More one size fits most solutions - this time it is the FODMaps diet. The argument is that people have trouble digesting carbs.

But there is plenty of evidence that many people are allergic to some of the foods eliminated in this diet. That point, plus the evidence that many people have allergic reactions to gluten is likely a better explanation as to why.

The cited theory, (that people with IBS have difficulty absorbing certain carbohydrates) doesn't explain the dairy part of the diet at all.

Diet May Provide IBS Relief

Eating guidelines called the low-Fodmaps diet are gaining attention as a way to relieve irritable bowel syndrome. The diet calls for eliminating certain foods, including dairy products, wheat, rye, corn syrup, fruits, artificial sweeteners and vegetables, on the theory that people with IBS have difficulty absorbing certain carbohydrates.

A key quote from a recent Wall Street Journal article sums up the misconception:

"Eventually, many IBS sufferers find they can tolerate many foods on the list as long as they keep the total amount of Fodmaps under a certain level."

"It's not like having celiac disease, where people can't ever eat gluten," says Sue Shepherd, a dietician in Victoria, Australia, who developed the diet in 2001 mainly for patients with lactose or fructose intolerance, but found it worked well with IBS sufferers as well."

Our response: That's because celiacs "can't" eat gluten. Remember, the vast majority of people with celiac disease are asymptomatic.

The article continues...


"GI doctors can also rule out more serious causes of symptoms, such as celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease or colon cancer."

"We've been missing the boat in not recognizing the role of foods in functional GI disorders," Dr. Chey says. "We'll see much more attention to this in the next few years."

Agreed!
In the same 'Digestive Health Brief', there was this about gluten free:

People who respond to gluten-free diet may not all be celiacs. People with gastrointestinal issues who feel better after going gluten-free do not necessarily have celiac disease, says Washington, D.C.-area gastroenterologist Dr. Robynne Chutkan, who adds the popularity of the diet is more of a trend than anything else.

A blood test and biopsy are used to diagnose celiac disease, and a food challenge can show gluten intolerance, but using a gluten-free diet to lose weight may not be a good idea.

Your thoughts?
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