Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Diet

Abstract

SUMMARY
The role of diet in patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome
still remains empirical, as the underlying pathophysiologic
disturbances of this disorder are not fully elucidated and
randomised controlled trials are difficult to perform. The
mainstey for dietary manipulation still remains the exclusion
diets. The new, in this field is that the forbidden
foods are fewer than in the past and the dietary advice given
to the patients has a more scientific basis, although not
evidence-based but based on the best evidence we have.
Fat, milk, fiber, carbohydrates and certain other substances
such as coffee, alcohol, hot spices may play a greater or
lesser role, in aggravating symptoms. The insistance of
doctors in their personal communication with patients as
well as new, well designed, trials will help towards a more
rational approach to this problem.
Key words: Irritable bavel syndrome, food intolerance constipation
predominant IBS