The Wall Street Journal (11/8, D2, Landro) reports in “Health Journal” that some gastrointestinal experts believe that irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may result from a difficulty in digesting carbohydrates and say that the low-Fodmaps (Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides and Polyols) diet may help prevent the disorder which may affect as many as one in five adults. The diet recommends elimination of foods containing these sugars for six weeks to two months, then adding back eliminated foods one at a time to detect the ones that cause difficulties. Certain small studies have indicated the diet may reduce IBS symptoms in about three out of four sufferers who try it.
