Mediterranean Diet Shows Promise for IBS Relief in Pilot Study

A pilot study by Michigan Medicine found the Mediterranean diet may ease symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). In the randomized trial, patients followed either the Mediterranean or low FODMAP (Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides, and Polyols) diet for four weeks. 73% of the Mediterranean group and 81.8% of the low FODMAP group saw reduced symptoms, meeting the FDA benchmark of a 30% decrease in abdominal pain.

While the low FODMAP diet led to greater improvement, it remains difficult to follow, potentially leading to nutrient deficiencies and disordered eating. In contrast, the Mediterranean diet is easier to adopt, non-restrictive, and already favored for cardiovascular and general health.

This marks the first randomized controlled trial comparing the two diets directly in IBS patients with diarrhea or mixed symptoms. With promising results from just 20 participants, researchers call for larger trials to explore the Mediterranean diet’s long-term potential as an evidence-based IBS treatment.

02-06-2025