Researchers investigated the impact of various nutritional components like fibers, functional foods, prebiotics, probiotics, and symbiotics on the symptoms and gut bacteria in individuals with irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C). The exact cause of IBS, a chronic condition involving discomfort related to bowel habits or defecation, is uncertain, but it’s believed to be due to a combination of factors like abnormal gastrointestinal motility, inflammation, increased gut permeability, visceral hypersensitivity, diet, and psychological factors. The interplay between diet and gut bacteria is also seen as a potential influencing factor in IBS. Despite there being no specific diet for IBS-C, research has pointed out that the intake of fiber, particularly soluble fiber such as inulin, could alleviate symptoms.
Reference: Di Rosa C, Altomare A, Terrigno V, et al. Constipation-Predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS-C): Effects of Different Nutritional Patterns on Intestinal Dysbiosis and Symptoms. Nutrients. 2023 Mar 28;15(7):1647. doi: 10.3390/nu15071647. PMID: 37049488; PMCID: PMC10096616.
