A recent study revealed that following a Mediterranean diet may significantly reduce the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.
Researchers describe this diet – rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts, fish and olive oil – as a “simple, enjoyable and highly effective first step” in controlling the symptoms of this common condition.
The study was conducted by researchers from the University of Sheffield in the United Kingdom, and its results were published in the Annals of Internal Medicine on October 28, and the British newspaper The Independent wrote about it.
Irritable bowel syndrome is a digestive disorder that often lasts a lifetime, and is characterized by stomach cramps, bloating, and diarrhea, and is treated with lifestyle modifications and medications.
Dr Imran Aziz, senior clinical lecturer in gastroenterology at the University of Sheffield and co-author of the study, said: “For millions of people around the world, the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome can severely impact their daily lives.
Current initial treatments include dietary modifications, and patients are advised some traditional advice that includes avoiding skipping meals, increasing fruit and vegetable intake, and limiting fatty, spicy, and processed foods, caffeine, and soft drinks.
Symptoms improve
Researchers at the University of Sheffield and its NHS teaching hospitals in the UK compared the effectiveness of this traditional advice to the Mediterranean diet.
The trial included 139 people suffering from irritable bowel syndrome, 68 of whom followed the Mediterranean diet for 6 weeks, and 71 people followed traditional nutritional advice.
Each group participated in 30-minute online educational sessions about their diets and were sent supporting information via email.
The study found that 62% of those who followed the Mediterranean diet reported a significant improvement in their symptoms, compared to 42% in the other group.
Dr Aziz said: “Our study provides strong evidence that the Mediterranean diet can be an easy and highly effective first step in managing this common condition.”
It has been found that the Mediterranean diet is not only as good as traditional dietary advice, but is actually much better at reducing symptoms.