If you suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or if you know someone who does, then you know just how unpleasant it can be. A common gut disorder, IBS is believed to be the culprit in cases of abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, indigestion, and other gastrointestinal symptoms in about 1 in 10 people. The cause of IBS is currently unknown, but there are effective strategies for symptom relief. Chief among them: the low-FODMAP diet, featured in the forthcoming 2-Step Low-FODMAP Eating Plan by Dr. Sue Shepherd.

The low-FODMAP diet is a dynamic eating plan that helps people with IBS recognize and avoid foods that cause gastrointestinal distress. IBS affects different patients in different ways, which is why the low-FODMAP diet can be easily personalized according to individual need.

The 2-Step Low-FODMAP Eating Plan delivers new strategies for managing the symptoms of IBS and a whole new host of delicious low-FODMAP recipes. The 2-step plan is simple:

First: Restrict FODMAPs (certain poorly absorbed carbs) to discover a new baseline of health.
Next: Slowly reintroduce them, step-by-step, to learn which FODMAPs are tolerable for you, and in what amounts.

The Result: A custom-made eating plan with delicious food that will make you happy and healthier!

With added information for traveling, eating out, food labels, and menu plans for adults, children, vegans, vegetarians and omnivores, Dr. Shepherd makes it even easier to stick to this enriching and gut-healthy plan.

Before you can cut down on FODMAPs, though, you will need to know what they are and how they work… and if you’re scratching your head on that point, don’t worry, because we’ve put together this handy infographic (click the image to view or download it as a PDF):

Even with the willpower and the know-how, the low-FODMAP diet might seem like a tough plan to follow at first. It’s never easy to cut old staples out of your meals, but there are plenty of delicious dishes to comfort your gut and your palette all at once! If you’re looking for some inspiration, check out The Complete Low-FODMAP Diet, co-authored by Sue Shepherd and Peter Gibson, a noted gastrointestinal expert. A joint effort by two noted gastrointestinal experts, this book is a great resource for anyone who suffers from IBS. Dr. Shepherd’s follow up title, The Low-FODMAP Diet Cookbook, is packed with 150 flavorful, gut-friendly recipes to follow the diet plan and help ease IBS symptoms. Along with Sue’s latest book, these are a great way to work the low-FODMAP diet into your life.

NOT JUST FOR IBS: The low-FODMAP diet is proven to ease the symptoms of a wide range of gut health issues, including lactose intolerance, gluten sensitivity, Crohn’s disease, fructose intolerance, and more. This guide is for anyone with gut problems who wants to pinpoint the culprit and remove it from their diet.

COMING THIS FALL: Gut issues often go undiagnosed in teens, who are often too embarrassed to seek the medical help and dietary guidance that they need. Rachel Meltzer Warren tackles these issues in her forthcoming book, A Teen’s Guide To Gut Health, an accessible guide to the low-FODMAP diet that addresses the unique concerns of teens.