Intermittent fasting and irritable bowel syndrome: benefits, risks, and methods

Currently, there is insufficient research to understand the effects of intermittent fasting on IBS.

a 2020 survey Iranian researchers investigated the impact of snacking and meal frequency on IBS symptoms. No significant association was found between meal or snack frequency and IBS symptoms.

However, women who ate three staple meals a day had a 32% lower risk of IBS symptoms compared to women who ate one staple meal a day. Overweight or obese people who ate three main meals each day also had a reduced risk of IBS.

According to the study, previous research has also suggested a link between IBS and eating habits, such as rapid consumption of food and regular or irregular eating.

Click here for more information about one meal a day.

according to 2018 review, an imbalance in the gut microbiome may play a role in the pathogenesis of IBS. Research suggests that treatments that address this imbalance may benefit IBS patients.

a 2021 survey When we investigated the effects of fasting in the context of Ramadan, we found that intermittent fasting may help rebuild the gut microbiome and upregulate bacteria. Lachnospiraceaeleading to health benefits.

The authors found that previous research showed higher levels of Lachnospiraceae It can improve inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), improve mental health, and lower cancer rates.

The migratory motor complex (MMC) occurs during fasting.that included Waves of electrical activity within the gastrointestinal tract occur periodically. MMC helps food move through the digestive system to the colon and plays an important role in digestion and intestinal motility.

A weakened MMC process can lead to small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), where excess bacteria in the small intestine can cause fermentation and lead to IBS symptoms. Many people with IBS may also have SIBO.

Read about the connection between stomach problems and digestive disorders.

according to 2020 surveypeople with IBS are likely to skip meals more often than people without IBS.

Researchers suggest that skipping meals may have a negative effect on irritable bowel syndrome by increasing gastrointestinal motility and decreasing the gastrocolic reflex, which aids in digestion. Problems with this reflex may be related to severe constipation.

They also say that increasing meal frequency may help improve gastrocolic reflexes and reduce IBS symptoms, although researchers need further research to confirm this association. you need to do.

Intermittent fasting means you eat less food, but you may eat more food.of International Foundation for Digestive Diseases (IFFGD) recommends that people with IBS eat smaller meals more frequently throughout the day rather than several large meals. This is because large meals can overstimulate the intestines and cause IBS symptoms.

IFFGD also advises IBS patients not to skip breakfast, especially if they are constipated. Breakfast is the meal most likely to support the movement of food through the colon and stimulate bowel movements.

Intermittent fasting can leave you feeling hungry, which can cause discomfort. people with IBS may become more sensitive Pain or sensations in the gastrointestinal tract.

Intermittent fasting may not be suitable for certain groups of people. include People like:

• are pregnant or breastfeeding
• be under 25 years old
• are taking insulin or other drugs for diabetes
• It is necessary to take the medicine with food
• have a seizure disorder
• Work that uses heavy machinery or night shifts

There are several methods of intermittent fasting. Those who want to try it can choose the option that best suits their lifestyle, energy requirements, and IBS symptoms.

5:2 Fasting

This includes what people eat. very low calorie Diet two days a week and eat normal food the other days.

Learn more about the 5:2 method here.

16:8 method

People using this method fast for 16 hours a day and are allowed eight hours to eat. Or they are may choose Fast for 18 hours and allow 6 hours for meals.

Learn more about the 16:8 format here.

Eat, eat, eat

The “eat and eat and not eat” method of intermittent fasting requires you to fast for 24 hours. 1-2 times one week. You can eat as you like on other days of the week. The terms for this type of fasting are periodic long-term fasting or intermittent calorie restriction.

Click here to learn more about 24-hour fasting.

There is little scientific evidence regarding the effects of intermittent fasting on IBS, so it is unclear when or if you will see improvement in your symptoms using this method.

the study very different When it comes to the duration of intermittent fasting and its effects, it ranges from 4-8 weeks to 12 months.

The effect of intermittent fasting on IBS is unknown. Some studies suggest that intermittent fasting may support the gut microbiome and intestinal motility. Other research suggests that eating smaller meals more frequently may be more beneficial in managing IBS symptoms.

If you want to try intermittent fasting for IBS, you can talk to your health care professional about whether it’s right for you.