After eating, do you ever feel bloated? or have irregular bowel movements and stomach cramps? You might be among the many people who suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), a digestive disorder that has increased in prevalence in the fast-paced world of today.
IBS can arise as a result of modern practices that affect our gut health, such as eating on the run, skipping meals high in fiber, being stressed out, consuming excessive amounts of caffeine, and eating at unpredictable times. Dietary adjustments continue to be the most effective method of symptom management, even if many people resort to pharmaceuticals.
The popular and well-balanced Mediterranean diet may be just as effective in lowering IBS symptoms as the frequently recommended but restricted low FODMAP diet, according to a recent study from the University of Michigan.
What did the study find?
Twenty IBS patients were tracked in the pilot trial, which was published in the journal Neurogastroenterology & Motility. Half of the patients were placed on a Mediterranean diet, and the other half were placed on a low-FODMAPS diet. Both groups were given meals.
Compared to 82% in the low FODMAP group, 73% in the Mediterranean diet group experienced alleviation from stomach pain after just four weeks.
Researchers suggest the Mediterranean diet may be simpler for many people to follow over time—and may be a healthier, more pleasurable option—even though the low FODMAP diet still produced marginally superior results.
What makes the Mediterranean diet so unique?
In contrast to rigid diets that exclude whole food groups, the Mediterranean diet promotes:
- Fresh produce and fruits
- Whole grains
- Nuts, seeds, and legumes with olive oil
- A couple of times a week, fish and poultry
- Minimal consumption of sweet and red meat
Rich in fiber, healthy fats, and antioxidants, it is well-known for heart health and is also a wonderful option for digestive health.
What is the diet low in FODMAPs?
Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides, and Polyols, or FODMAPs, are carbohydrates that are difficult for persons with IBS to digest. Although it frequently relieves symptoms, it necessitates eliminating a wide range of foods, such as grains, legumes, dairy products, and numerous fruits and vegetables.
