Radio Interview with Professor Peter Gibson from Monash University

It is always exciting to hear expert discussion of the low FODMAP diet being aired on national radio! Katherine Ryan from Nine to Noon interviewed Professor Peter Gibson from Monash University. Professor Gibson specialises in IBS research and he was raising public awareness of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), discussing the research behind the low FODMAP diet, as well as dispelling the myths surrounding the gluten free diet and IBS. At A Little Bit Yummy our philosophy is to only produce articles based on sound scientific evidence that has come out of proper study and research by serious and responsible practitioners, so it is interviews like this that provide us with the resources to do so.

In this article I will highlight the key points Professor Gibson discussed. To listen to the 30 minute interview please follow the reference at the bottom of the article.

What is IBS?

IBS is a chronic medical condition that is found worldwide and is estimated to affect up to 15% of the population. IBS is characterised by the ongoing symptoms of abdominal discomfort and pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits. It is important to note that IBS is not associated with cancer or inflammation of the bowel. IBS sufferers have increased gut sensitivity (visceral sensitivity), which is exacerbated when the gut becomes stressed due to the food and drink we consume. While the exact cause of IBS is unknown, scientists do believe that gut bacteria are an important factor influencing IBS symptoms.

(Source: Interview with Professor Peter Gibson)

How are FODMAPs and Gut Bacteria linked?

FODMAPs are short-chain carbohydrates. In other words they are sugars and sugar alcohols that are commonly found in our foods. In most people, FODMAPs are good as they help support bacteria in the bowel. However, FODMAPs are often hard to digest, especially for people with IBS. When the FODMAPs reach the small bowel they draw water into the intestines, which can lead to diarrhoea. If they are not properly digested in the small bowel, the FODMAPs then travel to the large bowel where the bowel bacteria feast on the sugars, fermenting them and creating gas. The excess water and gas in the bowels then cause IBS symptoms.

The low FODMAP diet works by lowering the overall level of FODMAPs you consume and does not eliminate FODMAPs completely from the diet. Over 70% of IBS patients show a significant improvement on the low FODMAP diet. If you don’t notice an improvement in your symptoms then it is likely that the IBS symptoms are being caused by other factors. If you do notice improvement you then need to re-introduce and test FODMAPs to find a tolerance level that minimises your IBS symptoms. It is important that you talk to your doctor before starting the low FODMAP diet to rule out other causes for IBS symptoms.

(Source: Interview with Professor Peter Gibson)

What about the gluten free diet? Does it reduce IBS symptoms?

The gluten free diet has been made fashionable and trendy, gathering along the way a growing number of followers, especially in the USA, New Zealand and Australia. However, it is important to note that a strictly gluten free diet is only recommended for people suffering from coeliac (celiac) disease. Profession Gibson estimates that only 1 to 2% of the population suffers from coeliac disease and another 1% may suffer from non-coeliac gluten sensitivity (NCGS). For people who suffer from IBS there is no strong evidence that indicates that gluten is the cause of the IBS symptoms. Scientific studies indicate that it is more likely to be the indigestible carbohydrates or fructans (FODMAPs) in the wheat that can aggravate IBS symptoms.

In a scientific trial Professor Gibson’s team challenged NCGS participants with gluten that did not contain fructans. They found that the patients showed no significant responses to gluten and that the gluten was not the cause of their symptoms. Instead they discovered that all patients reported a significant improvement in their symptoms when on the low FODMAP diet. It is hypothesised that many people feel better on a gluten free diet because it helps reduce the overall level of FODMAPs in their system. For more information on this topic please refer to my article ‘Is the Low FODMAP diet the same as the Gluten Free diet?’.

Although removing gluten from the diet is not expected to improve gut symptoms, further research is being undertaken to investigate if there is a link between gluten consumption and feelings of fatigue and depression.

(Source: Interview with Professor Peter Gibson)

Recommendations from Professor Gibson

Professor Gibson recommended that people suffering from IBS first try a low FODMAP diet and see if symptoms improve. If there is no or little improvement, then IBS suffers could investigate a fully gluten free diet further.

Maintaining a nutritionally balanced diet on both the low FODMAP diet and gluten free diet can be challenging, which means it is important to seek medical help before starting the diets. Additionally, if other family members don’t need to be on the diet make sure they consume normal products like bread and pasta with their meals.