Dr. Siebecker Explains the Art and Science of the FODMAP Diet (Podcast 45)

The SCD Lifestyle Solution

What if the FODMAP diet was more art than science? The thought hurt my brain. After my deep dive into the FODMAP diet research, I knew I needed more help. So I reached out to Dr. Allison Siebecker. If you remember, she’s the wicked smart SIBO researcher who’s working tirelessly to tie the ideas of bacteria overgrowth, food and digestion together.

Carbohydrates have been studied for 100+ years with a skeptical eye that they contribute to digestive problems. FODMAPs takes this a step further. It’s another viewpoint showing that carbohydrates can be just as painful as healthful. And it’s backed by a growing stack of research papers and effective treatment trials.

What Are the FODMAP Carbohydrates?

The science of FODMAPs starts in the name: Fermentable Oliogosaccharides Disaccharides Monosaccharides And Polyols. For many reasons, these carbohydrates are easily fermented and the byproducts of this cause digestive pain. But as we’ve discussed before this is very individual and the quantity consumed is very important.

Before we advance, we must return to the beginning. Getting the fundamentals down will make the whole discussion easier. Let’s get technical one more time as it’s important to remember that saccharide really just means sugar.

At a molecular level, the body must break down (digest) disaccharides and polysaccharides into monosaccharides to absorb them. Unfortunately, we can’t assume all monosaccharides are absorbed equally. Glucose is easier for the body to handle than fructose. And when it comes to the disaccharide lactose, the FODMAPs researchers have found it harder to digest than other disaccharides. And of course when many saccharides are linked together (polysaccharide) it’s even more complex.

And if this is making your head hurt that’s why we brought in Dr. Siebecker.

Dr. Allison Siebecker Teaches FODMAPS

In this podcast, Dr. Siebecker graciously took the time to deliver a scientific overview of FODMAPs. But the best part is she also covered the art of the FODMAP diet and how to actually use it to help your digestion.

Here’s What You’ll Learn On Today’s Podcast:

3:32 How FODMAPS was created to treat Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders

10:34 The campfire effect: why beans give everyone gas

15:05 The nitty-gritty of FODMAP Intolerance is…

19:38 Intestinal Gas can speed up or slow down digestive motility

29:30 Fructose is malabsorbed when this happens…

32:33 How would you know if you had a FODMAP problem?

40:55 SHOWDOWN: Comparing SCD vs. FODMAPS

51:23 SIBO has been shown to cause Fructose & Lactose malabsorption

Massive thanks to Allison for her time and knowledge. If you would like to help out please review our show in iTunes and don’t forget to subscribe while you’re in there to get the latest updates.

-Steve

P.S. – If you can’t see the audio player download the MP3 file here

Post Pic from this FODMAPS study.