Can diet help with inflammatory bowel disease?

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 and environmental factors play a role in this chronic disease. Dr. Amanda Johnson, a Mayo Clinic gastroenterologist, helps us better understand IBD and whether diet can help.

IBD is a broad term for chronic inflammation of your digestive tract. Two types 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,” says Dr. Johnson.

She says 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,” says Dr. Johnson.

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 there are effective treatment options, so it is important to work with your health care provider.

“The tenant 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 says.

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