• For years, my relationship with food was complicated. Between digestive sensitivities, SIBO flare-ups, and the endless trial-and-error of elimination diets, the kitchen sometimes felt more like a lab than a place of joy. But over time, I realized something: the kitchen was also where I learned patience, curiosity, and resilience.

    That realization became the foundation of Digestible China — a cookbook built not just on recipes, but on lived experience. Every dish in this book is a step toward rebuilding trust with food — inspired by the Chinese meals I grew up loving, and adapted to fit the realities of living with gluten-free, dairy-free, and Low FODMAP needs.

    The Low FODMAP diet is often described as restrictive, but it can also be liberating. When you understand what triggers your symptoms, you gain freedom — freedom to enjoy food again, without fear or discomfort. This cookbook was written to help others find that same balance: comfort food that’s gentle, flavorful, and healing.

    If you’re starting your own Low FODMAP journey, remember:

    Every kitchen lesson is a life lesson. Pay attention, adjust, try again.

  • My Journey with Low FODMAP and Gluten-Free Cooking

    When I first moved to Shanghai, I expected my gut to rebel. Having cut out gluten and dairy in North America due to years of cramps and bloating, I braced for worse with Chinese cuisine’s garlic and soy sauce. Instead, my symptoms eased. Meals passed comfortably, even with reckless eating. Shanghai offered not just energy but a gut reprieve.

    Why Eating Felt Easier in China

    I noticed patterns in Chinese food culture that aided digestion. Rice anchored meals, vegetables were seasonal and lightly cooked, and proteins were modest. Dishes were shared, offering variety without excess—unlike Canada’s oversized, processed portions heavy with hidden triggers. Food felt alive and digestible.

    Returning to Canada: Losing the Balance

    Back in Canada after Hong Kong, my relief vanished. Bloating and fatigue returned sharply, leading to a SIBO diagnosis. My gut, reset abroad, struggled with the shift. A dietitian introduced the Low FODMAP diet, a Monash University framework with elimination, reintroduction, and personalization phases—a reset tool that changed everything.

    Learning to Adapt Low FODMAP Recipes

    I faced a dilemma: abandon Chinese favorites like Hot & Sour Soup? Guided by Low FODMAP principles, I adapted them. Garlic-infused oil replaced garlic, scallion greens stood for onions, and tamari swapped soy sauce. Rebuilding Hot & Sour Soup with ginger and oyster mushrooms proved comfort was possible without consequences.

    Chinese Food Culture and Modern Wellness

    Chinese culture’s balance—small portions, more veggies, shared meals—aligns with Low FODMAP and gluten-free needs. Science gave me the language (FODMAPs, SIBO), but China offered lived balance. This inspired my Low FODMAP cookbookDigestible China, blending tradition and health.

    Reclaiming Comfort with a Gluten-Free Cookbook

    Today, I don’t abandon my loves—I adapt them. Digestible China: A Low-FODMAP Cookbook of Chinese Comforts for Sensitive Stomachs (launched Kindle Sept 8, paperback Sept 20, 2025, #12 in Low FODMAP Food) offers gluten-free Chinese recipes like Stir-Fried Greens. Visit digestiblechina.com for more, or get the book on Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/DIGESTIBLE-CHINA. Share your IBS recipe hacks below!

  • A Quiet Milestone Worth Celebrating

    It’s hard to believe that DIGESTIBLE CHINA has officially been out in the world for one month. What began as a deeply personal project — a way to make sense of my own journey with gut health, SIBO, and food sensitivities — has turned into something far more meaningful.

    Over these past weeks, I’ve received messages from readers who’ve tried recipes, shared their stories, and told me that for the first time, they felt seen. That means everything.

    When I started writing, I wanted to create more than just a cookbook. I wanted to build a bridge between Chinese food culture and digestive wellness — a resource that says: you don’t have to give up the dishes you love to feel better.

    What This First Month Has Shown Me

    Launching this book wasn’t just about sales — it was about starting conversations. And that’s exactly what has happened.

    In one month, DIGESTIBLE CHINA has:

    • Reached readers across multiple countries.
    • Sparked discussions about how food culture shapes digestion.
    • Helped people discover that IBS relief and flavour can co-exist.

