Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic condition that affects the digestive system. It causes abdominal pain, discomfort, and changes in bowel habits. Other common symptoms include bloating, diarrhoea, constipation, mucus in stool, and a feeling of incomplete evacuation.
The current dietary recommendation for IBS is called a low-FODMAP diet. It is a strict, regulated diet where lists of foods that are allowed/not allowed must be consistently followed. This diet also excludes gluten and lactose.
Bodil Ohlsson, a professor at Lund University and consultant at Skane University Hospital, decided to investigate the role of sugars and starches in IBS. A previous study conducted by Professor Ohlsson showed that the starch and sucrose-reduced (SSRD) diet greatly reduced IBS symptoms such as recurring pain, tightness in the abdomen, diarrhoea, and/or constipation. Sweet treats, highly processed foods, and ready-to-eat meals were to be avoided.
The latest study, published in the scientific journal Nutrients , addresses how the SSRD (starch and sucrose-reduced diet) compares to the current dietary recommendation for IBS, the low-FODMAP diet Also Read: FODMAP Diet: This Extremely Restrictive Diet May Help People Suffering From IBS And Digestive Stress "We launched this study in 2022 to compare SSRD and Low FODMAP. One hundred and fifty-five patients diagnosed with IBS were included and randomly allocated to follow either SSRD or Low FODMAP for four weeks. They were not allowed to ha.