Fructose Intolerance?

Fructose is a monosaccharide (simple sugar) found in honey, fruit, fruit juices, some vegetables, table sugar, and high-fructose corn syrup. Many GI issues can be traced back to an intolerance to some type of carbohydrate, including  fructose. These symptoms can vary from bloating, gas, IBS, pain, distention, nausea, constipation and/or diarrhea. In fact, some research shows that about 1/3 of those suffering with IBS symptoms have a fructose intolerance.Avoiding foods high in fructose is a great way to decrease  GI symptoms. Foods to avoid include honey, agave, dried fruit, molasses, palm sugar, coconut sugar, apples, grapes, watermelon, asparagus, artichokes, leeks, broccoli, peas and zucchini.  Other items to avoid are soda, candy, cereal, pasta, wheat bread and granola bars. Avoiding high fructose foods is part of a low FODMAP diet.A fructose intolerance is dose dependent, so some fructose can be tolerated, but the level varies from person to person. Berries, avocados, bananas, lemons, limes, cantaloupe, strawberries and  pineapple are often well tolerated in small amounts. The most important thing is to listen to your body and avoid foods that cause any discomfort.