    The support has been incredible — and it’s just the beginning.

    How You Can Support This Next Chapter

    If you’ve already purchased the book:

    • 📝 Leave a review on Amazon or Goodreads — even a few sentences make a huge difference for visibility.
    • 📸 Share a recipe you’ve tried on Instagram or Pinterest
    • 💬 Join the conversation — I love hearing your stories about food, travel, and gut health.

    If you haven’t picked up a copy yet, this is the perfect time to start your journey toward comfort without consequence.

    👉 Order DIGESTIBLE CHINA here

  • The Daily Discomfort No One Talks About

    Bloating after lunch. Rushing to the bathroom after your morning coffee. That heavy, inflamed feeling that lingers no matter what you eat. For many adults, these aren’t just occasional annoyances — they’re everyday realities.

    If this sounds familiar, your gut may be reacting to specific short-chain carbohydrates called FODMAPs. Reducing them through a structured Low FODMAP diet can bring significant IBS relief, reduce bloating and inflammation, and restore your digestive health.


    What Is the Low FODMAP Diet?

    The Low FODMAP diet is a science-based approach designed to help people with IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) and other gut sensitivities identify and manage their food triggers.

    FODMAP stands for:

    • Fermentable
    • Oligosaccharides
    • Disaccharides
    • Monosaccharides
    • And
    • Polyols

    These are types of carbohydrates found in many everyday foods — from onions and garlic to certain fruits, sweeteners, and dairy products. In people with sensitive digestive systems, FODMAPs can be poorly absorbed in the small intestine. This leads to fermentation in the gut, causing gas, bloating, cramps, diarrhoea, constipation, and a general feeling of inflammation.

    The diet involves temporarily reducing high-FODMAP foods, identifying which ones trigger symptoms, then reintroducing them systematically to build a personalised, sustainable way of eating.


    High vs Low FODMAP Foods at a Glance

    Here’s a quick reference to get you started:

    High FODMAP FoodsLow FODMAP Alternatives
    Garlic, onionsGarlic-infused oil, spring onion tops
    Wheat bread, pastaGluten-free bread, rice noodles, quinoa
    Milk, yoghurtLactose-free milk, plant-based milks (check labels)
    Apples, pearsStrawberries, oranges, grapes
    Honey, agaveMaple syrup, sugar, stevia
    Cauliflower, mushrooms (shiitake)Zucchini, carrots, oyster mushrooms (small serves)

    👉 Pro tip: Start by replacing common pantry staples with gluten-free and dairy-free alternatives, and use Monash University’s app for accurate serving sizes.


    Why Reducing FODMAPs Can Improve Gut Health

    Fermentation and Gut Sensitivity

    FODMAPs are rapidly fermented by gut bacteria. In a healthy gut, this can be beneficial. But in people with IBS or food sensitivities, this process happens in the wrong place (the small intestine) and too quickly.

    The result? Excess gasdistension, and water retention that lead to bloating and inflammation.

    Monash University Low FODMAP Research

    The Low FODMAP approach is backed by extensive research from Monash University, the global authority on the diet. Their clinical studies show that up to 75% of people with IBS experience symptom relief when following the diet under professional guidance.

    Monash researchers also emphasise that this diet is not meant to be permanent. It’s a therapeutic strategy to help you:

    1. Calm your gut during symptom flare-ups.
    2. Identify specific triggers through structured reintroduction.
    3. Personalise your long-term diet for digestive wellness.

    🧠 How the Low FODMAP Diet Works in Three Phases

    Elimination Phase

    Temporarily remove high-FODMAP foods to reduce symptoms and give your gut a “reset.”

    Reintroduction Phase

    Systematically reintroduce food groups one by one to identify personal triggers — guided by a dietitian if possible.

    Personalization Phase

    Build a flexible, balanced diet that supports your gut health without unnecessary restrictions.


    Digestive Wellness Tips for Success

    Adopting a Low FODMAP diet doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Here are a few practical digestive wellness tips to get started:

    • Work with a dietitian experienced in Low FODMAP for personalised support.
    • Keep a food and symptom diary to track patterns.
    • Swap, don’t sacrifice: Garlic-infused oil, tamari, and Monash-verified ingredients can keep meals flavourful.
    • Manage stress — gut health is influenced by lifestyle as much as food.
    • Use Monash University’s app to check serving sizes and stay informed.

