What dietary approach has been shown to be beneficial for stable IBS patients?

The FODMAP diet is specifically designed to help manage symptoms in individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). FODMAP stands for fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols, which are a group of short-chain carbohydrates that can be poorly absorbed in the small intestine.

Research has shown that a low-FODMAP diet can significantly reduce gastrointestinal symptoms in stable IBS patients. The approach typically involves an elimination phase, where high-FODMAP foods are removed from the diet, followed by a gradual reintroduction phase. This process helps patients identify specific triggers for their symptoms, allowing them to tailor their diet more effectively.

The other dietary approaches mentioned—ketogenic, paleo, and vegetarian diets—do not have the same level of evidence supporting their effectiveness specifically for IBS management. While some individuals may find relief using these diets, they are not as widely studied or recommended for IBS as the low-FODMAP diet. Therefore, the FODMAP diet is considered the most beneficial for stable IBS patients, as it directly addresses the carbohydrate malabsorption issue that characterizes the condition.