Plant-based diets reduce inflammatory bowel disease risk

A recent study suggests that eating plant-based diets may lower the risk of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). IBD includes conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, which cause ongoing inflammation in the intestines. With no cure for these diseases, they can greatly impact quality of life. Research shows that diets rich in animal products might increase the risk of developing IBD. Plant-based foods could support healthy bacteria in the gut, helping to maintain intestinal health. The study evaluated data from two major European health studies, involving nearly 530,000 participants initially free of IBD. Participants’ diets were assessed and categorized, with some being labeled as healthy and others as unhealthy based on their plant-based content. Healthy diets included nutritious plant foods, while unhealthy diets were high in refined grains and sugary items. Animal products were scored negatively in all dietary categories. Over the study period, which averaged 12 years, several new IBD cases were identified. Those with the healthiest plant-based diets had a 25% to 29% lower risk of IBD. In contrast, the least healthy diets raised the risk by 48% to 54%. Additionally, consuming more potatoes and sweets was linked to a higher risk of IBD, while fruits and whole grains were associated with a lower risk. Among IBD patients, those with unhealthy diets faced a much higher risk of needing surgery compared to those with healthy diets. However, there were no strong links found between dietary patterns and long-term complications like diabetes or heart disease. The study also highlighted that a healthy omnivorous diet, which includes some animal products, was linked to a 29% lower risk of IBD. This underscores the importance of healthy eating habits for those at risk or living with IBD. Overall, the findings suggest that nutrient-rich plant-based foods could help lower IBD risk and improve outcomes for patients. However, not all plant-based diets are beneficial; those high in unhealthy ingredients can increase risk. Future research is needed to better understand how different plant foods affect gut health.