One diet gets rid of bowel problems better than drugs, study shows

Health experts have suggested that managing your diet could be more effective than medication when it comes to dealing with a debilitating bowel condition. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder that affects the large intestine, leading to abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, gas, diarrhoea, constipation and mucus in your stools.

A recent study published in The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology has found that one particular diet was more successful at managing IBS and its symptoms than drugs. The research involved nearly 300 patients suffering from IBS, who were divided into three groups.

The first group followed a Low FODMAP diet, which involves cutting down on foods such as wheat, onions and chocolate. The second group followed a diet low in sugar but high in proteins, fat, and fibre – including meat, fish, eggs and vegetables.

IBS can cause pain and cramps as well as bloating

The final group used medication to control their symptoms. Patients in both diet groups saw a reduction in the severity of their symptoms of more than 70%, compared to 58% for patients treated with medication.

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

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.”

Apples are on the list of ‘banned’ food you should avoid eating for at least six weeks

Professor Zerbib has advised that the Low FODMAP diet should only be followed for a maximum of six weeks due to its restrictive nature and potential to cause nutrient deficiencies. After this period, patients are encouraged to reintroduce foods gradually to identify any adverse reactions.

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).

Source: bing.com