Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can be debilitating causing cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea and constipation. IBS can affect and one’s work, sleep and relationships.

According to a recent clinical trial published in Gastroenterology, researchers at University of Michigan’s Health System demonstrated that a low FODMAP (Fermentable Oligo-Di-Monosaccharides and Polyols) significantly helped those with IBS. This study measured the degree of relief from a low FODMAP diet and demonstrated improvement in symptoms as well as an increased quality of life in patients with IBS. This diet excludes many compounds found in wheat, certain fruits and vegetables, garlic, onions and sugar substitutes.

Most treatments rely on medications which are usually ineffective and have numerous side effects. A Low-FODMAP diet is not a new treatment. Most integrative doctors already incorporate a low FODMAP diet for these patients, however, many of the dietary recommendations have not been backed by clinical trials. This just further reinforces these recommendations.

Over a 6 week period, dietitians educated and tracked the progress of over than 90 IBS patients. Approximately 50% of the participants followed a low FODMAP diet and the remainder were a control group consisting of portion control and eliminating commons irritants such as caffeine and alcohol.

As a result, over 50% of the patients on the low FODMAP diet had major improvement of their abdominal pain, compared with only 20% of the control group. There was also additional improvement of bloating, diarrhea and stool urgency.

It is common knowledge that diet is the most effective means to returning balance within the gastrointestinal system. One may need a combination of botanicals, enzymes, and probiotics to optimize the gastrointestinal environment. Certain diagnostic tests may also be beneficial, including stool testing as well as food antibody testing.

The gastrointestinal tract is considered to be the body’s ‘second brain,’ it is made up of a self-contained, complex network of neurons, neurotransmitters, and proteins embedded in the lining of the GI system. It is responsible for all aspects of the digestive process, from the esophagus to the stomach and small and large intestines and may be responsible for IBS symptoms.

There are other nutrients that can support patient with IBS. For example. Perilla frutescens is an herb native to Eastern Asia that demonstrates antispasmodic, prokinetic, and anti-inflammtory effects, which help normalize and promote health bowel function and provide relief from GI symptoms. In addition, there are some specific researched strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae that have been shown to reduce digestive discomfort and abdominal pain in individuals with IBS.

By Michael Jurgelewicz, DC, DACBN, DCBCN, CNS

Source: Shanti L. Eswaran, William D. Chey, Kenya Jackson, Sivaram G. Pillai, Samuel W. Chey, Theresa Han-Markey. 821 A Low FODMAP Diet Improves Quality of Life, Reduces Activity Impairment, and Improves Sleep Quality in Patients With Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Diarrhea: Results From a U.S. Randomized, Controlled Trial. Gastroenterology, 2016; 150 (4): S172 DOI: 10.1016/S0016-5085(16)30665-5

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