25 March 2025

The Impact of Diet on Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a term that encompasses several chronic conditions affecting the intestines, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks cells in the digestive tract, leading to inflammation and symptoms such as abdominal pain, altered bowel habits, and weight loss.

Many individuals with IBD find relief by adjusting their diet, avoiding certain foods while incorporating others. Recent research suggests that a nutrient-rich, plant-based diet may lower the risk of developing IBD and reduce the likelihood of requiring surgery for those already diagnosed.

Globally, approximately 5 million people were living with IBD in 2019, with the condition being more prevalent among women and often diagnosed before the age of 30. The two primary forms of IBD are ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Ulcerative colitis is characterized by inflammation in the large intestine, particularly the colon, while Crohn’s disease can cause inflammation anywhere in the digestive tract, though it most commonly affects the end of the small intestine and the large intestine.

Symptoms of both conditions can include abdominal pain, diarrhea, fatigue, nausea, weight loss, loss of appetite, intestinal bleeding, and anemia. These symptoms typically occur in cycles, with periods of flare-ups followed by remission.

Although IBD currently has no cure, various treatments such as anti-inflammatory medications, including aminosalicylates and corticosteroids, as well as immune suppressants, can help manage symptoms. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove significantly damaged portions of the intestine.