What is an anti-flammatory and low FODMAP diet?

If you're managing gut issues, food intolerances, or chronic inflammation, you've probably heard of both the anti-inflammatory diet and the low FODMAP diet. But what’s the difference between them—and can you follow both?

In this post, we break down the purpose of each diet, explore what they have in common, and explain how we’ve blended both in our own cooking journey.

What Is the Anti-Inflammatory Diet?

The anti-inflammatory diet is designed to reduce chronic inflammation in the body—a root cause of many conditions like arthritis, autoimmune disorders, eczema, and fatigue. It emphasizes:

• Whole foods (fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts)

• Omega-3-rich oils (olive oil, flaxseed)

• Spices like turmeric, ginger, and cumin

• Eliminating sugar, gluten, dairy, and processed foods

What Is the Low FODMAP Diet?

Originally developed for IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), the low FODMAP diet helps people avoid short-chain carbohydrates that ferment in the gut and cause symptoms like bloating, gas, and pain.

It limits foods like:

• Onions and garlic

• Certain legumes

• Apples, mangoes, and other high-fructose fruits

• Dairy (due to lactose)

What Do These Diets Have in Common?

While their purposes are slightly different—one focuses on the immune system, the other on digestion—both promote:

• Gut healing

• Whole, minimally processed foods

• Personalized food elimination and reintroduction

• Greater body awareness and reduced symptoms

Can You Combine the Two?

Yes! In fact, we’ve done exactly that in our healing Indian recipes. By using low FODMAP-friendly vegetables, removing inflammatory ingredients like seed oils and sugar, and embracing Ayurvedic spices that aid digestion, we’ve created a style of Indian home cooking that’s both comforting and therapeutic.