Low FODMAP foods easy to digest

Published 2:15 am Thursday, December 20, 2018

DEAR DR. ROACH: In a recent column, you described symptoms of malabsorption as weight loss, diarrhea and abdominal discomfort. My doctors have never mentioned this as a possible diagnosis. Is there anything to do for it other than avoiding high FODMAP foods (which I have been trying to do)? At times, I fear that I am not getting proper nutrients eating the way I must. — L.B.

ANSWER: Malabsorption is when your body cannot take in the nutrients you need from the food you eat. It always needs a thorough investigation in order to make a precise diagnosis, since treatment depends on the underlying cause.

The most common cause in North America now is probably celiac disease, which is a sensitivity to a protein found in wheat and other grains.

Some people are unable to absorb certain nutrients. For instance, the enzymes to digest lactose and fructose frequently are missing, but lactose intolerance is much more clinically apparent.

Fat is another nutrient frequently not absorbed.

FODMAPs are “fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols.” These are hard for many people to digest, and they include fructose, lactose, gluten and some sweeteners. I do recommend a visit with a dietician nutritionist to go over the diet in detail.