Until a few days ago, I had never heard of this term: FODMAPs. It came up in a discussion with my doctor, who discussed the fact that gluten (that is, “Wheat belly”, could not necessarily be my problem. Tests have come back and I seem to be producing a reaction to all sorts of things, at a consistently higher level than is normal – gluten, lactose, some nuts, fruits, etc. Fruits? Now that’s weird.
So, the subject of FODMAPs came up. Food maps? No, Fodmaps! FODMAP is an acronym that stands for Fermentable (rapidly digested by bacteria in the intestines), Oligosaccharides (fructans and galacto-oligosaccharides), Disaccarides (lactose), Monosaccharides (fructose), And Polyols (sugar alchohols such as sorbitol, mannitol, xylitol and maltitol). This is not a FAD diet! Studies have been done by Stanford, Virginia Medical School, and others on IBS and these certain irritants in the human digestive system. When I heard the term IBS, I rejected it. Summarily. I did not have the latest syndrome or problem. Nope. Never mind that the symptoms feel remarkably familiar. Never mind that getting rid of “gluten” seems to help but not completely. Never mind that I still have the gurgle-y stomach, a painful large intestine, and trouble actually fully digesting food (don’t gross out on me now…) Let’s be honest – I feel like I’ve been on this search for a long time – 4 years – I keep inching closer to the truth for me, and my body, whatever that is.
So, what does this mean? Apparently the recommended course of action is very “Whole30”-like. Give up these foods for four to six weeks, then do reintroduction, taking detailed notes of how the specifics affect you. Again, very Whole 30. So, it’s off to another Whole30 – this time with the FODMAP variation. What does this mean? Oh, some pain, some grumpiness – but perhaps I can finally be free of a painful gut, painful joints, sleepiness during the day, headaches, trouble sleeping, and just a struggle to wake in the morning – for mental and physical reasons. Maybe.
I’m going to look for the support but know I probably won’t have it easily. I have to find it in myself. Going to track all of this in the journal, maybe here – keep track of myself. Wish me well, in this journey.
–Kris
Not In My Mouth 