November 3, 2011 (Washington, DC)–a very limited Diet that is low in certain natural sugar can help ease irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), researchers report in Australia.
Known as the diet low-FODMAP, it doesn't work for everyone. And it's not easy to follow–wheat, rye, and white bread and pasta, apples, watermelon, ice cream, and honey are just a few foods limited.
But some of the research, while small, has set out the benefits, said Peter Gibson, MD, Professor of Gastroenterology at Monash University, Victoria, Australia.
In a study published earlier this year, the United Kingdom researchers found that more than 80% of 43 people with IBS who follow the diet low-FODMAP reported less bloating, abdominal pain, and gas. That compares with only about 50% to 60% of the 39 people who stuck with the standard diet advice.
Gibson and FODMAP developers Sue Shepherd, PhD, nutritionists in Victoria, Australia, talks about the diet at its annual meeting at the American College of Gastroenterology here. Both have written cookbooks low-FODMAP.