Finding Your Way Through Fructose Intolerance

What comes after a fructose malabsorption diagnosis?

After years of digestive issues and a fun symptom called “permanent bloating,” I finally found an answer: fructose intolerance, also called fructose malabsorption. The gist is that my body cannot properly digest fructose. The first thing I did after receiving this diagnosis was to begin researching which foods have fructose in them. Bad news: it’s pretty much all foods. I also have SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth) and have spent long periods of time on Low-FODMAP diets, which are highly restrictive. The good news with fructose intolerance is that some FODMAPs are no longer an issue. Lactose, for example, is totally fine for me! However, individuals with fructose malabsorption often have to set even stricter guidelines regarding the fructose and fructan categories.

The most obvious culprit when it comes to fructose is fruit. However, there are varying levels of fructose in different types of fruit, and fructose is found in many other foods as well. High-fructose corn syrup, honey, and agave all contain large amounts of fructose, as do certain vegetables. Fructans, which are made of chains of fructose, include common foods such as wheat, garlic, onion, beans, and certain nuts. The more research I did, the more worried I was about what I would be able to eat! Even more frustratingly, I struggled to find resources that could help me. After talking to a close friend and a neighbor who seemed to be struggling with similar issues, I decided it was time to get the word out about fructose intolerance. This website includes my growing collection of modified recipes, fructose-friendly brands, and informational resources to support those dealing with fructose intolerance.