Healthy Diets May Reduce Inflammatory Bowel Disease Risk and Severity

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) encompasses a range of chronic conditions affecting the digestive tract, leading to various symptoms such as pain, diarrhea, fatigue, and weight loss. In 2019, approximately 5 million people worldwide, mostly women diagnosed before age 30, were living with IBD. The main types of IBD include ulcerative colitis, which affects the colon, and Crohn’s disease, which can impact any part of the digestive tract but primarily targets the small and large intestines. Symptoms often fluctuate between periods of flare-ups and remission. Although IBD has no cure, treatments like anti-inflammatories and immune suppressants can alleviate symptoms, and surgery may be required for severe cases.

A recent study published in The Lancet Regional Health Europe explored whether a healthy plant-based diet could help reduce the risk of developing IBD and decrease the need for surgery in diagnosed individuals. Analyzing data from over half a million participants in the UK Biobank and the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition, researchers found a correlation between healthy plant-based diets and reduced IBD risk. Conversely, diets high in processed plant foods were linked to increased IBD risk.

Healthful vs. Unhealthful Plant-Based Diets

While plant-based diets can be beneficial, not all are alike. The researchers identified three diet categories:

1. Overall plant-based: included all plant foods, both healthy and unhealthy.

2. Healthy plant-based: emphasized nutrient-dense foods like whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, and certain beverages.

3. Unhealthy plant-based: focused on less nutritious foods, such as refined grains and sugary drinks.

The study also evaluated a healthy omnivorous diet, which includes dairy, eggs, fish, and seafood, finding it reduced IBD risk similarly to the healthy plant-based diet.

Expert Opinions on Diet and IBD

Kelsey Costa, MS, RDN, remarked that while the study benefits from its large sample size, it predominantly involves European participants, which limits its generalizability. She emphasized the need for further research on disease activity and quality of life in relation to diet.

Dr. Ashkan Farhadi noted the challenges in dietary research, especially with longitudinal studies, due to variability in participants' eating habits. He recognized the study's strength in utilizing extensive data.

Why Might These Diets Help?

The study suggests that the positive effects of a healthy plant-based diet on IBD might result from reduced inflammation. Furthermore, benefits appear more significant for individuals with higher genetic risk of IBD. Dr. Farhadi proposed that dietary impacts on the gut microbiome might mediate these benefits. Unrefined plant foods could promote beneficial microbes, potentially reducing inflammation and illness.

Overall, these findings highlight the potential of healthy dietary patterns in managing IBD, emphasizing the importance of nutrient-rich food choices in reducing disease risk and severity.