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Can Diet Alleviate IBS Symptoms

Kenneth To

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Content Approved by Dr. Anthony Marotta, Ph.D.

According to the American Association of Gastroenterology, Irritable Bowel Syndrome is defined as "a disorder of bowel function (as opposed to being due to an anatomic abnormality). Patients who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome have changes in"...(Learn More).

Treatment of IBS

In a study presented at Digestive Disease Week (DDW) in San Diego, California in 2016, Dr. Shanti Lynne Eswaran MD  from the University of Michigan, reported results from a clinical trial demonstrating the benefits of the FODMAP (Fermentable Oligo-Di-Monosaccharides and Polyols) diet compared to control. 

FODMAP Diet

  1. Fermentable...related to the bacteria in your GI tract

  2. Oligosaccharides...present in wheat, rye, garlic, onions

  3. Disaccharides...lactose in dairy, soft cheeses and yoghurt

  4. Monosaccharides...high fructose corn syrups, honey, apples

  5. and Polyols...present in some fruit and artificial sweetners

According to the University of Monash, the FODMAP diet was developed by "Monash team, led by Peter Gibson, provided the first evidence that a Low FODMAP diet improves IBS symptoms"...(Learn More). 

Useful resources:

  1. Digestive Health Center Nutrition Services from the University of Stanford.

  2. University of Monash, Low FODMAP diet for IBS.

  3. American Association of Gastroenterology, Patient Education.

  4. A smartphone application developed by the Department of Gastroenterology from the University of Monash has been created to assist individuals with IBS manage their symptoms...(Learn More).