    The Takeaway: A Tool, Not a Lifetime Sentence

    The Low FODMAP diet is not about restriction forever — it’s about understanding your body. By temporarily reducing high-FODMAP foods and identifying personal triggers, many people find lasting IBS relief, less bloating and inflammation, and a stronger foundation for digestive health.

    With the right guidance and practical swaps, you can create a lifestyle that supports your gut — not fights against it.


    📚 Further Reading

  • Are you struggling with IBS, bloating, or digestive discomfort? A Low FODMAP diet could be the solution you’ve been searching for. In this guide, you’ll discover one of the best Low FODMAP books available on Amazon—perfect for beginners, IBS sufferers, or anyone navigating digestive challenges.


    What is a Low FODMAP Diet?

    The Low FODMAP diet was developed by researchers at Monash University to help people with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) manage their symptoms by avoiding specific fermentable carbohydrates. These include:

    • Fermentable: sugars that ferment in the gut
    • OligosaccharidesDisaccharidesMonosaccharides, and Polyols

    By identifying and limiting trigger foods, many people experience relief from bloating, gas, pain, and irregular bowel movements.


    Why This Book Stands Out

    If you’re looking for the best Low FODMAP book for beginners, look no further than:

    👉 The Complete Low-FODMAP Diet Plan for Beginners

    ✅ What You’ll Learn:

    • Easy-to-follow recipes
    • 100+ gut-friendly Low FODMAP recipes
    • How to reintroduce FODMAPs safely
    • Shopping lists and food swap charts
    • Tips from certified nutritionists

    Backed by Science and Experience

    This book is grounded in clinical research and written with a practical, empathetic approach—perfect for beginners. As someone who’s personally navigated the confusing world of IBS, I can confidently say this resource offers clarity and relief.


    Expert-Recommended for IBS & Digestive Wellness

    The Low FODMAP approach is often recommended by:

    • Registered dietitians
    • Gastroenterologists
    • Functional medicine practitioners

    And for good reason: studies show up to 75% of IBS patients report symptom improvement on a Low FODMAP diet.


    Where to Get It

    📦 Available now on Amazon Kindle:
    👉 Click here to check it out on Amazon

    Whether you’re just starting your journey or looking for a trusted resource to guide you, this book delivers.


    Final Thoughts

    Digestive issues can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone—and you don’t have to figure it out blindly. This guide gives you the structure, recipes, and insight needed to take control of your gut health.

    Ready to take the first step?

    👉 Start your Low FODMAP journey today

  • Asking the Right Question

    When you live with IBS, you start to notice patterns in your body the way a sailor notices the sea. A meal can calm the waters, or it can whip up a storm. And somewhere along the way, the question arises: if the Low FODMAP diet settles my gut, is it also anti-inflammatory?

    It’s a fair question, because inflammation is the buzzword of our time. We hear about anti-inflammatory foods everywhere — turmeric, blueberries, salmon — all promising to quiet the fire within. But where does the Low FODMAP diet fit into this story?

    What Monash University Research Tells Us

    The Low FODMAP diet was developed at Monash University in Australia, not as an anti-inflammatory diet but as a clinical tool to manage symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Its goal is straightforward: reduce the fermentable carbohydrates (FODMAPs) that trigger bloating, cramping, diarrhoea, and constipation.

    According to Monash, the diet is not primarily designed to target inflammation. Instead, it reduces gut symptoms by limiting poorly absorbed carbohydrates that feed bacteria in the large intestine, leading to gas and water retention【Monash University, FODMAP Research Program】.

    That said, research has shown that people on a Low FODMAP diet often report reduced gut inflammation markers — but this may be secondary, a by-product of calmer digestion, rather than the direct aim of the diet.

    The Subtle Link Between Gut Symptoms and Inflammation

    Here’s where it gets interesting. IBS is not traditionally classified as an inflammatory disease (unlike Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis). But repeated irritation in the gut — the distension, the spasms, the altered microbiome — can create a kind of “functional inflammation.” It’s not full-blown IBD, but it still takes a toll.

