No doubt you have heard of a lot of diets over the years from Atkins and Zone to Ornish and South Beach. We’ll bet you have never heard of the FODMAP diet. It just might be your ticket to digestive delight instead of digestive distress. Here’s one reader’s experience with FODMAP:
Q. I have had a problem with smelly gas. Recently, I’ve looked into FODMAP research and learned that many of the healthy foods I was eating contain sugars that could be difficult to digest. I’ve narrowed my carbohydrate food choices to include primarily low FODMAP foods.
I’ve found Pepto-Bismol helpful for gas odor. I try not to use it too much. Pepto-Bismol makes stool dark black, which can look scary but isn’t serious.
A. There is growing evidence that a low FODMAP diet can improve symptoms of flatulence, bloating and digestive tract discomfort (Gastroenterology, Jan., 2014). FODMAP is a mouthful. It stands for Fermentable Oligo- Di- Monosaccharides And Polyols.
These natural sugars are hard to digest and are found in foods such as fruits, high fructose corn syrup, dairy products, wheat, onions, beans and sweeteners such as mannitol, sorbitol and xylitol as well as avocados.
There is much more about this approach (and its effectiveness for reflux and irritable bowel syndrome) in our hour-long interview with Gerard E. Mullin, MD, and Norman Robillard, PhD. You can listen to show # 1023 at this link.
FODMAP Diet for IBS:
We suspect that the FODMAP diet will be the next big thing for people with a variety of digestive tract problems including IBS (irritable bowel syndrome). Reputable researchers are studying this approach and the initial results look promising (GUT, online, March 14, 2016). Remember, you heard about the FODMAP diet first at The People’s Pharmacy!
Pepto-Bismol vs. Smelly Gas:
As for your experience with Pepto-Bismol, there is science to support your success. The research was published in the journal Gastroenterology (May, 1998). The scientists (flatologists) found that the ingredient in Pepto-Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate) dramatically reduces hydrogen sulfide (H2S) levels in the human colon (over 95% reduction). When there is less H2S in the digestive tract, the gas you pass smells less noxious.
You can learn more about the benefits and risks of Pepto-Bismol at this link. Should you wish more information on a variety of GI woes including flatulence, our Guide to Digestive Disorders may be helpful.
Share your own experience with flatulence below in the comment section. What causes you distress and what has worked to solve the problem?
