Khaberni - A recent study revealed that following a Mediterranean diet may significantly relieve symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Researchers describe this diet – rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts, fish, and olive oil - as a "very simple and enjoyable 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 28th, and reported by The Independent newspaper in the UK.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a digestive disorder that is often lifelong, characterized by stomach cramps, bloating, and diarrhea, and treated with lifestyle modifications and medication.
Dr. Imran Aziz, the lead clinical lecturer in gastrointestinal diseases at the University of Sheffield and a co-researcher on the study, said: "For millions of people around the world, the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome can severely affect their daily lives."
The current primary treatments include dietary modifications, and patients are advised with traditional tips that include avoiding skipping meals, increasing intake of fruits and vegetables, reducing fatty, spicy, and processed foods, caffeine, and carbonated drinks.
Symptom Improvement
Researchers at the University of Sheffield and its affiliated teaching hospitals under the National Health Service in the United Kingdom compared the effectiveness of this traditional advice with the Mediterranean diet.
The trial included 139 individuals with Irritable Bowel Syndrome, 68 of whom followed the Mediterranean diet for 6 weeks, and 71 followed the traditional dietary advice.
Each group participated in 30-minute online educational sessions about their diets, and they were sent supporting information via email.
The study found that 62% of those who followed the Mediterranean diet reported 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 a very simple and highly effective initial step in managing this common condition."
It was found that the Mediterranean diet is not only as good as the traditional dietary advice, but it is in fact much better at reducing symptoms.
