Application of the Mediterranean Diet in the Management of Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Crohn's Disease: Clinical Efficacy and Potential Mechanisms
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54097/0jrq1643Keywords:
Mediterranean diet; irritable bowel syndrome; Crohn's Disease; gut microbiota; inflammatory regulation.Abstract
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Crohn's Disease (CD) are highly prevalent chronic gastrointestinal disorders worldwide. Conventional pharmacological treatments are limited by insufficient efficacy and high recurrence rates, making dietary intervention a core approach for nonpharmacological management. The Mediterranean diet, centered on high plant based foods, olive oil, and fermented foods, exhibits anti inflammatory properties and the ability to regulate the gut microbiota. This paper systematically reviews the clinical evidence for the Mediterranean diet in the management of IBS and CD, elucidates its potential mechanisms through modulating the gut microecology, repairing the mucosal barrier, and inhibiting inflammatory pathways. It also analyzes the limitations of this dietary pattern in clinical application, and proposes directions for localized optimization and individualized adjustment, aiming to provide theoretical support for the dietary management of chronic gastrointestinal diseases.
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