Irritating FODMAPs
08/08/2020
The term FODMAP is an acronym for four groups of substances that cause digestive symptoms in people who are sensitive to them, who are often diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
Oh, so Sensitive
To feel intensely is not a symptom of weakness Anthon St. Maarten
Learning to listen
Irritable bowel syndrome. Food intolerance. It's always me overreacting, being too sensitive. My friends and I have spent many a night dissecting similar assertions coming from our partners during a fight. We've honestly tried to figure out whether the thing that upset us and caused the fight was reasonable or a sign of neurosis.
"Am I crazy?"
In my relationship with my food, there was no question. The problem was clearly me, not the sweet, blushing apple or the wholesome traditional milktart that reminded me of my gran. I was irritable and intolerant towards perfectly innocent, nutritious and delicious foods.
These labels unconsciously kept me at war with myself and my food. And, once I began knowing and avoiding what I reacted to, my misplaced guilt led to some awkward situations at dinner parties. I couldn't face being "that person" so I toughed it out and soon burped it out, uncontrollably and without warning. Mortification either way. A consolation was being able to laugh it off with my bestie whose reactions were arguably more mortifying and less socially acceptable.
On our journey to find our food loves, we went through all the stages of grief as we found ourselves reacting to things we loved:
Denial
If we really loved it, surely we wouldn't reactAnger
Our still 'irritable' bowels begot irritable mindsBargaining
We traded our physical comfort for loveDepression
Heartbreak when we knew we just couldn't stomach it
Acceptance
Remembering our commitments: letting go of what hurts us to make space for more of what nourishes us
We ended up letting go of a dauntingly wide range of food loves, from cucumber to yoghurt to chocolate eclairs. But most impactful was giving up the vicious circle of our self-critical, defensive food identities. Through the process of falling in love, we naturally became more mindful of each and every thing we ate. Through the questioning, we developed a stronger and clearer sense of how things made us feel, physically, mentally and emotionally.
We became sensitive.
We began listening. To our bodies needs.
Sensitive listening...
...is nourishing
It's not quick
The gut is a complex system that interacts with your brain and nervous system. In sensitive foodies, the gut responds differently to mental, emotional and food stimuli:
- The presence or quantity of certain substances in foods
- Eating too much, too little or too quickly
- Too much,too little or certain types of fiber
Working out what you're sensitive to, when and in what quantities is like embarking on an epic personal journey. As with any good relationship, it takes time to get to know yourself and the other(s).
It's not easy
It's not easy to let go of food staples, favourites, luxuries and comforts. But neither is enduring the pain, physical and social, of our bodies telling us it's necessary:
- Bloating and/or cramping
- Gas and/or belching
- The runs and/or the stops
We see these less as symptoms of a problem, and more as signposts and steps along the way to a loving and nourishing relationship with what we eat.
Take it from us
On our journey from neuroses to nourishment, we put a lot of effort into understanding sensitivities, nutrition and the psychology of eating well. We hope the clarity and insight we've gained helps you find lasting food love.
Take it personally
The road is long with many a winding turn. Make it your own: your purpose, your pace and your patience with yourself when you take detours, pause or even fall off. At the same time, keep in mind the African proverb:
"If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together".
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