A recent study examined the effectiveness of three different treatments for IBS, revealing that dietary adjustments, particularly those low in FODMAPs and carbohydrates, are more effective in reducing symptoms compared to medication.
Treatment often consists of dietary advice such as eating small and frequent meals and avoiding excessive intake of food triggers such as coffee, alcohol and fizzy drinks. Patients may also be given medications to improve specific symptoms, such as gas or constipation, diarrhea, bloating or abdominal pain. Antidepressants are sometimes used to improve symptoms in IBS.Gastroenterology & Hepatology, compared three treatments: two dietary and one based on use of medications.
Sanna Nybacka, Stine Störsrud and Magnus Simrén, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg. Credit: Photo by Margareta G. Kubista), Malin Arnesson and Johan Wingborg