Why does Field Doctor use peas, beans and lentils in their low FODMAP meals?Updated 22 days ago

Beans, peas and lentils are often avoided by people with IBS as they are high in two types of FODMAP - galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) and fructans. But you can include most beans peas and lentils on a low FODMAP diet in small portions.  

An example is chickpeas – a quarter cup of canned and rinsed chickpeas (about 40 grams) is a low FODMAP serving.   

We choose to include peas, beans and lentils in our meals in low FODMAP quantities because they’re a brilliant source of beneficial nutrients like protein, fibre and prebiotics.

Prebiotics are a specific type of fibre that feed beneficial bacteria in the gut, which in turn can have positive effects on health. A low FODMAP diet restricts intake of prebiotic fibre which is one of the reasons it’s not a lifelong diet.  

Including prebiotic-rich foods like pulses and nuts in low FODMAP portion sizes means you can benefit from these fibres without triggering symptoms.