Overview
- Monash University and multiple UK outlets reported Sunday that chamomile and fennel teas contain high levels of fructans, a type of FODMAP that some people do not fully absorb.
- Unabsorbed fructans travel to the large bowel where gut bacteria ferment them, producing gas that can lead to bloating, abdominal pain and discomfort.
- People with irritable bowel syndrome may be especially likely to notice symptoms and some studies cited by the coverage describe cases of severe or “extreme” bloating after high‑FODMAP intake.
- Experts and the British Dietetic Association advise keeping a food diary and seeking help from a registered dietitian or clinician before eliminating foods to identify personal triggers safely.
- Monash lists peppermint tea as a low‑FODMAP alternative and says ginger tea may suit many people, and the coverage stresses individualized tolerance rather than broad bans on herbal infusions.