Categories
Change Password!
Reset Password!
Structured support aids irritable bowel syndrome patients on restrictive diets, but personalized options are key for long-term success.
As per the findings of a study issued in the “Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics”, patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) undergoing restrictive diets benefit from structured dietary intervention. However, to promote long-term dietary changes, it is imperative to consider each patient's life situation and personal preferences, encouraging individualized dietary options.
Diet is crucial in managing gastrointestinal symptoms in IBS, but patient experiences with restrictive diets are not well-studied. This study aimed to fill this gap. Semi-structured interviews with 19 IBS patients from a randomized controlled trial were analyzed via inductive content analysis. The trial examined two restrictive diets over four weeks: one low in total carbohydrates and the other combining a low-FODMAP diet (containing reduced amounts of fermentable oligo-, di- and monosaccharides and polyols) with common IBS dietary strategies.
The qualitative analysis revealed three main themes describing patients' experiences with the dietary intervention: support, challenge, and reflection. Patients found the dietary support efficient in helping them commence and adhere to the required dietary changes. However, they also encountered multidimensional challenges, particularly when the restrictive diet interfered with pivotal aspects of their daily lives, such as social interactions and routines. Despite these difficulties, the dietary change process led patients to reflect on their eating behaviors.
This reflection enabled them to make individual dietary adjustments that were not only based on the relief of gastrointestinal symptoms but also influenced by personal preferences and lifestyle considerations. Ultimately, patients maintained adjustments that suited both their symptom management and personal choices. It was concluded that structured dietary support aids IBS patients in adhering to restrictive diets, but personalized dietary adjustments are key for long-term effectiveness.
Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics
Patients' experiences of dietary changes during a structured dietary intervention for irritable bowel syndrome
Cecilia Weznaver et al.
Comments (0)