I have inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). What should I eat?

One of the most frequent questions that patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) ask is: what should I eat? It is clear that in addition to genetic factors, certain environmental factors, including diet, may trigger the excessive immune activity that leads to intestinal inflammation in IBD, which includes both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis (UC). However, the limited number and high variability of studies have made it difficult to confidently advise patients regarding which specific foods might be harmful and which are safe or may actually provide a protective benefit. New IBD dietary guidelines To help patients and providers navigate these nutritional questions, the International Organization of IBD (IOIBD) recently reviewed the best current evidence to develop expert recommendations regarding dietary measures that might help to control and prevent relapse of IBD. In particular, the group focused on the dietary components and additives that they felt were the most important to consider because they comprise a large proportion of the diets that IBD patients may follow. The IOIBD guidelines include the following recommendations: Food If you have Crohn’s disease If you have ulcerative colitis Fruits increase intake insufficient evidence Vegetables increase intake insufficient evidence Red/processed meat insufficient evidence decrease intake Unpasteurized dairy products best to avoid best to avoid Dietary fat decrease intake of saturated fats and ...
Source: Harvard Health Blog - Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Tags: Digestive Disorders Health Healthy Eating Nutrition Source Type: blogs