What is FODMAP?
The term ‘FODMAP’ stands for fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols – a diverse group of much less digestible carbohydrates – present in various foods. FODMAPs are poorly absorbed in the small intestine and fermented by gut bacteria in the colon, producing attendant gastrointestinal symptoms [1].
What Do FODMAPs Do?
FODMAPs exert several physiological effects on the gastrointestinal tract. Their low absorption and high osmotic activity may cause sensations of bloating, fullness, abdominal pain, flatulence and overflow diarrhoea in some people, particularly IBS patients [2, 3].
Along with these effects, FODMAPs modify microbiome composition, food absorption of micronutrients, and ingested calories. Evolving literature studies whether dietary modification of FODMAPs can be used for controlling other GI disorders [1].
Which Individuals Benefit From A Low FODMAP Diet?
The Low FODMAP diet can benefit various individuals experiencing different gastrointestinal symptoms.
One such group is people with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), for whom a Low FODMAP diet has been sanctioned as a first-line treatment for symptomatic relief (including abdominal pain, excessive gas and bloating, diarrhoea, and constipation) [4, 5]. One study reported that the severity of IBS decreased by a moderate-to-large extent with a Low FODMAP diet compared with a standard ‘no-special-intervention’ diet [6].
A Low FODMAP diet has been found to improve non-active patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) [5]. It has also been used to help manage typical abdominal symptoms in patients with functional gastrointestinal symptoms, lowering levels of C-reactive protein and faecal calprotectin, which are inflammation markers [5].
Patients with Celiac Disease (CD) on a gluten-free diet have also shown improved abdominal symptoms and quality of life after following a Low FODMAP diet [7].
In older adults with chronic diarrhoea, adhering to a Low FODMAP diet leads to significant clinical improvement in total gastrointestinal symptoms and substantial reductions in anxiety [8].
The diet might be helpful for those with functional dyspepsia and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, although further studies are necessary for those disorders [9].
Are Green Beans Low FODMAP?
When fresh, green beans are considered low FODMAP. FODMAPs, fermentable oligo-, di-, mono-saccharides and polyols, are a group of carbohydrates that cause discomfort in some individuals – particularly those with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) – when consumed in excess. Avoiding high-FODMAP foods and eating low-FODMAP foods like green beans can improve symptoms such as gas, belly pain, diarrhoea, and constipation [10].
For anyone with IBS or other digestive symptoms, the low FODMAP diet may be vital to controlling them. However, symptom relief varies among patients, and this diet should be attempted only under the supervision of a healthcare professional or dietitian [11].
In conclusion, if you're following a low FODMAP diet to alleviate digestive issues, you can enjoy consuming green beans without worrying about exacerbating your symptoms.