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Food as Medicine: How to Influence the Microbiome and Improve Symptoms in Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome

  • Nutrition and Obesity (S McClave and E Omer, Section Editors)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

This review highlights effects of dietary interventions on the gut microbiome and gastrointestinal symptoms in those with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Recent Findings

It is hypothesized that gut dysbiosis factors into the pathophysiology of IBS. Various diets that influence the microbiome and intestinal physiology may have therapeutic properties. At present, data suggests that implementation of personalized dietary interventions have a mixed, but overall positive effect on the gut microbiome and IBS symptoms.

Summary

The effect of dietary modification on the gut microbiome and GI symptoms in patients with IBS is a topic that has garnered interest due to the increasing prevalence of IBS and heightened awareness of the importance of gut health. The composition of the gut microbiome may be modulated by promoting fiber intake and implementation of exclusionary diets and dietary supplements; however, additional studies are needed to provide evidence-based guidelines in this patient population.

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Data Availability

The data used in the writing of this manuscript are openly available in their respective studies. Please refer to the reference numbers for any inquiries. The authors independently reviewed for correct reflection of the data of each of the referenced articles in this article.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA

    Shyam Vedantam, Erica Graff & Nabiha Shabbir Khakoo

  2. Division of Digestive Diseases, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA

    Nidah Shabbir Khakoo

  3. Division of Digestive Health and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA

    Michelle Pearlman

  4. Division of Digestive Health and Liver Diseases, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1120 NW 14th Street, Miami, FL, 33136, USA

    Michelle Pearlman

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Vedantam, S., Graff, E., Khakoo, N.S. et al. Food as Medicine: How to Influence the Microbiome and Improve Symptoms in Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Curr Gastroenterol Rep 25, 52–60 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11894-023-00861-0

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