Irritable bowel disease (IBS) is a common disorder that affects a person’s gastrointestinal tract ( stomach and intestines). It causes abdominal pain, cramping, gas, bloating, diarrhoea, or constipation. Healthcare professionals suggest several medications to reduce these symptoms.
However, according to a recent study published in The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology journal, dietary adjustments help people with IBS as they effectively reduce these symptoms compared to any medications.  Â
This was a single-center and randomized controlled trial conducted at the Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden. In this study, researchers wanted to understand the effectiveness of two dietary and one medication treatment in treating IBS.
They involved 3 groups of patients with IBS aged 18 or more such as the traditional IBS dietary group, low carbohydrate and high protein diet group and medication group.  Â
The people in the traditional dietary group were asked to take low fermentable carbohydrates (FODMAPs). On the other hand, the medication group was assigned pills based on patients’ IBS symptoms which lasted for four weeks.  Â
Researchers then examined the effectiveness of these treatments using an established IBS symptom-scoring scale. When they observed the collected data, they found that the symptoms of 76% of people in the traditional IBS dietary group and 71% of people in the low carbohydrate and high protein diet group were reduced. On the other hand, it was very low in the medication group (58%).   Â
Researchers followed up with these patients at six months and they noticed that even after returning to their previous eating habits, many people in the dietary group experienced relief. One of the researchers said that the results of this study show that diet plays an important role in treating people with IBS, as it can help reduce symptoms. She further added that further research is needed to personalize IBS treatments effectively.  Â
As this study shows, diet can work more effectively than medications in treating people with IBS. Healthcare professionals need to make some effective strategies. These findings will help them treat people with IBS by reducing symptoms like abdominal pain, cramping, gas, bloating, diarrhea, or constipation. Â
Reference Link:Â Â
Sanna Nybacka et al, A low FODMAP diet plus traditional dietary advice versus a low-carbohydrate diet versus pharmacological treatment in irritable bowel syndrome (CARBIS): a single-centre, single-blind, randomised controlled trial, The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology (2024). DOI: 10.1016/S2468-1253(24)00045-1Â Â
