Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Read more
A new trial suggests that adopting a Mediterranean diet could significantly alleviate the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Researchers describe the eating plan – rich in fruit, vegetables, pulses, whole grains, nuts, fish, and olive oil – as a “simple, enjoyable and highly effective first step” in managing the common condition.
IBS is an often lifelong digestive disorder characterised by stomach cramps, bloating, and diarrhoea. It is typically managed through lifestyle adjustments and medication.
Dr Imran Aziz, a senior clinical lecturer in gastroenterology at the University of Sheffield, said: “For millions of people worldwide, IBS symptoms can severely impact daily life.”
Current initial treatments often involve dietary modifications, and patients are advised to avoid skipping meals, increase their fruit and vegetable intake, and limit fatty, spicy, processed foods, caffeine, fizzy drinks, and alcohol.
Researchers at the University of Sheffield and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust compared the effectiveness of this traditional advice to the Mediterranean diet.
The Mediterranean diet is high in fruits, vegetables, nuts, fish and olive oil
The trial included 139 people living with IBS, with 68 following the Mediterranean diet for six weeks and 71 following traditional dietary advice.
Each group took part in 30-minute online education sessions about their diets and were emailed supporting information.
The study, published in Annals of Internal Medicine, found that 62 per cent of those following the Mediterranean diet reported a significant improvement in their symptoms.
That was compared with 42 per cent in the other group.
“Our study provides strong evidence that the Mediterranean diet can be a simple, enjoyable and highly effective first step in managing this common condition,” Dr Aziz said.
“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.”
Dining and Cooking