    By reducing FODMAP intake, you’re cutting down the bacterial fermentation that fuels gut discomfort. Less gas, less stretching of the intestinal wall, and in turn, fewer immune responses firing off. The body calms because the gut is no longer under siege.

    So while the Low FODMAP diet is not technically “anti-inflammatory” in design, it often leads to an indirect reduction in inflammation-related symptoms.

    The Bigger Picture

    If you’re looking for a strictly anti-inflammatory diet, you might explore the Mediterranean diet or diets rich in omega-3s, polyphenols, and antioxidants. But if your daily battle is with IBS, the Low FODMAP diet offers something just as powerful: peace in the gut, and with it, the quieting of secondary inflammatory responses.

    I’ve seen this in myself. When I first eliminated garlic, onion, and wheat noodles from my routine in Shanghai, I wasn’t chasing “anti-inflammatory foods.” I just wanted the cramps to stop. But over time, I noticed more than just calmer digestion. My energy steadied. My skin looked better. My body, in small but noticeable ways, felt less on edge.

    Final Takeaway

    To answer the question directly: Low FODMAP foods are not classified as anti-inflammatory in the clinical sense.But by reducing gut irritation and bacterial fermentation, the diet often delivers an anti-inflammatory effect where it matters most — in your digestive tract.

    It may not be the “fire extinguisher” diet, but for those of us with IBS, it’s the lifeboat that keeps us afloat.

    👉 For more insights and recipes built around Monash Low FODMAP guidelines, explore my book DIGESTIBLE CHINA: Comforts for Sensitive Stomachs here: https://tinyurl.com/DIGESTIBLE-CHINA

  • When Comfort Food Fights Back

    There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of noodles on a damp night, the kind that warms you from the inside out. But for those of us with IBS or SIBO, that same bowl can turn into an enemy. Garlic and onions hidden in the broth. Wheat flour binding the noodles. Sauces sweetened with high-FODMAP sugars. Comfort becomes discomfort.

    I learned this the hard way in Shanghai. I’d sit in a neighborhood spot, the clatter of woks echoing off tiled walls, the perfume of soy and ginger rising in the air. One bowl later, I’d be doubled over, wondering how something so beautiful could turn so cruel. That’s when the Low FODMAP framework changed everything.

    What Is Low FODMAP in Chinese Cooking?

    The Low FODMAP diet—developed by Monash University—is a map for people with IBS. It limits fermentable carbs that fuel bloating, cramps, and gut pain. In Chinese cuisine, the villains are usually onions, garlic, wheat noodles, and certain beans or sauces.

    But here’s the surprise: Chinese cooking also holds some of the best allies. Rice is always safe. Ginger sings without consequence. Chives (in careful amounts) can replace onions. And vegetables like bok choy and eggplant, when handled right, become gentle on the gut.

    Practical Gut-Friendly Swaps

    • Rice noodles instead of wheat noodles. They soak up broth beautifully.
    • Ginger and scallion tops instead of garlic and onion. You keep the fragrance without the pain.
    • Light soy sauce (gluten-free) instead of dark blends with wheat.
    • Clear broths instead of heavy braises. Simpler, but still soulful.

    The Joy of Eating Without Fear

    Living with IBS isn’t about exile from flavor—it’s about finding new paths back to the table. I remember making my first Low FODMAP stir-fry in a tiny Shanghai apartment. No garlic, no onions. Just ginger sizzling in hot oil, bok choy flashing bright green, shrimp turning pink in seconds. I ate slowly, waiting for the backlash that never came. Relief never tasted so good.

    Why Chinese Comfort Food Still Matters

    Food is memory. It’s family dinners, street stalls, and the rituals that ground us. Stripping away onions and garlic doesn’t strip away culture. It reshapes it. And in that reshaping, you find both health and heritage.

    Final Takeaway

    If you’ve been afraid to try Chinese food on a Low FODMAP or IBS-friendly diet, know this: comfort food is still yours. It just asks you to cook—and eat—with awareness.

    And if you want a deeper dive into gut-friendly Chinese cooking, I’ve written an entire collection dedicated to it.

