Will a gluten free diet help with Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

BY JULIE SEAMER

Certain studies have shown that IBS patients, with suspected coeliac disease enjoyed significant improvements in symptoms after a six-month period on a gluten free diet. Intestinal IgA levels (which indicate auto-immune activity synonymous with coeliac disease) and stool frequency decreased significantly in those patients who tested positively for intestinal antibodies, compared to those testing negative.

As oat and rye both contain gliadin (a food protein found in gluten which acts as an intestinal irritant), avoidance of these foods as well as wheat normally benefit IBS patients. To confirm individual conditions and requirements, testing for such proteins would be a helpful step.