Researchers reviewed the current evidence on the diet-microbiota interaction in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), exploring dietary management options beyond the low-FODMAP diet (LFD), which is commonly used for IBS treatment. The study suggests that dietary patterns emphasizing low processed food intake and high plant consumption, such as the Mediterranean diet, can promote gut microbiota associated with better health outcomes. On the other hand, Western diets high in ultra-processed foods can lead to a microbiota associated with diseases, including IBS.
Dietary recommendations for IBS should focus on the increased intake of whole foods, following a regular meal pattern, and limiting ultra-processed foods as beneficial strategies in managing IBS beyond the low-FODMAP diet.
Reference: Dale HF, Lorentzen SCS, Mellin-Olsen T, Valeur J. Diet-microbiota interaction in irritable bowel syndrome: looking beyond the low-FODMAP approach. Scand J Gastroenterol. 2023 Jun 29:1-12. doi: 10.1080/00365521.2023.2228955. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 37384386.
