NewKerala.com

Key Points

A recent study by US researchers suggests the Mediterranean diet significantly alleviates symptoms for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients, proving a viable alternative to the restrictive low FODMAP diet. While the low FODMAP remains more effective according to the severity score, its complex nature makes it challenging for many. The Mediterranean diet, known for cardiovascular and cognitive benefits, provides a less burdensome option without risking nutrient deficiencies. As evidence grows, experts suggest including this diet in the array of dietary strategies for IBS management.

Key Points: Mediterranean Diet Relieves IBS Symptoms Study Shows

  • Mediterranean diet improves IBS symptoms for 73% of patients
  • Study compares Mediterranean and low FODMAP diets
  • Low FODMAP diet more effective but harder to follow
2 min read

People with irritable bowel syndrome can find relief with Mediterranean diet: Study

New study finds Mediterranean diet offers symptomatic relief for IBS, rivaling low FODMAP diet.

"Restrictive diets can be difficult for patients to adopt. - Prashant Singh"

New Delhi, June 1

A team of US researchers has found that the Mediterranean diet may provide symptom relief for people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Irritable bowel syndrome affects an estimated 4-11 per cent of all people, and a majority of patients prefer dietary interventions to medication.

The low FODMAP diet leads to symptom improvement in more than half of patients, but is restrictive and hard to follow.

Previous investigations from Michigan Medicine researchers in the US into more accessible alternative diets led to a proposed “FODMAP simple,” which attempted to only restrict the food groups in the FODMAP acronym that are most likely to cause symptoms.

In the new study published in the journal Neurogastroenterology & Motility, participants were randomised into two groups, one following the Mediterranean diet and the other following the low FODMAP diet, a common restrictive diet for IBS.

In the Mediterranean diet group, 73 per cent of the patients met the primary endpoint for symptom improvement, versus 81.8 per cent in the low FODMAP group.

“Restrictive diets, such as low FODMAP, can be difficult for patients to adopt,” said Prashant Singh, Michigan Medicine gastroenterologist and lead author on the paper.

“In addition to the issue of being costly and time-consuming, there are concerns about nutrient deficiencies and disordered eating when trying a low FODMAP diet. The Mediterranean diet interested us as an alternative that is not an elimination diet and overcomes several of these limitations related to a low FODMAP diet,” Kumar added.

The Mediterranean diet is already popular among physicians for its benefits to cardiovascular, cognitive, and general health. Previous research on the effect of the Mediterranean diet on IBS, however, had yielded conflicting results.

While the Mediterranean diet did provide symptom relief, the low FODMAP group experienced a greater improvement measured by both abdominal pain intensity and IBS symptom severity score.

“This study adds to a growing body of evidence which suggests that a Mediterranean diet might be a useful addition to the menu of evidence-based dietary interventions for patients with IBS,” said William Chey, chief of Gastroenterology at the University of Michigan.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya K.
This is interesting! As someone who's struggled with IBS for years, I've always found Indian home remedies helpful but restrictive diets difficult. The Mediterranean diet seems more sustainable with our Indian cooking style - lots of vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats like ghee. Maybe we can adapt it with Indian ingredients? 🤔
R
Rahul S.
Good research but I wonder how practical this is for middle-class Indians. Olive oil and imported nuts in Mediterranean diet can be expensive. Our traditional diets with dal, rice, yogurt and local vegetables might be better suited and more affordable for IBS management.
A
Ananya M.
Finally some good news! I've been on FODMAP diet for 6 months and it's been so hard to follow at Indian weddings and family functions. Mediterranean diet seems more flexible while still helping symptoms. Will ask my doctor about switching. Thanks for sharing this! 🙏
V
Vikram P.
The study shows FODMAP still works better (81% vs 73%). Why settle for second best when it comes to health? Yes it's restrictive but health requires discipline. Our ancestors followed strict dietary rules during illnesses - this is no different.
S
Sunita R.
As a nutritionist, I appreciate this balanced view. Many IBS patients give up because FODMAP is too hard. Mediterranean diet gives them another option that's easier to maintain long-term. We can modify it with Indian superfoods like turmeric, ginger and fermented foods that also help digestion.
K
Kiran D.
Interesting research but I wish they included an Indian diet group too! Our traditional food combinations (like rice-dal, roti-dahi) have evolved over centuries for good digestion. Would love to see comparative studies on Indian dietary patterns for IBS management.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50