Impact of Diet on Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Abstract

Chronically occurring around the world, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is an illness that has much speculation around its epidemiology and most effective treatment. Living with irritable bowel syndrome can be stressful, annoying, and embarrassing at times. Those suffering from the functional disorder often search for the best methods of treatment; retrieving information from a doctor and the internet. One treatment method many patients discover is diet monitoring. Discovering which foods trigger symptoms and which foods do not, can be a drastic turning point for people suffering from IBS. Furthermore, a more recent discovery is the link between a diet low in FODMAPS (fermentable, oligo-, di-, mono-saccharides, and polyols) and a reduction of IBS symptoms. Though there is not a set treatment for IBS, diet may play a key role in ease of symptoms.