Many people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) believe gluten is the cause of their symptoms, but a new study shows that may not be true. Researchers at McMaster University found that people with IBS reacted the same way to cereal bars whether they contained gluten, wheat, or neither. This suggests that the belief that gluten causes symptoms may play a big role.
The study included patients with diagnosed IBS who said they felt better on a gluten-free diet. When given the test bars without knowing what was in them, symptoms happened just as often — even with the gluten-free placebo. Researchers say this may be due to the nocebo effect, where expecting something to cause harm can lead to real symptoms.
Experts say this doesn’t mean gluten is never a problem, but that many people with IBS may need more than just dietary advice. Psychological support and better education about food could help some patients feel better and avoid unnecessary food restrictions.
SOURCE: