A plant-based diet could lead to a complete disappearance of Crohn’s disease symptoms, according to a US case study.
In recent years, we regularly hear about Crohn’s disease, the cases of which are more and more numerous in European countries. Very disabling for those affected, this autoimmune disease causing chronic inflammation of the intestine (IBD) takes a long time to diagnose due to the lack of specific symptoms.
Moreover, if the researchers rely on a genetic predisposition, they still do not know its exact origin. This is why, at present, only 10% of patients followed for Crohn’s recover completely. A case study published on June 12 in the journal Nutrients however, offers new hope for the sick. According to the researchers, a plant-based diet could lead to a total disappearance of the symptoms of the disease.
Stopping medication
American scientists followed a man in his twenties who, after years of intense fatigue, abdominal attacks, nausea and ulcers, was finally diagnosed with Crohn’s disease. He was then treated intravenously for more than a year without anything changing. It was finally when the patient stopped eating animal products and processed foods for forty days that the symptoms ceased. The patient therefore chose to continue this diet based on fruits, vegetables and seeds and eventually recovered from the disease. Indeed, no Crohn’s symptoms ever reappeared and the man was able to stop taking his medication, the study notes.
“This case study offers hope for the hundreds of thousands of people who suffer from the painful symptoms associated with Crohn’s disease,” said Dr. Hana Kahleova, lead author of the study.
Among the most common symptoms: sometimes profuse and watery diarrhea, possibly with loss of blood and mucus or pus in the stool. This diarrhea is most often accompanied by terrible abdominal pain. When the anus is affected, fissures, abscesses and fistulas can occur. The patient may also complain of fever, weight loss and great fatigue. Currently, there are 120,000 people with Crohn’s disease in France. This affects both sexes and is often discovered between the ages of 15 and 30.
Fiber feeds healthy gut bacteria
This is not the first study to highlight the interest of diets rich in plants to relieve Crohn’s disease. This is because plant-based diets are high in fiber, which supports overall gut health. Fiber also feeds healthy gut bacteria, which may protect against Crohn’s disease and other digestive issues, the researchers note.
“This case study supports the idea that diet is a treatment in itself. all side effects are positive, including a reduced risk of developing heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer.
In January, a study published in The Lancet had notably proven that consuming 25 to 29 grams of dietary fiber per day reduced all-cause mortality by 15-30%. In detail, the consumption of fiber-rich foods reduces the incidence of coronary heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and colorectal cancer by 16 to 24%. It also allows a reduction in cholesterol levels and body weight, therefore cancers linked to obesity: breast, endometrial, esophageal and prostate cancer, noted the study.
Moreover, if consuming 25 to 29 grams of fiber per day is beneficial for the body, an even higher intake could offer greater protection, advanced the researchers. Thus, for each increase of 15 grams of whole grains (very rich in fiber, Editor’s note) consumed per day, the study noted that the total number of deaths and the incidence of coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes and colorectal cancer had decreased up to 19%.
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