- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an umbrella-term that covers several conditions affecting the intestines, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
- It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks cells in the bowel, causing inflammation and symptoms such as pain, changes in bowel movements and weight loss
- People with IBD can often relieve their symptoms by modifying their diet, excluding certain foods and including others
- Now, a study has found that a plant-based diet made up of mainly nutrient-dense plant foods may help reduce the risk of developing IBD and reduce the need for surgery in those who have the condition
Modifying diet can help control symptoms for some people. Dietary changes that may help include:
- keeping a food diary to track whether certain foods lead to symptoms
- limiting intake of dairy products
- restricting intake of unhealthy fats and increasing omega-3 fats
- avoiding or limiting spicy foods, caffeine, and alcohol
- limiting high fiber foods, particularly if the bowel has narrowed
- frequent small meals instead of fewer large ones
- drinking plenty of water
- taking vitamin and mineral supplements to prevent deficiencies
Now, a study has found that eating a healthy plant-based diet may both reduce the risk of developing IBD, and reduce the need for surgery in those already diagnosed with the condition
Source: www.medicalnewstoday.com
