In a recent episode of Catalyst on the ABC, gluten free and low FODMAP diets were the topic of the week. In this documentary they interviewed leading researchers in the area to uncover whether gluten-free diets are just another fad. If you haven’t yet watched it, is worth the 27 minutes!
Since then, I have had a number of questions from clients about being gluten free and low FODMAP diets. So, I thought I would answer some of those questions here, as I am sure there are others wondering the same things!
If I have coeliac disease, do I need to be on a Low FODMAP diet?
Not necessarily. Some people with coeliac disease do find further relief through following a low FODMAP diet, however this is not the case for everyone.
If I have an autoimmune condition, do I need to be gluten free?
For some people, it is worth trialling a gluten free diet, as some individuals do find relief with this. However, it is not something that I usually recommend straight off the bat (so to speak), as there is currently not enough evidence to say that all people with an autoimmune condition should be gluten free.
Will all my gut symptoms go away if I follow a low FODMAP diet?
A low FODMAP diet is likely to significantly reduce symptoms of IBS, such as bloating, cramping, diarrhoea, constipation and nausea. For some people, nearly all symptoms disappear, whilst for others, there is only some relief, as there are other factors affecting their symptoms, such as stress.
Being low FODMAP and Gluten Free seems quite restrictive – do I have to follow it forever?
Only people with Coeliac Disease (according to current evidence) need to stay gluten free forever. People with non-coeliac gluten sensitivity or IBS are likely able to tolerate some of the FODMAP or gluten containing foods, meaning more variety is usually able to be reintroduced back into the diet. I’ve written about the importance of doing the FODMAP challenges and reintroducing some of them back into your diet.
Have any of you watched the episode? I’d love to hear your thoughts!