Excluding starch and sugar is as effective for IBS as current recommendations

A study from Lund University in Sweden found that patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) experienced symptom relief from eating less sugar and starch, comparable to the effects of the FODMAP diet (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols) currently recommended for IBS management. Those on a starch and sucrose-reduced diet (SSRD) not only showed greater weight loss but also reported reduced sugar cravings.

This research was prompted by a genetic finding indicating that a variant affecting sugar and starch breakdown is more common in IBS patients. Over four weeks, participants adhered to the SSRD, avoiding sugar-laden treats and highly processed "ready meals." Results indicated significant improvements in IBS symptoms, which typically include abdominal pain, tightness, and diarrhea or constipation.

Published in the journal *Nutrients*, the study contrasts SSRD with the stricter FODMAP diet, which requires careful food selection and excludes gluten and lactose. Notably, sugar cravings diminished more in the SSRD group, which is beneficial since IBS patients generally have higher average weights than healthy individuals.