IBS is diagnosed in those who suffer from intermittent bouts of diarrhea or constipation, or both with varying degrees of severity. A diagnostic schema that has been in use divides IBS into four subtypes: IBS with constipation (IBS-C), IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D), Mixed IBS (IBS-M), which alternates between constipation and diarrhea, & Unsubtyped IBS (IBS-U), which is for people who don’t fit into the above types. It should be appreciated however that these subtypes simply outline the primary symptoms and give little if any insight into what causes the condition. There is no simple test to diagnose IBS, and it is generally recognized that there has not been a clear underlying reason ever established for the development of the condition.

Reliance on such a classification schema, and treatment with medication for the primary symptom involved underlies why dietary management is likely more effective. When medications are used they target the primary symptom, whether to treat diarrhea or constipation or abdominal pain. And although medications can be temporarily effective to suppress the symptom the patient is experiencing, they do little or nothing for the underlying condition itself, and do not impact the continuance of the IBS Syndrome once the medication has been discontinued. What is eaten by sufferers of IBS and informed decisions as to the most appropriate dietary changes are key to making a more lasting impact.

Some general treatments have involved the dietary advice of eating smaller and more frequent meals. They also advise reducing possible triggers to symptoms such as alcohol, coffee and carbonated beverages. These general ideas are of some benefit to many, however they are not reliable and specific enough treatments that canbe broadly be used with any confidence as an effective medical treatment across the board for IBS sufferers.

THREE STUDY GROUPS

The first group in this study were given the traditional IBS dietary advice, and additionally told to avoid fermentable carbohydrates, known as FODMAPs. https://drsobo.com/follow-a-low-fodmap-diet-for-irritable-bowel-syndrome/

WHAT ARE THE FODMAP FOODS ?

The second study group involved in this study ate a diet low in carbohydrates and relatively higher  in protein and fat.

The third group of study participants were given medications for relief of the person’s predominant IBS symptoms.

Each group consisted of approximately 100 participants. The study lasted four weeks. When the results were reviewed it was clear that dietary interventions produced better results than symptom suppression by medication alone.

In study group “ONE” who followed traditional IBS dietary advice and ate a low content of FODMAP foods,  76% had significantly reduced symptoms. The study group “TWO” , following a low carbohydrates and higher protein and fat diet, had 71%, who reported significnant improvement. In comparison in the medication group 58% had  a positive response, not much more than half.

INDIVIDUALIZED SPECIFIC TREATMENTS ARE NEEDED

Researcher  Sanna Nybacka at the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg says,

“With this study, we can show that diet plays a central role in the treatment of IBS, but that there are several alternative treatments that are effective. We need more knowledge about how to best personalize the treatment of IBS in the future and we will further investigate whether there are certain factors that can predict whether individuals will respond better to different treatment options.”