People with IBS have recurring stomach pain, gas, and constipation or diarrhea. To alleviate the symptoms, they are often prescribed the FODMAP diet, which involves a minimum of fermentable carbohydrates that the gut has difficulty breaking down.
However, it has been shown that another, simpler dietary advice, namely reducing sugar and starch, also works well. This emerged in a pilot study at Lund University a few years ago.
"No side effects"
In a new study, the two dietary recommendations were compared to determine how they stand up to each other. The study involved 155 people with IBS who were randomly assigned to follow either the FODMAP or the sugar-reduced diet (SSRD) for four weeks.
The result shows that in both groups, IBS symptoms improved by 75-80%. As for weight loss and reduced sugar cravings, the effect was greater in the SSRD group.
The result means that we dare to recommend this diet with less sugar and starch. We have done two studies and both show the same results, and we see no side effects, says Bodil Ohlsson, professor at Lund University, chief physician at Skåne University Hospital, and one of the researchers behind the study.
"Increases treatment options"
But one recommendation does not exclude the other, she continues.
Some people find FODMAP complicated, others love sugar. Now we have two different treatments to offer, which increases treatment options.
The comparative study is published in the scientific journal Nutrients.
IBS stands for irritable bowel syndrome - sensitive gut. Those affected experience recurring stomach pain, bloating, and gas, as well as constipation or diarrhea.
Many with IBS find that they improve if they avoid eating certain foods or food groups. An established recommendation is to eat a FODMAP diet, i.e., foods with little or no fermentable carbohydrates that the gut has difficulty breaking down. FODMAP stands for fermentable mono-, di-, and oligosaccharides, and polyols. Some examples of foods to avoid are apples, yogurt, wheat flour, beans, and onions, mushrooms, and corn.
SSRD: Stands for starch and sucrose-reduced diet and involves a diet with little or no sucrose, starch, and added sugar.
Sources: 1177, Läkartidningen, and Bodil Ohlsson, Lund University
