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Diet in the irritable bowel syndrome
Martin H Floch1, Rathi Narayan
1Gastroenterology & Nutrition Section, Norwalk Hospital, Yale University School of Medicine, Norwalk, Connecticut, USA. martinfloch@snet.net
Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology
|August 20, 2002
Summary
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients need dietary advice. This review covers food-IBS links, intolerances, and diet therapies, including fiber, probiotics, and prebiotics for symptom management.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Nutrition Science
Background:
- Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) frequently seek dietary guidance.
- Current national guidelines suggest dietary fiber for IBS with constipation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the relationship between foods and IBS.
- To discuss food intolerances, hypersensitivities, and diet therapy recommendations.
- To examine the roles of fiber, probiotics, and prebiotics in IBS management.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on diet and IBS.
- Analysis of national guidelines for IBS dietary treatment.
- Review of research on soluble and insoluble fiber, probiotics, and prebiotics.
Main Results:
- Dietary recommendations for IBS are symptom-based (constipation, diarrhea, bloating).
- Broad dietary plans are suggested, though specific evidence is limited.
- Fiber (soluble and insoluble), probiotics, and prebiotics are relevant to IBS management.
Conclusions:
- Dietary interventions are crucial for managing IBS symptoms.
- Further research is needed to substantiate specific dietary plans.
- Symptom-specific dietary approaches, including fiber and newer agents like probiotics/prebiotics, are recommended.