What do you think?
Rate this book
The Complete Low-FODMAP Diet: A Revolutionary Plan for Managing IBS and Other Digestive Disorders
“A must-have survival guide”—Gerard E. Mullin, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine and Director of Integrative GI Nutrition Services at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
“What can I do to feel better?” For years, millions of adults who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) have asked this question, often to be met with scientifically unfounded or inadequate advice.
The low-FODMAP diet is the long-awaited answer. In clinical trials, over three quarters of people with chronic digestive symptoms gain significant relief by reducing their intake of FODMAPs—difficult-to-digest carbs found in foods such as wheat, milk, beans, soy, and certain fruits, vegetables, nuts, and sweeteners.
In The Complete Low-FODMAP Diet , Sue Shepherd and Peter Gibson explain what causes digestive distress, how the low-FODMAP diet helps, and how to:
• Identify and avoid foods high in FODMAPs
• Develop a personalized and sustainable low-FODMAP diet
• Shop, menu plan, entertain, travel, and eat out with peace of mind
• Follow the program if you have IBS, celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or diabetes, and if you eat a vegetarian, vegan, low-fat, or dairy-free diet.
And, with 80 delicious low-FODMAP, gluten-free recipes, you can manage your symptoms, feel great, and eat well—for life.
“What can I do to feel better?” For years, millions of adults who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) have asked this question, often to be met with scientifically unfounded or inadequate advice.
The low-FODMAP diet is the long-awaited answer. In clinical trials, over three quarters of people with chronic digestive symptoms gain significant relief by reducing their intake of FODMAPs—difficult-to-digest carbs found in foods such as wheat, milk, beans, soy, and certain fruits, vegetables, nuts, and sweeteners.
In The Complete Low-FODMAP Diet , Sue Shepherd and Peter Gibson explain what causes digestive distress, how the low-FODMAP diet helps, and how to:
• Identify and avoid foods high in FODMAPs
• Develop a personalized and sustainable low-FODMAP diet
• Shop, menu plan, entertain, travel, and eat out with peace of mind
• Follow the program if you have IBS, celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or diabetes, and if you eat a vegetarian, vegan, low-fat, or dairy-free diet.
And, with 80 delicious low-FODMAP, gluten-free recipes, you can manage your symptoms, feel great, and eat well—for life.
288 pages, Paperback
First published August 6, 2013
743 people are currently reading
508 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
February 7, 2014
I've searched countless books for the information contained in this one stop resource on digestive disorders. Besides recipes provided to modify your diet, this book goes into detail explaining the difference between food sensitivity, food intolerance, food allergies and doctor diagnosed Celiac disease, IBS and other digestive disorders. Since my daughter has been following the recommendations included in this guide, her health has improved noticeably. We are still working on finding alternative products to accommodate her new gluten free lifestyle, but are pleasantly surprised how many manufacturers are modifying their products to remove wheat and other digestion disturbing grains.
Read
July 28, 2025لم اقم بقراءة الكتاب بعد
هذه خلاصة تجربتي
نقصي الحليب ومشتقاته والمقليات والقطاني وقللي من العطرية واللحوم الحمراء والقهوة ...وشربي ماء دافئ مع ملعقة عسل على الريق وقبل النوم النافع والماء الدافئ. وقراءة ورد من القران يوميا كاينزل الطمانينة والسكينة وكايبعد وساوس الشيطان وماكيخليش الافكار السلبية تدور لعقلك. وهادشي كامل غير كينقص الاعراض صافي واصبري على المرض واحتسبي الاجر عند الله
هذه خلاصة تجربتي
نقصي الحليب ومشتقاته والمقليات والقطاني وقللي من العطرية واللحوم الحمراء والقهوة ...وشربي ماء دافئ مع ملعقة عسل على الريق وقبل النوم النافع والماء الدافئ. وقراءة ورد من القران يوميا كاينزل الطمانينة والسكينة وكايبعد وساوس الشيطان وماكيخليش الافكار السلبية تدور لعقلك. وهادشي كامل غير كينقص الاعراض صافي واصبري على المرض واحتسبي الاجر عند الله
May 16, 2020
Meh..I find a lot of these dietary books are similar- you have to wade through too much filler to find the hidden treasures (if there are any)
January 3, 2015
When you love someone with chronic pain, you're always looking for things to help. This book has given me renewed hope of solving IBS pain in my family. Reading the first few chapters were potentially life changing. We're only on day 3 but things are improving already.
April 24, 2024
Was completely overwhelmed with this book. Unless you plan to be a dietician don’t bother.
