Lately, in my large (7,000+) low Fodmap Facebook group, there have been some loud, aggressive voices saying that the low Fodmap diet doesn’t work. They don’t say it doesn’t work for them – they state that it doesn’t work at all. Many other more positive souls have quietly said that it is working well for them, but negative voices are always the most ferocious and most dedicated to their cause so the positive is drowned out.
We know the internet is a crazy place where people show the worst of their characters because they feel they are anonymous, but flying in the face of science is where it turns to lunacy.
The low Fodmap diet has been proven in two separate research centres to significantly improve IBS symptoms in 75% of IBS sufferers. This is a massive result for any medical solution.
What is the main reason for the diet not working?
Monash University is continuing to do many different research studies on IBS and the low Fodmap diet, and a recent one involves why the diet doesn’t work for some. Guess what they found. That NON-COMPLIANCE is the major reason for failure with the diet. That means that people don’t stick to it. They dabble in it or mould it to their own lifestyles. And then complain it isn’t working.
I am going to be a little kinder though and suggest that many do try very hard to get it right but don’t have all the pieces of the puzzle and so are doomed to fail despite their efforts. I see it happen in my practice – often. They think they have been doing it right before coming to me and have sometimes followed erroneous information and so they have failed. The fault is actually not theirs. But the sad part is that they often give up, thinking they are in the 25% who the diet doesn’t work for. But since it doesn’t work because of non-compliance in many cases, it could in fact work for many more people if they just had the knowledge to do it correctly.
Solution for my Facebook group
In fact, the negativity in my Facebook group is getting out of hand and I am in the process of working out what to do about it because something drastic has to change. Misinformation is bandied about like popcorn at the cinema and I can’t catch it all and when I do, I often get attacked for contradicting the misinformer. I set up the group to help people, and my baby has grown into a rebellious teenager whose frontal lobe is not fully developed. Tough love is going to be needed.
Why is the diet not working for you?
Meanwhile, I would like you to watch a video I did some time ago on why the diet may not be working for you with some practical advice on what to look out for and what to do about it. Here it is again.
I see many people struggling with IBS and the diet. That’s why I have created The Low FODMAP 6-Week Plan & Cookbook, which is available for purchase HERE: https://www.strandsofmylife.com/lowfodmapbook
This book takes you step by step through how to follow the low FODMAP diet and includes all those little, as well as big, details that most IBS literature ignores. This is not just about the low FODMAP diet, as important as it is, but it is about other gut irritants, about how and when to eat and it is also about creating a lifestyle that supports the diet. The book will give you detailed weekly meal plans, diary pages, 100 low FODMAP recipes and much, much more. I have noticed on Amazon that you can see quite a bit of the book, so you can decide if it is for you.
Helen says
I think it is just the nature of the beast….not much we can do about negative remarks. I have gone off facebook altogether and feel relieved.
As far as the low Fodmap diet it gas changed my life. I am strict with my food and I love my food. I get some critical remarks from extended family who don’t understand but that’s fine by me. I can eat without bloating and pain. On the occasion I do get bloating and pain which is rare it us due to stress. Stress us such a trigger and discovering the difference between stress related symptoms and food related was the break through for me.
Good luck Suzanne
Helen
Suzanne Perazzini says
I think it is the nature of the beast too but at least in my group I can do something about it and will. I am glad to hear how much the diet has helped you. Family can be tricky but as you know, your health is more important than almost anything.
Cheryl Balmas says
I’m so sorry people are so negative! It’s just horrible. I hope you do not close the group (wouldn’t blame you if you did). To be honest though, I find too many contradictory comments and prefer to just come here for the ‘real deal’. In my experience, everyone is an expert today. Or so they think. They can certainly mislead others without the proper training and study. I had someone shout at me in all caps recently in another group, not because I stated something incorrectly but because my opinion on what I can feed my body differed from theirs. Holy cow, I got a proper slap down. I clearly stated in my original comment that this was ‘my’ experience and that there is no ‘one size fits all’. I also find that people either don’t read the entire comment before reacting and posting or there is a problem today with people’s reading comprehension skills. Exasperating. I don’t go online to argue with people so mainly I just keep my comments to myself. I do peruse the FB group periodically to see if there’s any new info but mostly I just see disagreements and ‘authority’ wanna be’s. I prefer to just read your emails, watch your videos and just received your book last week so will be diving in when I get back from my trip. Keep doing your good works! Thank you!
Suzanne Perazzini says
I am glad you have told me this. It just confirms what I thought – that the group is no longer serving its purpose, which is to help people with accurate information. I am sorry you had a slap down from another member in that other group. I do “slap down” people I guess but at least I am the owner of the group and know what I am taking about.
Pamela Gibbs says
Hi Suzanne,
I find this very interesting – as I think I’ve told you, GP and surgeon both recommended the low FODMAP diet as I have a ‘mystery’ bowel which causes grief – acknowledged by Drs, but not fully diagnosed. Low FODMAP is working – I have introduced a few foods gradually, and am managing.
I found some of the comments made on fb group slightly frustrating/disturbing, as I recognised them to be misguided – and am amazed at the time you’ve spent ‘sorting out’ differences etc. It shouldn’t be like that, but it’s human nature sadly.
Thank you for what you are doing, and I wish you all the best as this continues! Cheryl’s comments are interesting, and encouraging…I agree with her!
Every good wish,
Pamela
Suzanne Perazzini says
Thank you Pamela and good luck with your “mystery” bowel. I am glad the diet is working.
Toni says
For what it’s worth, I have found your Facebook group comments helpful. I simply ignore the negatives. FODMAP worked for me, and I try to stay strict about what I eat. There are days when I just want an ice cream, and I’m willing to pay the price. And sometimes, I have no idea what I ate that caused my IBS issues, but I get through it. Thank you for all the information you have shared. Despite the negative voices, I have found your group very helpful.
Suzanne Perazzini says
Thank you, Toni. The majority of people found the group helpful but there are always a few negative people who ruin it for everyone else.