The Mediterranean diet can be a ‘highly effective’ first step in managing IBS

• A new trial suggests that adopting a Mediterranean diet can significantly alleviate the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
• Researchers described the eating plan, rich in fruit, vegetables, pulses, whole grains, nuts, fish and olive oil, as a “simple, enjoyable and highly effective first step” in managing the common condition.
• The study, conducted by the University of Sheffield and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, compared the Mediterranean diet to traditional dietary advice for IBS.
• The trial involved 139 people with IBS, with 62 per cent of those following the Mediterranean diet reporting a significant improvement in symptoms, compared to 42 per cent in the group receiving traditional advice.
• Dr Imran Aziz stated that the Mediterranean diet was significantly better at reducing symptoms than traditional advice, and these findings will inform future guidelines for IBS management.

IN FULL

The diet that can significantly ease symptoms of IBS