March 11, 2015
My doctor first told me about this diet in April when I was having a really bad stress IBS flair up during my college final exam week. The pain was so bad I was miserable. She gave me an article to read about FODMAPs and I still refer to it all these months later. I then saw this book displayed at my local library months after talking to my doctor and I thought that it wouldn't hurt to read it. I'm glad I did cos it has such good info about IBS, even if it is mostly educated consensus about why it happens (cos nobody really knows exactly why it happens.)
The sad thing about this diet tho is that the key to FODMAP dieting is to limit fruits such as apples. The reason why it is sad is because apples are my favorite fruit and I sometimes have up to 3 a day. This book is filled with very useful information for IBS sufferers and if you aren't a fan of fruit anyway, you won't hate this diet so much. I plan on just reducing my fruit and caffeine intake and seeing if it eases my pains.
The thing about IBS is that it is so different for each person and nobody knows the definite reason why it is caused, so that makes it quite hard to treat. The author said it worked for quite a few IBS sufferers, so I say give it a try.
The sad thing about this diet tho is that the key to FODMAP dieting is to limit fruits such as apples. The reason why it is sad is because apples are my favorite fruit and I sometimes have up to 3 a day. This book is filled with very useful information for IBS sufferers and if you aren't a fan of fruit anyway, you won't hate this diet so much. I plan on just reducing my fruit and caffeine intake and seeing if it eases my pains.
The thing about IBS is that it is so different for each person and nobody knows the definite reason why it is caused, so that makes it quite hard to treat. The author said it worked for quite a few IBS sufferers, so I say give it a try.
October 30, 2023
Not a recommended book: see instead The IBS Elimination Diet and Cookbook: The Proven Low-FODMAP Plan for Eating Well and Feeling Great by Patsy Catsos, which has more general information, more specific information about FODMAP categories, and better instructions for trialing foods.
This title has some useful basic information about IBS, but the low-FODMAP diet is not clearly presented. Foods are listed under individual FODMAP categories, but since many foods call under 2 or more categories, users would have to check for each food in several places. Some foods are listed as acceptable in this book but are "moderate" FODMAP foods in other lists, which makes me think this title uses different criteria or is more liberal in the amount of FODMAPs allowed daily.
Some of the recipes are nice, but there aren't enough of them to make the book a requirement for libraries. Probably mostly useful for people who have a very high tolerance of FODMAPs and require only minor diet modification.
This title has some useful basic information about IBS, but the low-FODMAP diet is not clearly presented. Foods are listed under individual FODMAP categories, but since many foods call under 2 or more categories, users would have to check for each food in several places. Some foods are listed as acceptable in this book but are "moderate" FODMAP foods in other lists, which makes me think this title uses different criteria or is more liberal in the amount of FODMAPs allowed daily.
Some of the recipes are nice, but there aren't enough of them to make the book a requirement for libraries. Probably mostly useful for people who have a very high tolerance of FODMAPs and require only minor diet modification.
February 6, 2017
The first part of the book was super informative and so much more helpful than my doctor was. She said to look up Low FODMAP online and try it out. Awesome. She also told me to drink prune juice but if she knew anything about the diet she would know that is not really a good idea as prunes/prune juice is high fodmap, but I digress...(Clearly not bitter here). I gave the book an overall 3 because I didn't really like many of the recipes, as far as a resource for the diet I think it's really good, I just wanted less fancy seeming foods (I like 30 minute, basic af meals generally, cooking laziness?) and more stuff I would actually make.
Now that I'be started writing this I think I will rate it for those looking up resources instead of for my enjoyment. I know what I got out of it, I hope someone else reads it and finds it helpful AND likes all the recipes.
Now that I'be started writing this I think I will rate it for those looking up resources instead of for my enjoyment. I know what I got out of it, I hope someone else reads it and finds it helpful AND likes all the recipes.
October 7, 2013
This is a really good book for anyone who suffers from IBS or IBS like symptoms. It explains in easy to understand detail how the foods you can may be affecting your health. It gives you lots of information to see what kinds of things are in the foods you eat, and helps you to work on figuring out which stuff is causing your issues, and then cutting them out of your diet. The recipes included in the book are easy to make, and don't require a culinary degree to pull off.
The book doesn't come off fadish or as psuedo-science, or promise to cure all your ills. It just helps you isolate and then eliminate things from your diet to help you feel better, utilizing an elimination diet followed by limited testing to see where or if you have reactions.
I can't recommend the book high enough.
