One diet 'better than medication' at controlling irritable bowel syndrome, study finds

Health experts have suggested that dietary changes could be more effective than medication in managing the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). IBS, a common disorder affecting the large intestine, can cause abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, gas, diarrhoea, constipation and mucus in stools.

A recent study published in The Lancet Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that a specific diet was more successful at managing IBS symptoms than medication. The research involved nearly 300 IBS patients, who were divided into three groups.

The first group followed a Low FODMAP diet, reducing their intake of foods such as wheat, onions and chocolate. The second group adhered to a diet low in sugar but high in proteins, fat, and fibre, including meat, fish, eggs and vegetables.

The final group relied on medication to control their symptoms. Both diet groups saw a reduction in symptom severity of over 70%, compared to a 58% reduction for those treated with medication.

Typical medications prescribed for IBS include fibre supplements, laxatives, anti-diarrheal medications, antispasmodics, and antidepressants, reports Gloucestershire Live.

Doctor Martin Ducret, speaking to FranceInfo, revealed: "Professor Frank Zerbib, head of the hepato-gastroenterology department at Bordeaux University Hospital, confirmed this study demonstrates that a diet gives better results than medication. A diet should therefore be recommended as a first-line treatment for patients who still present troubling symptoms, despite adopting healthy lifestyle habits: eating a balanced diet, slowly, and at set times, limiting alcohol and coffee, practising regular physical activity, having a long get enough sleep and avoid stress."

Professor Zerbib advises only following the Low FODMAP diet for up to six weeks at a time, due to its difficulty to maintain and potential nutrient deficiencies. After the six weeks, patients can gradually reintroduce foods to see if they react badly to them.

High-FODMAP Foods to Avoid

• Fruits: Apples, pears, cherries, watermelon.

• Vegetables: Onions, garlic, cauliflower, mushrooms.

• Dairy: Milk, soft cheeses, yoghurt.

• Grains: Wheat-based products like bread, pasta, and cereals.

• Legumes: Beans, lentils, chickpeas.

• Sweeteners: High fructose corn syrup, honey, artificial sweeteners like sorbitol and mannitol.

Low-FODMAP Foods to Enjoy

• Fruits: Bananas, blueberries, strawberries, oranges.

• Vegetables: Carrots, spinach, zucchini, bell peppers.

• Dairy alternatives: Lactose-free milk, almond milk, hard cheeses.

• Grains: Rice, oats, quinoa, gluten-free bread.

• Proteins: Meat, poultry, fish, eggs.

• Sweeteners: Maple syrup, table sugar, artificial sweeteners like aspartame and stevia.

FODMAP stands for "Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides, And Polyols." These are types of short-chain carbohydrates that are poorly absorbed in the small intestine and can ferment in the gut, causing symptoms such as bloating, gas, abdominal pain, and diarrhoea.

Oligosaccharides: Found in foods like wheat, rye, onions, and garlic. Disaccharides: Found in foods like milk, yoghurt, and soft cheese (lactose). Monosaccharides: Found in foods like apples, honey, and high fructose corn syrup (fructose). Polyols: Found in foods like stone fruits (e.g., cherries, avocados), and certain artificial sweeteners (e.g., sorbitol, mannitol).