Can a change in diet help with inflammatory bowel disease?

Diet alone does not cause IBD, neither does it cure the condition, although certain foods may help control the symptoms. — TNS

More than 6.8 million people worldwide are estimated to be living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

IBD is believed to be the result of a malfunctioning immune system, which results in an inappropriate immune response that attacks the lining of the intestines.

There is no cure and no exact cause, though researchers continue to look at how genes, the microbiome (the bacterial ecosystem in our gut) and environmental factors play a role in this chronic disease.

According to Mayo Clinic gastroenterologist Dr Amanda Johnson, IBD is a broad term for chronic inflammation of our digestive tract.

Two types of IBD are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

“Ulcerative colitis really tends to only involve the colon and be more of a superficial type inflammation; whereas Crohn’s disease can impact anything in the intestine essentially, from the mouth all the way down to the anus,” she says.

She adds that diet alone does not cause IBD.

While some foods may reduce symptoms, there is no one proven diet to control inflammation.

“The right diet is probably different for each individual, based on the type of IBD that they have, the location of their disease, whether they’ve had surgeries or other complications,” she explains.

Focus on fresh fruits and vegetables, and whole grains.

Avoid ultraprocessed foods, added sugars and animal fats.

And drink plenty of fluid to stay hydrated.

Diet does not replace medical treatment.

Dr Johnson says that there are effective treatment options, so it is important to work with your healthcare provider to find the best option for yourself.

“The tenet of therapy we have are immune-suppressing-type therapies that try to target that inappropriate response to the intestines and then calm down that inflammation within the gut,” she shares. – Mayo Clinic News Network/Tribune News Service