If I have understood what you say, then even the FODMAP diet is not supposed to be permanent. Isn’t it supposed to be used only to exclude those foods that are proven to cause problems? Many people seem to view it as a permanent diet. I need to try it, but only want to do it with a nutritionist.

Brenda, great question. That would depend on what triggered the symptoms…cocoa, sugar, flour. Some people experience intolerance to sucrose –this could be due to bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine, lack of sucrase isomaltase enzymes etc. If enzymes are low–in some cases fructose might be better tolerated–at least in someone w/o fructose malabsorption or SIBO–so a trial of honey might be better tolerated. Maple syrup is a good low FODMAP sweetener. Might need to try and see. Or try your best to determine cause of intolerance. This is why its best to work with a dietitian and gastroenterologist well versed in digestive health to help you tease out the cause.

Many salient points made here, as usual.

I recently had someone staying with me who was so fixated on what was perfect to eat, that she made our life hell for nine months, and vacillated wildly between an extremely Spartan (but expensive) diet, and bouts of eating expensive organic junk food. This led not only to a breakdown for her, but deep financial difficulties for us, the unsuspecting hosts of this disturbed person. A healthy state of mind is important for maintaining a healthy body. And if you overthink every mouthful, it’s a good bet you don’t know how to relax and truly rest.

Peace, Mari