The book doesn't come off fadish or as psuedo-science, or promise to cure all your ills. It just helps you isolate and then eliminate things from your diet to help you feel better, utilizing an elimination diet followed by limited testing to see where or if you have reactions.
I can't recommend the book high enough.
April 15, 2023
Very informative and helpful. This will be my go to bible while transitioning to the elimination phase of the diet. I have been looking for a resource with a detailed list of high and low FODMAP foods. So happy I purchased this book.
May 1, 2018
Useful. Educational. Recipes where I don't have to convert anything.
The book begins with a how to and why of how fodmaps work in a person with IBS versus ordinarily. It compares the differences between different allergies, sensitivities and the why's behind those.
The authors are a dietician with a PhD who herself has celiac disease, and an MD from Monash University who specializes in gastroenterology. For those who don't know, the fodmap universe revolves around Monash with their website, app and up to date research and testing on everything fodmap.
The book explains things in everyday language that is easy to understand and make you go "oh! so that's why...". I felt pretty strong in my fodmap knowledge before starting this book, but the information tweaked the things I already knew and look at things in new ways. This is definitely a reference book to own and includes great tips and advice for everyday, travel and special occasions and lots of charts and tables all in a concise package.
I haven't tried any of the recipes yet, but it's just a pleasure to flip through them and know that I don't have to modify or substitute anything. An ultimate guide to Fodmap.
The book begins with a how to and why of how fodmaps work in a person with IBS versus ordinarily. It compares the differences between different allergies, sensitivities and the why's behind those.
The authors are a dietician with a PhD who herself has celiac disease, and an MD from Monash University who specializes in gastroenterology. For those who don't know, the fodmap universe revolves around Monash with their website, app and up to date research and testing on everything fodmap.
The book explains things in everyday language that is easy to understand and make you go "oh! so that's why...". I felt pretty strong in my fodmap knowledge before starting this book, but the information tweaked the things I already knew and look at things in new ways. This is definitely a reference book to own and includes great tips and advice for everyday, travel and special occasions and lots of charts and tables all in a concise package.
I haven't tried any of the recipes yet, but it's just a pleasure to flip through them and know that I don't have to modify or substitute anything. An ultimate guide to Fodmap.
November 19, 2017
Great resource
This book was given to me by the Gastroenterology Department at the Seattle VA, when I was being evaluated for Celiac disease. I’m so impressed by the content and recipes that I also purchased the Kindle version, so that I can do advanced meal planning away from home, check needed ingredients and the like.
For anyone who has Celiac disease or gluten sensitivity issues, I strongly recommend this book. Background, clear explanations, and a large collection of useful recipes that also taste good.
My one complaint is that the recipe section could have been better laid out; I like having prep and cooking times clearly indicated, and this doesn’t do that as well as it could.
This book was given to me by the Gastroenterology Department at the Seattle VA, when I was being evaluated for Celiac disease. I’m so impressed by the content and recipes that I also purchased the Kindle version, so that I can do advanced meal planning away from home, check needed ingredients and the like.
For anyone who has Celiac disease or gluten sensitivity issues, I strongly recommend this book. Background, clear explanations, and a large collection of useful recipes that also taste good.
My one complaint is that the recipe section could have been better laid out; I like having prep and cooking times clearly indicated, and this doesn’t do that as well as it could.
October 1, 2013
This is a must-have for anyone with IBS, and extremely useful for people with other dietary restrictions too (due to diabetes, Crohn's, IBD etc). Not only does it cover the basic science and explain the need for diet change with these conditions, it also provides daily meal plans and has some great looking recipes. My only complaint would be that I found some of the information charts difficult to follow or apply, and I would have liked an easier to use index or chart to locate information throughout the book on ingredients and problem foods, but really this is an excellent resource and the best thing I have read so far on managing and understanding IBS, highly recommended.
April 26, 2016
A great help.
I was at a loss as to controlling my ribs symptoms, especially sudden episodes of diarrhea. I was already on a gluten-free and lactose-free diet.. My doctor told me I am hypersensitive to additives, gluten,and lactose intolerant.
I purchased The Complete Low FODMAP Diet to help me identify common food triggers for IBS. I was amazed with the information and began the elimination diet plan immediately. I kept a detailed eating diary and followed the instructions. My condition improved as soon as I eliminated the high FODMAP foods.
The book is nicely organized, easy to understand, and includes some good recipes.
I was at a loss as to controlling my ribs symptoms, especially sudden episodes of diarrhea. I was already on a gluten-free and lactose-free diet.. My doctor told me I am hypersensitive to additives, gluten,and lactose intolerant.
