Gluten has gotten a bad rap in recent years, and for good reason. Individuals who suffer from celiac disease must avoid this ingredient in order to maintain a healthy and well-functioning digestive system.

But what if someone has cut out gluten due to celiac disease or gluten intolerance, and is still suffering from digestive distress? A new study in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology indicates that in addition to cutting out all forms of gluten, a low FODMAP diet may help.

A low FODMAP diet, for those unfamiliar with the term, is a diet that eliminates certain foods that are made up of short-chain carbohydrates that are poorly absorbed by the small intestine, for a pre-determined period of time. Afterward, the food groups are added back into the diet one at a time to see how the body reacts.

While this is encouraging news, it also needs more study. Researchers note that a low FODMAP diet shouldn’t be maintained long-term due to its restrictive nature–and people suffering from gluten intolerance are already cutting out many foods. Still, following a low FODMAP diet short-term may offer relief to those with celiac disease and those who deal with ongoing digestive issues.

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