People living with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may find relief by adopting a Mediterranean-style diet, according to new research from the University of Sheffield.
The study, published in Annals of Internal Medicine, found that the Mediterranean diet was more effective at reducing IBS symptoms than traditional dietary advice commonly given in the United Kingdom.
IBS is a common digestive disorder that causes symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, and changes in bowel habits.
While it’s not life-threatening, it can greatly affect a person’s quality of life. Many people try to manage their symptoms by changing what they eat, but finding a diet that truly helps can be difficult.
To better understand how diet can influence IBS symptoms, researchers recruited 110 adults aged 18 to 65 from across the UK who had been diagnosed with IBS.
Participants were randomly assigned to follow one of two diets for six weeks: a Mediterranean diet or a traditional diet based on current British Dietetic Association guidelines.
People with eating disorders, inflammatory bowel disease, or celiac disease were excluded to ensure the results focused specifically on IBS.
The Mediterranean diet emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, olive oil, and lean proteins such as fish and legumes, while limiting red meat and processed foods.
It is well known for supporting heart and gut health, but this study is one of the first to test its impact on IBS directly.
After six weeks, 62% of participants following the Mediterranean diet experienced a significant improvement in their symptoms—defined as at least a 50-point reduction on the IBS Symptom Severity Scale—compared to 42% of those following traditional diet advice.
The Mediterranean diet group also reported fewer episodes of abdominal pain and greater overall improvements in quality of life.
Researchers believe that the Mediterranean diet’s high fiber content, healthy fats, and anti-inflammatory properties may help regulate digestion and reduce gut irritation.
These findings suggest that the Mediterranean diet could be considered a simple and effective first-line option for managing IBS symptoms. For many people, it may offer not just a healthier way to eat—but also a more comfortable, balanced daily life.
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Source: KSR.
