Incorporating a diet rich in fruits, pulses, and nuts might be key to alleviating the discomforts of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), according to recent research findings.

Often celebrated as a cornerstone of long, healthy lives for Italians and Spaniards, the Mediterranean diet is renowned for its role in curbing obesity and diet-related ailments. British researchers have now identified it as potentially more effective in addressing IBS symptoms than the current recommendations from the NHS.

The study, which evaluated the eating habits of over 100 adults, demonstrated a notable improvement in IBS symptoms among those adhering to the Mediterranean diet compared to those with diets lacking in plant-based foods.

Experts have praised this dietary approach as a “simple, enjoyable, and highly effective first step” for managing IBS. The study’s insights are poised to guide doctors in advising patients on optimal dietary strategies for symptom management.

Dr. Imran Aziz, a senior clinical lecturer in gastroenterology at the University of Sheffield and co-author of the study, emphasized the global impact of IBS, stating, “For millions of people worldwide, IBS symptoms can severely impact daily life.”

Dr Imran Aziz, a senior clinical lecturer in gastroenterology at the University of Sheffield, and study co-author, said: ‘For millions of people worldwide, IBS symptoms can severely impact daily life. 

‘Our study provides strong evidence that the Mediterranean diet can be a simple, enjoyable, and highly effective first step in managing this common condition.

‘The Mediterranean diet was found to be not just as good as traditional dietary advice, but actually significantly better at reducing symptoms. 

A Mediterranean-style diet plan has long been hailed as the secret behind Italians and Spaniards living long and healthy lives, as well as low rates of obesity and diet-related illnesses

‘This is great news because it means patients can adopt a widely accepted, healthy eating pattern that offers superior relief without needing the immediate burden of a highly restrictive diet such as the low-FODMAP diet.’

IBS is one of the most common digestive conditions and is thought to affect around 4 in 100 people globally. 

It is usually a lifelong condition, causing stomach cramps, bloating and diarrhoea.

Current NHS guidance includes the low-FODMAP diet, which involves removing high-FODMAP foods. 

FODMAP stands for fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols. 

Common foods with gas-producing FODMAPs include broccoli, beans and lentils, wheat, garlic, onions, apples, and some fruit juices.   

In the study, researchers at the University of Sheffield and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust compared the effectiveness of this traditional advice to the Mediterranean diet.

The trial included 139 people living with IBS, with 68 following the Mediterranean diet for six weeks and 71 following traditional dietary advice.

Each group took part in 30-minute online education sessions about their diets and were emailed supporting information.

The study, published in Annals of Internal Medicine, found 62 per cent of those following the Mediterranean diet reported a significant improvement in their symptoms compared with 42 per cent in the other group.

Writing in the journal, the researchers said the Mediterranean diet should now be considered a ‘first-line IBS therapy’.

Dr Aziz added: ‘Using a Mediterranean diet as an initial treatment also potentially simplifies care for both patients and healthcare providers. 

‘These findings will inform future guidelines for the management of IBS.’