    👉 Explore DIGESTIBLE CHINA: Comforts for Sensitive Stomachs here: https://tinyurl.com/DIGESTIBLE-CHINA

  • For anyone living with IBS, SIBO, or chronic digestive discomfort, food can quickly go from something comforting to something stressful. Bloating, cramps, trapped gas, and fatigue often make every meal feel like a gamble.

    That’s where the Low FODMAP diet comes in.

    Understanding the Low FODMAP Diet

    FODMAPs are certain types of carbohydrates that can be poorly absorbed in the gut. For sensitive individuals, these can ferment in the digestive tract and cause symptoms like bloating, pain, and irregular bowel movements.

    The Low FODMAP diet was developed by researchers at Monash University and is now one of the most recommended approaches worldwide for managing Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and other gut-related conditions.

    The diet involves three phases:

    1. Elimination — removing high FODMAP foods such as garlic, onions, wheat, and certain fruits.
    2. Reintroduction — gradually testing specific foods to identify personal triggers.
    3. Personalization — creating a long-term, balanced diet that reduces symptoms while allowing as much variety as possible.

    By following this approach, many people experience dramatic improvements in gut comfort, reduced bloating, and more predictable digestion.

    Bringing Flavor Back to the Table

    While the Low FODMAP diet is effective, it can also feel restrictive — especially if you love cuisines that traditionally use garlic, onions, and wheat as building blocks. Many people find themselves wondering: What’s left to eat?

    That question inspired my book, Digestible China: A Low FODMAP Cookbook of Chinese Comforts for Sensitive Stomachs.

    As someone who has lived with SIBO and gut sensitivities, I refused to believe that I had to give up the Chinese comfort foods I loved. Instead, I adapted them. The book reimagines dishes like Cantonese chow mein, pork bone soup, and Xinjiang-style cumin beef using gut-friendly swaps that stay true to flavor while supporting digestive health.

    Why Digestible China is Different

    Most Low FODMAP cookbooks focus on Western recipes. Digestible China is the first cookbook to adapt classic Chinese recipes for the Low FODMAP diet — designed specifically for people who want both authenticity and gut health.

    Inside, you’ll find:

    • 70+ recipes tailored for sensitive stomachs
    • A mix of quick everyday meals and slow comfort dishes
    • Personal notes and stories that show how food can heal as much as it nourishes

    Whether you’re newly diagnosed with IBS or simply tired of the “safe but boring” meals, this cookbook offers a path back to joy in the kitchen.

    👉 Get your copy today on Amazon: Digestible China: A Low FODMAP Cookbook of Chinese Comforts for Sensitive Stomachs

  • I didn’t set out to write a cookbook to compete with anyone else. The world doesn’t exactly need another “authentic Chinese cookbook” with glossy photos and a long list of ingredients you can’t find in your local market. What the world did need—what I needed—was a book that told me I wasn’t broken just because my body couldn’t handle garlic, onions, or heavy sauces anymore.

    That’s how DIGESTIBLE CHINA was born.


    Living Between Two Worlds

    I grew up loving the flavors of Chinese kitchens. Family meals, neighborhood restaurants, the comfort of dumplings, soups, and stir-fries. Later, I spent time in Shanghai, and food wasn’t just something to eat—it was a way of understanding people, culture, and history.

    Then my gut started fighting me.

    Anyone living with IBS, SIBO, or digestive sensitivities knows this battle: the cramps, the fear of eating the “wrong” thing, the constant scanning of menus to see what will hurt later. For me, it meant walking away from the very food that shaped my identity. Garlic and onion became landmines. Meals became negotiations. Comfort food became a risk.

    But I couldn’t accept the idea that I’d never taste those dishes again.


    Why This Book is Different

    There are hundreds of Chinese cookbooks out there, but most don’t care about your digestion. They celebrate tradition, yes, but they’re written for people with cast-iron stomachs. DIGESTIBLE CHINA isn’t just about flavor—it’s about reclaiming food for people who thought they had to give it up.

    • Garlic & onion? Swapped for infused oils and scallion greens.
    • Gut-heavy sauces? Simplified, but still layered and bold.
    • Complicated restaurant techniques? Adapted for real kitchens.

    This isn’t a watered-down version of Chinese food. It’s comfort food, reimagined for sensitive bodies.


