University Study Shows Low Carb Diet Effective in Treating Irritable Bowel Syndrome
A recent university study conducted on 300 patients suffering from irritable bowel syndrome has shown promising results in the treatment of this common digestive disorder. The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden, found that a diet low in fermentable carbohydrates was more effective in reducing symptoms such as abdominal bloating and stomach ache than traditional pharmacological treatments.
Irritable bowel syndrome, also known as colon syndrome, is a common condition that affects a large portion of the adult population, with symptoms including abdominal pain, intestinal irregularity, and a sense of heaviness. In Italy alone, 15% of adults are affected by this condition, with women being more prone to it than men.
The study compared three different treatment methods for irritable bowel syndrome. One group followed a diet low in fermentable carbohydrates, another group followed a diet high in proteins and fats, and the third group received pharmacological treatment. After a four-week trial period, the researchers found that the group on the low carb diet experienced the greatest improvement in symptoms, with 76% reporting a reduction in symptoms compared to 71% in the high protein and fat diet group, and 58% in the pharmacological treatment group.
After a follow-up six months later, the researchers found that 68% of the low carb diet group and 60% of the high protein and fat diet group still reported feeling better compared to before the study. These results indicate that personalized dietary interventions may play a crucial role in reducing symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and improving the quality of life for those affected.
The findings of this study have been published in the prestigious journal The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology, providing hope for those suffering from this widespread and often debilitating condition. Further research is needed to explore the long-term effects of dietary interventions in treating irritable bowel syndrome.