– Do tests on 3 consecutive days:

Start on day 1 with a small amount (about 1/4 of the serving you would usually take) of the food you want to test. Be careful not to include new foods at the same time.

Monitor your symptoms for the next 24 hours.

• If you do not experience symptoms, increase the amount that is tested on day 2 (about 1/2 serving of what you would usually eat) and day 3 (the amount of food you usually consume).
• On the other hand, if between tests you experience mild symptoms or some discomfort, you may retest the same amount the next day and assess your tolerance to repetition. At the end of the tests you can decide if these symptoms are manageable or not. This way, you will know your tolerance and you will know what to expect if you consume these foods.
• At any time, if you experience acute symptoms, stop the tests and avoid this food for the time being. You can retest later to see if your tolerance has changed.

Tip: Don’t stress too much by imagining your potential symptoms before reintroduction tests. It would be a shame to feel pain/discomfort that is not really related to the food but instead to the stress and anxiety of reintroducing it.

Keep in mind that the purpose of all this is to feel good while being able to eat the widest possible variety of foods possible, and enjoying them while eating.

If you think you need support, our dietitians are readily available to accompany you along your journey as you discover how to vary your diet while at the same time regain control of your symptoms.

*FODMAPs are fermentable carbohydrates that are partly responsible for causing symptoms in people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). For more info, read this article.

Source

Monash University. 2016.  « Testing your tolerance to untested foods ». https://www.monashfodmap.com/blog/testing-your-tolerance-to-untested-foods/ [accessed July 30 2021].

Author

Jennifer Morzier

Jennifer is a Registered Dietitian graduated from the University of Montreal in December 2018 and is a member of the Ordre professionnel des diététistes du Québec (OPDQ). She believes that the quality of our food choices has a direct impact on our health and energy level. Her goal? To help people improve the quality of what they put in their plates, for their better well-being and greater pleasure.