- New research from University of Sheffield found Mediterranean diet relieves IBS symptoms better than standard dietary advice
- A randomised study of 139 IBS patients conducted by the University of Sheffield and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust showed 62 per cent of people following the Mediterranean diet reported a significant improvement in their IBS symptoms, compared to only 42 per cent of those following traditional dietary advice
- Researchers say adopting the Mediterranean diet as a first-line treatment could improve quality of life and streamline dietary management for millions living with IBS
A Mediterranean diet is significantly more effective than traditional dietary advice for managing IBS symptoms, new research from the University of Sheffield has found.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common, chronic condition that causes debilitating symptoms like stomach cramps, bloating, diarrhoea, and constipation. It affects an estimated 10 to 15 per cent of the global population. Patients frequently struggle to find relief through their diet, often relying on complex, highly restrictive plans.
Until now, traditional dietary advice has been the initial first line treatment for IBS. This includes limiting fatty, spicy, processed foods, and caffeinated/fizzy drinks, and avoiding skipping meals, as well as general health eating recommendations such as consuming a variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and dairy.
If this fails, patients are often prescribed the low-FODMAP diet. While a low FODMAP diet can significantly reduce IBS symptoms, it carries potential drawbacks-including nutritional deficiencies, reduced gut microbiome diversity, and long-term adherence challenges- this means professional guidance and careful reintroduction are required.
However, this new study published in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine, a randomised clinical trial involving 139 people living with IBS from across the UK, shows that the enjoyable and well-known Mediterranean diet is a powerful and practical first-line option.
The core focus of the Mediterranean diet is fresh, whole, plant-based foods, fish, olive oil and healthy fats such as nuts, while limiting red meat and highly processed items.
Dr Imran Aziz, Senior Clinical Lecturer in Gastroenterology at the University of Sheffield, said: "For millions of people worldwide, IBS symptoms can severely impact daily life. Our study provides strong evidence that the Mediterranean diet can be a simple, enjoyable, and highly effective first step in managing this common condition.
"This is great news because it means patients can adopt a widely accepted, healthy eating pattern that offers superior relief without needing the immediate burden of a highly restrictive diet such as the low-FODMAP diet."
The six-week study, conducted in partnership with Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and other UK NHS centres, compared the Mediterranean diet to traditional dietary advice.
The results showed 62 per cent of people following the Mediterranean diet reported a significant improvement in their IBS symptoms, compared to only 42 per cent of those following traditional dietary advice (TDA).
On average, those on the Mediterranean diet reported a significant improvement in their IBS symptoms compared to the TDA group.
Dr Imran Aziz, from the University of Sheffield, added: "The Mediterranean diet was found to be not just as good as traditional dietary advice, but actually significantly better at reducing symptoms. Using a Mediterranean diet as an initial treatment also potentially simplifies care for both patients and healthcare providers. These findings will inform future guidelines for the management of IBS."
To view the paper in full, please visit: The Mediterranean Diet for Irritable Bowel Syndrome
