Cutting Out Sugar and Starch as Effective for IBS as Low FODMAP Diet, Study Finds

For individuals struggling with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), managing symptoms can often feel like navigating a complex dietary maze. However, a recent study published in Nutrients, offers a simpler, and potentially equally effective, alternative to the widely recommended Low FODMAP diet. The research suggests that cutting down on sugar and starch, through what is known as the Starch and Sucrose-Reduced Diet (SSRD), can significantly alleviate IBS symptoms—while also providing additional benefits such as weight loss and reduced sugar cravings.

According to the study, IBS is a common gastrointestinal disorder characterized by symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits, including diarrhea and constipation. The Low FODMAP diet, which involves eliminating certain fermentable carbohydrates that can trigger IBS symptoms, has long been the gold standard in dietary management for this condition. However, it is often perceived as complex and restrictive, requiring strict adherence to lists of foods to avoid, including gluten and lactose.

Led by Professor Bodil Ohlsson, MD, of Lund University and Skåne University Hospital, the study compared the effectiveness of SSRD to the Low FODMAP diet in a group of 155 IBS patients. Participants were randomly assigned to follow one of the two diets for four weeks. The results showed that both diets resulted in symptom improvement for 75 to 80 percent of participants. Moreover, those following the SSRD experienced greater weight loss and a marked reduction in sugar cravings compared to the Low FODMAP group.

The study explained that SSRD focuses on significantly reducing the intake of sugars and starches, including processed foods and sweet treats, which are often difficult to digest for individuals with IBS due to a genetic variation that impairs the breakdown of these carbohydrates. The authors argued that the simplicity of SSRD makes it more accessible and easier to maintain than the Low FODMAP diet. Unlike the stringent restrictions of Low FODMAP, SSRD allows for a more flexible approach, making it easier for individuals to enjoy a broader range of foods, even in social settings.

While the Low FODMAP diet remains a valid and effective treatment option, the authors said that SSRD provides a compelling alternative that simplifies dietary management without compromising effectiveness. The research suggests that for patients overwhelmed by the complexity of FODMAP restrictions, SSRD could be a more sustainable and equally beneficial approach to managing their IBS symptoms.