    The Journal Entry I Never Thought I’d Write

    There was a point when I stopped cooking for myself. I was tired of the aftermath—cramps, bloating, exhaustion. I’d sit at the table and look at a plate of food and feel fear instead of excitement.

    The day I cracked that cycle was with a bowl of Bitter Melon & Egg (苦瓜炒蛋). Bitter melon is sharp, yes, but scrambled with soft eggs and lifted with ginger and scallion greens, it became something I could eat without pain. For the first time in a long time, I wasn’t afraid of my own dinner.

    That’s when I knew this wasn’t just a cookbook project—it was survival, turned into a gift.


    Why It Matters

    DIGESTIBLE CHINA isn’t about chasing bestseller lists or shelf space in bookstores. It’s about saying to the person with gut issues: “You don’t have to give up what you love.”

    It’s for the one scrolling late at night, searching “IBS recipes,” feeling like flavor is gone forever.
    It’s for the traveler who fell in love with Chinese food and thought it was over.
    It’s for me—and maybe, it’s for you too.

    Because comfort food should comfort everyone.

    📖 Order your copy here: https://tinyurl.com/DIGESTIBLE-CHINA

  • Zhanyi Chile Chicken, Chongqing Style

    When people think of Chinese comfort food, one dish often rises to the top: 辣子鸡 (làzǐ jī) — fiery Sichuan-style chili chicken. It’s bold, unapologetic, and unforgettable.

    But for anyone living with IBS, SIBO, or following a Low-FODMAP diet, dishes like this often feel off-limits. Too many chilies, too much oil, and trigger-heavy aromatics like garlic and onion.

    That’s why I reimagined it for DIGESTIBLE CHINA.


    A Dish That Dares You

    The first time I ate this dish wasn’t even in China. It was in Montreal, in a small student-district restaurant glowing under fluorescent lights. What arrived at the table looked like a dare: a mountain of dried chilies, fragrant Sichuan peppercorns, and glistening wok-fried chicken.

    It was hot, numbing, layered, and addictive. And it’s exactly that essence I wanted to capture — while keeping it gentler on digestion.


    Zhanyi vs. Chongqing: A Tale of Two Styles

    Did you know there are actually two interpretations of chili chicken in China?

    • Zhanyi Style (Yunnan): Balanced, bright, sometimes vinegared, with chilies adding warmth but not overwhelming.
    • Chongqing Style (Sichuan): Pure fire — piles of chilies and Sichuan peppercorns burying the chicken, oilier, hotter, designed to shock and satisfy spice lovers.

    My version pays tribute to Chongqing’s excess and intensity, but with mindful swaps to keep it accessible.


    The Low-FODMAP Twist

    Here’s how I kept this dish true to its roots and gut-friendly:

    • Garlic & onion → replaced with scallion tops and infused oils.
    • Heavy sauces → reduced, keeping boldness without the triggers.
    • Shaoxing wine, rice vinegar, and ginger remain — for depth, tang, and authenticity.
    • Optional calamansi halves add a bright citrus lift, cutting through the richness.

    The result is fiery, textural, and balanced — bold enough to honor Sichuan tradition, yet adapted for sensitive stomachs.


    Recipe Snapshot

    Zhanyi Chile Chicken, Chongqing Style (重慶辣子雞)

    • Serves: 2–3
    • Prep Time: 10 min
    • Cook Time: 15 min

    Key Ingredients

    • Boneless chicken thighs
    • Shaoxing wine, rice vinegar, egg white
    • Potato or tapioca starch
    • Dried red chilies
    • Sichuan peppercorns
    • Scallion tops, ginger

    👉 Click here to get the full recipe inside DIGESTIBLE CHINA


    Why It Works

    This isn’t about watering down tradition. It’s about rethinking it for bodies that need balance. The dish still has its signature heat (là) and numbing spice (má) — but it also respects the Low-FODMAP framework.

    It’s Chinese comfort food that truly comforts.


    ✨ If you know someone who struggles with gut health but still craves authentic Chinese flavors, share this post with them.

    📖 Order DIGESTIBLE CHINA today → https://tinyurl.com/DIGESTIBLE-CHINA