Impact of nutritional intervention on irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in overweight or obese adult women: a systematic review (Atena Editora)

Abstract

GOAL: Relate nutritional intervention in the treatment and reduction of gastrointestinal symptoms in IBS in overweight and/or obese adult women. METHOD: This is a systematic review study, developed with scientific production indexed in the following electronic databases: LILACS, MEDLINE, SCIELO, PUBMED, GOOGLE ACADEMIC and scientific journals. The time frame covered the period between 2014 and 2021 in Portuguese, English. RESULT: We identified 14 studies that met the inclusion criteria for this systematic review. The analyzed studies involved 825 women aged between 18 and 65 years.

DISCUSSION: The results obtained in the treatment of IBS through prebiotics and probiotics were beneficial, with improvement in mood disorders, anxiety and depression, in addition to promoting weight loss. Clinical trials show that decreasing FODMAP-rich foods provides symptom relief in about 70% of IBS patients. Studies report that the pathophysiology of the disease depends on unhealthy eating habits and that high consumption of sugar in the diet contributes to mild inflammation and increased intestinal permeability. Excessive intake of indigestible carbohydrates can lead to accumulation in the gastrointestinal tract and increase gas production, with worsening symptoms. Long-term nutritional intervention is essential for better adherence, success and therapeutic consolidation. CONCLUSION: Dietary intervention guided by a professional nutritionist is a common recommendation in all studies. Recommendations such as: reduction of foods rich in sugars and carbohydrates, industrialized and fatty foods and increased consumption of fiber and proteins, in addition to the fractionation of meals from 4 to 6 meals a day, are guidelines that must be part of a diet therapy plan individualized.