I purchased The Complete Low FODMAP Diet to help me identify common food triggers for IBS. I was amazed with the information and began the elimination diet plan immediately. I kept a detailed eating diary and followed the instructions. My condition improved as soon as I eliminated the high FODMAP foods.
The book is nicely organized, easy to understand, and includes some good recipes.
November 19, 2013
If you have IBS, this diet is probably for you. I do believe they have finally figured it out. However, this has to be the most complex diet I have ever seen. It is not like other diets that typically remove whole food groups like sugar for diabetics or wheat for those that have wheat alergies. One will need to keep this book or a low-fodmap phone app with them when ever they eat something or have a great memory to remember the foods one could or should not eat.
Yea this is a book that will always be within my reach.
Yea this is a book that will always be within my reach.
October 31, 2017
This book exceeded expectations. It is useful to know what foods are trigger foods for IBS and which are okay. It was confusing though to discover that certain foods were rated both suitable and unsuitable in the tables e.g. blackberries! It is because of this confusion that I can't rate the book higher. However, the recipes in the back of the book are good - I have already tried and tested one, as are the meal plans. A very worthwhile buy for IBS sufferers.
May 7, 2014
There is some good info in this book--although not helpful with my condition. There are good recipes too. Unfortunately, almost all of them are corn based and I am allergic to corn. So, I'll be selling this one at the used book store.
December 17, 2016
Waste
Can't believe I wasted £10 on this book. Ugh. Not enough information. It's basically an outline with lists that are available on the internet. Yes there are some recipes here though.
Can't believe I wasted £10 on this book. Ugh. Not enough information. It's basically an outline with lists that are available on the internet. Yes there are some recipes here though.
July 25, 2018
Overall the book was well written and easy to understand. However, I was disappointed in the lack of science supporting how this will help IBS sufferers with severe constipation. I don't think this will be helpful for me aside from recommending it to those it may help.
October 1, 2014
Recommended to my by GI doctor when all tests for stomach pain came back clear. This diet is SO complicated. Very glad that I did not have to follow this.
September 14, 2018
If you're new to FODMAP intolerance this has good information, except at least half of the recipes rely on dairy, which is one of the ingredients to avoid so I found it ultimately of little use.
August 12, 2020
Very informative but mostly just a cook book.
December 1, 2020
I'm not too fond of the idea that she enforces gluten-free into low FODMAP. It's not necessary, you know?
November 8, 2021
Good explanation of which foods are in which group of the FODMAPs. Ypu can eliminate one group at a time instead of avoiding everything.
The recipes are a little weird.
The recipes are a little weird.
December 19, 2023
"The Complete Low-FODMAP Diet: A Revolutionary Plan for Managing IBS and Other Digestive Disorders" is an exceptional and revolutionary resource deserving of a resounding five-star rating.
This book offers a comprehensive and revolutionary approach to managing the symptoms of IBS and other digestive disorders through the low-FODMAP diet. The author's expertise in this field is evident, and the book is thoughtfully organized to provide readers with the knowledge and tools they need to take control of their digestive health.
The book guides readers through a revolutionary plan for implementing the low-FODMAP diet, which includes a three-phase approach to symptom relief and dietary customization. This step-by-step process empowers individuals to identify their trigger foods and gradually reintroduce FODMAPs while managing symptoms.
One of the highlights of this book is the inclusion of over 100 delicious and gut-friendly recipes. These recipes cover a wide range of meal categories, ensuring that readers have diverse options for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and desserts. Each recipe is accompanied by clear instructions, ingredient lists, serving sizes, and nutritional information, making it easy for individuals to prepare meals that align with their dietary requirements.
The writing style is engaging, informative, and compassionate, making the book accessible to individuals with varying levels of dietary knowledge. The author's emphasis on creating flavorful and satisfying meals within the framework of the low-FODMAP diet is evident throughout the book.
"The Complete Low-FODMAP Diet" is an exceptional and revolutionary guide for individuals seeking relief from digestive disorders. Its comprehensive foundation, revolutionary approach, diverse and delicious recipes, and practical tips make it an indispensable resource. This book reflects the author's expertise in the field of digestive health and provides a transformative, science-backed, and empowering solution for individuals looking to improve their digestive well-being through the low-FODMAP diet.
This book offers a comprehensive and revolutionary approach to managing the symptoms of IBS and other digestive disorders through the low-FODMAP diet. The author's expertise in this field is evident, and the book is thoughtfully organized to provide readers with the knowledge and tools they need to take control of their digestive health.
