Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Dietary Interventions

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Dietetics
• Internal Medicine

Background:

• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a prevalent functional gastrointestinal disorder affecting 14% of the global population.
• IBS significantly impacts healthcare systems and reduces patients' quality of life.
• The exact cause of IBS is unknown, but multifactorial causes including genetics, infection, inflammation, medication, and stress are implicated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To discuss the evidence supporting dietary interventions for the treatment of IBS.
• To explore the link between food ingestion and IBS symptom exacerbation.
• To highlight dietary approaches as a reasonable treatment strategy for IBS.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing evidence on dietary interventions for IBS.
• Analysis of the physiological and biochemical processes linking food and IBS symptoms.
• Application of Rome IV criteria for IBS diagnosis.

Main Results:

• Many patients report food triggers or exacerbations of IBS symptoms.
• Physiological and biochemical responses to food can heighten IBS symptoms.
• Dietary interventions are a reasonable approach to improve IBS symptoms.

Conclusions:

• Dietary interventions are a viable strategy for managing IBS.
• Improving symptoms and quality of life is the focus of IBS treatment.
• Further research into specific dietary strategies for IBS is warranted.