A new Swedish study sheds light on a surprisingly effective diet for irritable bowel syndrome.
More than 70 percent of participants reported significant improvements, without relying on medication. Here are the key takeaways you need to know.
This diet can reduce symptoms
The study shows that a low-carb diet can be almost as effective as the well-known low FODMAP diet.
72 percent of participants in the low-carb group reported improvement in their symptoms.
Also read: Can You Pass These Home Fitness Tests? They Might Reveal How Well You're Aging
Low FODMAP remains effective
The low FODMAP diet is still a highly effective method. In the trial, 76 percent of participants experienced relief.
However, it remains very restrictive and requires a complex reintroduction phase to identify specific food triggers.
Medication is less effective
Only 58 percent of those in the medication group experienced improvements, making diet-based treatments significantly more effective in comparison.
Small dietary changes make a difference
Study led by Sanna Nybacke observed that even small lifestyle changes, like eating more slowly and having smaller, more frequent meals, could significantly ease IBS symptoms.
Also read: Can Processed Food Be Healthy? Here's What the Experts Say
Avoid certain foods and drinks
Limiting the intake of coffee, tea, fizzy drinks, alcohol, fatty, and spicy foods also showed a positive effect on managing IBS symptoms.
Diets may outperform medication in the long term
Six months after the trial ended, participants who followed diet-based treatments still reported fewer symptoms, even though they were no longer on strict plans.
This suggests that diets can have lasting benefits.
Easier diets improve quality of life
One participant from the low-carb group stated she had "never felt better in her stomach in her entire life."
Also read: Is this the beginning of a cure for autism? New findings spark global hope
This suggests that this approach is both effective and more manageable than low FODMAP for many.
IBS is often seen as a “wastebasket diagnosis”
Many patients feel that IBS is diagnosed when doctors can’t find any other explanation, making it even more important to find treatments that actually offer relief.
The combination of treatment methods is still unclear
Researchers note that more data is needed to explore whether combining medication and dietary changes could produce even better outcomes.
Always consult a doctor first
While the findings are promising, the researchers stress that individuals with IBS should always consult a medical professional before making significant dietary changes.
Also read: Doctor's Advice: These Mistakes Can Ruin the Effect of Ozempic and Wegovy
This article is based on information from Woman.dk.
Also read: Ditch your reading glasses: New eye drops could change everything