WHILE a Mediterranean-style diet plan has long been touted as the secret to a long and healthy life, new research published in Annals of Internal Medicine shows that it may also help ease symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
After assessing the diets of over 100 adults, British scientists found that those who followed the Mediterranean diet - which is rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts and olive oil - saw a 'significant' improvement compared to those who did not.
IBS is one of the most common digestive conditions, and is thought to affect around four in 100 people globally.
"For millions of people worldwide, IBS symptoms can severely impact daily life," said the study's co-author, Dr Imran Aziz, a senior clinical lecturer in gastroenterology at the University of Sheffield.
"Our study provides strong evidence that the Mediterranean diet can be a simple, enjoyable, and highly effective first step in managing this common condition."
The researchers concluded that the Mediterranean diet should now be considered a "first-line IBS therapy" and said the findings will inform future guidelines for the management of the gut condition.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 31 Oct 25
To see the full newsletter, see the embedded issue below or CLICK HERE to download Pharmacy Daily from 31 Oct 25
