FODMAPs 101: What they are and why they are a problem

FODMAPs stands for Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides, And Polyols. They are short chain carbohydrates that undergo rapid fermentation in the gut. They are a common cause of gastrointestinal problems such as abdominal pain, gas/bloating, diarrhea, and even cause symptoms elsewhere in the body. This may be due to their ability to increase histamine in the … Continue reading FODMAPs 101: What they are and why they are a problem

Mast cell activation syndrome treatment: What’s the best diet?

Mast cell activation syndrome treatment currently centers around the use of anti-histamines and mast cell stabilizers. Mast cells are immune cells found in connective tissues in your body. Organs and tissues exposed to the external environment such as the gut have the highest density of mast cells. Activation of mast cells causes the release of … Continue reading Mast cell activation syndrome treatment: What’s the best diet?

Histamine intolerance: Gaining relief from a poorly understood disorder

Histamine intolerance(HIT) is a dietary intolerance that presents with symptoms similar to allergy. During allergic reactions, mast cells release inflammatory mediators, including histamine, that cause the classic symptoms of allergy. However, foods also contain histamine. As a result, when people with HIT ingest high amounts of histamine, they experience symptoms of allergy. But, it gets … Continue reading Histamine intolerance: Gaining relief from a poorly understood disorder

Dietary treatment of dyspepsia and IBS

Dyspepsia is the most common upper GI condition that people experience. It presents with: An excessive feeling of fullnessEpigastric pain(Pain just below ribs)DiscomfortBurningNauseaBelchingVomitting These symptoms often occur acutely due to dietary exposures, consuming certain foods and such. But it can also be a recurring problem in some people. When there is a cause, such as … Continue reading Dietary treatment of dyspepsia and IBS

How a low FODMAP diet improves digestion in IBS

A low FODMAP diet is a common approach to managing irritable bowel syndrome. FODMAPs are rapidly Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides, And Polyls. The problem with FODMAPs is that they ferment rapidly and are poorly absorbed. So they stick around and feed bacteria that cause gas and bloating. Most people have no issue with FODMAPs, though … Continue reading How a low FODMAP diet improves digestion in IBS