Dietary recommendations for intestinal complaints

Diet plays a crucial role in the treatment of bowel complaints, especially in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). A targeted change in diet can not only alleviate symptoms, but also promote long-term gut health and improve quality of life. In this article, we will introduce you to the most important dietary recommendations for patients with irritable bowel syndrome and explain how an adapted diet can significantly reduce symptoms.

1. Low FODMAP diet: a proven approach

The low-FODMAP diet has proven to be particularly effective in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome. According to the S3 guideline, this diet is recommended for irritable bowel syndrome patients. FODMAPs (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols) are carbohydrates that are poorly absorbed in the small intestine. They reach the large intestine unprocessed, where they are fermented by the bacteria living there, which can lead to gas formation and the typical symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome such as bloating and abdominal pain. FODMAPs include substances such as fructans, lactose, fructose and sorbitol. Patients who are particularly sensitive to these substances can benefit from a reduction in foods containing FODMAPs. Studies show that a low-FODMAP diet leads to significant relief of symptoms for many sufferers.

2. Gluten and other potentially irritating proteins

Many people with irritable bowel syndrome report an improvement in symptoms by avoiding gluten, even if a coeliac disease or wheat allergy has been ruled out. Gluten is a collective term for proteins found in wheat, rye and barley in particular. In some cases, gluten can impair digestion and trigger inflammatory processes in the intestine. Gliadins in particular, which are components of gluten, can cause irritation in sensitive people. Studies show that a gluten-free diet can lead to a significant improvement in some irritable bowel syndrome patients.

In addition, milk proteins such as casein or vegetable lectins from legumes and certain vegetables can also trigger digestive problems. In these cases, it may be useful to temporarily avoid these foods to find out whether they are associated with the symptoms.

3. High-fibre diet: prefer soluble fibres

A high-fiber diet is generally recommended to aid digestion. Soluble fiber from foods such as oats, apples or carrots in particular have positive effects on intestinal health. They can regulate stool consistency by binding water and softening the stool. This is particularly important for irritable bowel syndrome patients who suffer from alternating symptoms of constipation and diarrhea.

In addition, soluble fiber has a prebiotic effect, which means that it promotes the growth of healthy intestinal bacteria such as bifidobacteria. Studies show that these fibers are converted by intestinal bacteria into short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which have an anti-inflammatory effect and strengthen the health of the intestinal wall. In particular, sources such as aloe vera, acacia fiber and Jerusalem artichoke are known for their positive effects on the microbiome.

4. Fermented foods: a plus for the microbiome

Fermented foods offer numerous benefits for gut health, especially for irritable bowel syndrome. They help to promote the diversity of the microbiome and improve the digestibility of food. During fermentation, valuable substances such as short-chain fatty acids (e.g. lactate, acetate) and spermidine are produced, which have an anti-inflammatory effect and strengthen the intestinal barrier. Fermented foods such as yogurt, sauerkraut, kimchi or kombucha contain live bacterial cultures that support the microbiome. There is also evidence that postbiotics, i.e. fermented foods without live microbes, can also have a positive effect on the immune system and inflammatory processes in the gut.

5. Phytonutrients to support a change in diet

In addition to changing your diet, the use of phytonutrients can also be helpful. These natural substances, which are found in plants, have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and can support the healing of the gut. They work synergistically with an adapted diet and help to stabilize the intestinal flora and promote the regeneration of the intestinal mucosa.

Conclusion: Changing your diet for irritable bowel syndrome - an individual process

Diet plays a central role in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome and other intestinal complaints. A targeted change in diet can help to alleviate symptoms and improve general well-being. The low FODMAP diet, avoiding gluten-containing and hard-to-digest foods and focusing on soluble fiber and fermented products are particularly promising approaches.

However, it is important that a change in diet is individually adapted and accompanied, as not all patients react in the same way to certain foods. A gradual introduction of changes can help to avoid unpleasant side effects. Supplementary treatment with phytonutrients can also support intestinal health in the long term.

Tip: Working closely with one of our nutritionists or a gastroenterologist can significantly improve the success of the dietary changes and help you to alleviate your symptoms in the long term.