NUTRITION
Tummy Troubles Nutrition expert Dr Megan Rigby dives into the topic of the dreaded belly bloat and the suspect foods that may be the culprits. themacromini.com
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Let’s talk FODMAPs
The term FODMAP was founded by Monash University researchers to describe specific classes of carbohydrates that can trigger digestive distress and exasperate symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Beginning in the small intestine, foods fail to break down, travelling into the large intestine without being properly absorbed. The result is unpleasant bloating and fluid retention within the gut, as well as stomach pain, abdominal distension and bowel irregularity.
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Digestive discomfort is never pleasant, especially when you feel like you’re doing all the right things to maintain a healthy body. Nothing makes you feel more defeated than eating well and exercising, only to look and feel like a hot air balloon. But what you may not realise is that your nutrient-dense diet full of plant-based goodness may actually be to blame for your belly bloat. Not all fruits, vegetables and grains are created equal, and your everchanging gut microbiome may be struggling to break them down, even if you were able to tolerate them well in the past. This battle often leads to the unpleasant gas production and water retention that has you feeling sick. If this sounds familiar, then it might be time to dissect your nutrition.
October/November 2019