The book guides readers through a revolutionary plan for implementing the low-FODMAP diet, which includes a three-phase approach to symptom relief and dietary customization. This step-by-step process empowers individuals to identify their trigger foods and gradually reintroduce FODMAPs while managing symptoms.
One of the highlights of this book is the inclusion of over 100 delicious and gut-friendly recipes. These recipes cover a wide range of meal categories, ensuring that readers have diverse options for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and desserts. Each recipe is accompanied by clear instructions, ingredient lists, serving sizes, and nutritional information, making it easy for individuals to prepare meals that align with their dietary requirements.
The writing style is engaging, informative, and compassionate, making the book accessible to individuals with varying levels of dietary knowledge. The author's emphasis on creating flavorful and satisfying meals within the framework of the low-FODMAP diet is evident throughout the book.
"The Complete Low-FODMAP Diet" is an exceptional and revolutionary guide for individuals seeking relief from digestive disorders. Its comprehensive foundation, revolutionary approach, diverse and delicious recipes, and practical tips make it an indispensable resource. This book reflects the author's expertise in the field of digestive health and provides a transformative, science-backed, and empowering solution for individuals looking to improve their digestive well-being through the low-FODMAP diet.
April 24, 2020
The introductory chapters were very useful for learning about the FODMAP diet. However, I was surprised by the recipes. After explaining that lactose is high FODMAP there are recipes for ice cream and desserts with cream which I thought was odd. I also have symptoms from having cheese so I wasn’t impressed that so many recipes call for cheese. In addition, I have celiac disease and don’t care for recipes with xanthan gum so I also wasn’t interested in most of the baked good recipes. There are maybe a dozen recipes I would try and I’ll still have to modify some of them. Many of the recipes don’t actually seem to follow the guidelines very much and the author cautions people from eating too much of them which I found odd. For me this was a good book to borrow from the library to get a few new tips instead of buying.
November 9, 2020
The low FODMAP diet is a medically-recognized approach for people who suffer from IBS.
While this book feels deeply rooted in research and science, though, I don't feel it's a good primer to the diet's basics. It does go into in-depth explanations about what FODMAPs are and how they impact digestion, but I came away from it more confused than anything about how to implement the elimination diet.
There are just too many vague elements that make it hard to get a clear picture. For instance, why is spelt okay to eat if it contains gluten? Why are some recipes using yogurt when yogurt contains lactose?
The main interest of the book is some low-FODMAP recipes in the second half, but it's nothing you can't find online.
While this book feels deeply rooted in research and science, though, I don't feel it's a good primer to the diet's basics. It does go into in-depth explanations about what FODMAPs are and how they impact digestion, but I came away from it more confused than anything about how to implement the elimination diet.
There are just too many vague elements that make it hard to get a clear picture. For instance, why is spelt okay to eat if it contains gluten? Why are some recipes using yogurt when yogurt contains lactose?
The main interest of the book is some low-FODMAP recipes in the second half, but it's nothing you can't find online.
January 4, 2021
(Not sure where my review disappeared to?!)
I bought the book to help me understand and relieve my IBS symptoms. It was a good read. I liked the menu plans, the delicious recipes and food diary that you can download from the website inside the book. The recipes have pictures of how the food looks like. Measurements are in grams (g) and millilitres (ml). I’m looking forward to starting a healthy diet and changing the way I eat, and beat as IBS!
I bought the book to help me understand and relieve my IBS symptoms. It was a good read. I liked the menu plans, the delicious recipes and food diary that you can download from the website inside the book. The recipes have pictures of how the food looks like. Measurements are in grams (g) and millilitres (ml). I’m looking forward to starting a healthy diet and changing the way I eat, and beat as IBS!
July 15, 2021
Pretty decent overview of a non-intuitive diet. I learned quite a bit. The second half of the book is recipes, but I didn't try any out -- just flipped through them for inspiration. The diet has been successful for my kid and their IBS, but it has been a challenge. I wish the book covered more child-specific (i.e. limited palate) issues. Still, great information, and the extra depth compared to internet summaries was very helpful.
If you know me and want my notes, drop me a line.
If you know me and want my notes, drop me a line.
September 12, 2019
If you have IBS this is a solid, well-researched, scientifically documented approach to managing symptoms. The lists are helpful as are the suggested elimination and re-entry diet approaches. Finally, the recipes look tasty and do-able. Now, when I'm through this latest flare I'll look forward to having the energy to cook and bake some of them!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews