Food as Medicine: How to Influence the Microbiome and Improve Symptoms in Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome

This review highlights effects of dietary interventions on the gut microbiome and gastrointestinal symptoms in those with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

It is hypothesized that gut dysbiosis factors into the pathophysiology of IBS. Various diets that influence the microbiome and intestinal physiology may have therapeutic properties. At present, data suggests that implementation of personalized dietary interventions have a mixed, but overall positive effect on the gut microbiome and IBS symptoms. The effect of dietary modification on the gut microbiome and GI symptoms in patients with IBS is a topic that has garnered interest due to the increasing prevalence of IBS and heightened awareness of the importance of gut health. The composition of the gut microbiome may be modulated by promoting fiber intake and implementation of exclusionary diets and dietary supplements; however, additional studies are needed to provide evidence-based guidelines in this patient population.