The best 5 apps for a low FODMAP diet 2024
What can you do to stop the flare-up of symptoms and resolve IBS for good? That's one of the most common questions asked by people who suffer from IBS. The good news? There are 5 excellent apps that can help.
Here are the top evidence-based apps for IBS sufferers in 2022. Two focus on diet, one on hypnotherapy, one on CBT, and one combines low FODMAP diet and habit coaching to reduce lifestyle triggers too (hint, that’s our favourite).
Here are the best 5 evidence-based apps for IBS.
IBS COACH APP: FODMAP Diet Planner, Tracker, & Relief.
If you’ve heard of the low FODMAP diet you might be aware it’s a hassle to learn what foods are safe and which trigger symptoms. Cooking low FODMAP meals can be difficult. A DIY approach often fails. The IBS Coach app makes the whole process easy. In studies up to 86% of people eliminated and prevented symptoms. The apps costs around ($11) or (£8) /week for the program.
The IBS Coach method simplifies the low FODMAP process for you. You follow a 4 week low FODMAP diet (with recipes, meal plans, a FODMAP food list, and symptom tracker), and then test your tolerance to foods to learn your specific triggers. It’s backed by dietitians and doctors and the recipes are created by an award winning recipe writer.
The other good part about this app is that you never feel alone. Each day there are bite sized articles and habit coaching to reduce your stress triggers - a major contributor to symptoms. Reviews have been pretty glowing for IBS Coach. People seem to feel better in a short amount of time, and are able to prevent flare-ups. IBS Coach is a good place to start if you want a proven dietary method to manage IBS.
Download: IBS Coach on iOS | Android
Free to download. In app purchases.
FODMAP Diet A-Z
FODMAP diet A-Z app
This isn’t a full FODMAP program, but a very good list of foods that are low FODMAP. The app was created by an IBS patient who found the low FODMAP diet to be very effective in avoiding trigger foods.
The app has a database of around 650 everyday ingredients and tells you which are low FODMAP and which are high FODMAP. It won’t guide you through the complete program, (there’s no symptom tracker or recipes) but if you need a quick reference for FODMAP foods, this is a good app.
Reviewers like the simplicity of the app.
Download: FODMAP Diet A-Z on iOS | Android
Free to download.
FAST FODMAP
Fast FODMAP app
Similar to the FODMAP DIET A-Z app, the Fast FODMAP app is 8x faster than other apps at looking up which ingredients are high fodmap and which are low fodmap.
The app uses learning games to help you remember ingredients and focuses on speed and accuracy. Again, it’s not a complete program, but a good place to start if you are looking for a fodmap list only.
Download: FODMAP DIET A-Z on iOS | Android
Free to download.
Nerva Hypnotherapy
Nerva Hypnotherapy for IBS app
Yes, Hypnotherapy for IBS is now an evidence-based alternative method to help people manage their symptoms. The app is developed by a leading IBS therapist. Nerva claims to help ‘fix’ the miscommunication between your gut and your brain with a 6-week hypnotherapy program.
Hypnotherapy sessions can be taken at home and the program includes guides, tips and advice on how to enjoy a healthy life with IBS. The program comes at a cost, but many reviews are positive.
The app ‘can help you manage how your mind interprets pain and stress signals, by helping you 'retrain' your gut-brain connection.’ It is a good place to start if you prefer hypnotherapy over dietary methods.
Download: Nerva Hypnotherapy on iOS | Android
Free to download. In app purchases.
Zemedy CBT
Zemedy CBT for IBS app
Zemedy is another non-dietary evidence-based app that uses CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) to help people with IBS. The app limits the effect of IBS symptoms on your quality of life.
You complete a 6 week program at your own pace and reviewers have generally been happy with the app’s easy modules. In studies CBT has reduced the severity of IBS symptoms. Zemedy is a good place to start if you prefer a non-dietary method.
Download: Zemedy on iOS | Android
Free to download.