What is a FODMAP elimination diet challenge?

The FODMAPS elimination diet is based on limiting "FODMAPS" in the diet. FODMAPS stands for Fermentable Oligo-, Di- and Mono-saccharides And Polyols. Specifically, some of the dietary carbohydrates described by the term FODMAPS are lactose, fructose, fructans, polyols and galactans. These are sugars, starches and fibers in food that some people cannot fully digest and absorb.

A FODMAPS challenge involves challenging yourself with each class of FODMAPS carbohydrates, one class at a time, by returning foods to your diet in a controlled way. When you are ready, choose a FODMAPS group to challenge. Do the one that is the most important to you first. Leave the foods you can easily do without for last. If you are expecting severe irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms to result from a challenge, be sure to plan it for a time when you can afford to deal with the symptoms for the next 24 hours.

Since you will only be challenging with one type of FODMAPS carbohydrate at a time, you will have to eat quite a bit of it to get the total carbohydrate load you may have had from the combination of FODMAPS you were eating before.