Chronic inflammatory bowel disease is characterized by recurring inflammation in the intestine. Typical symptoms are abdominal pain, flatulence and diarrhea. Constipation and bloody stools are also common.
This results in digestive disorders and often nutrient deficiencies. People with chronic inflammatory bowel disease also have an increased risk of colon cancer.
The causes of chronic inflammatory bowel disease are not well understood. The intestinal barrier is disrupted, allowing bacteria from the intestine to penetrate through the intestinal mucosa. This leads to inflammatory reactions.
Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are among the most common chronic inflammatory bowel diseases.
In ulcerative colitis, the inflammation affects the rectum. In Crohn's disease, the part between the small intestine and the large intestine is usually affected. Sometimes the rest of the gastrointestinal tract is also inflamed.
In chronic inflammatory bowel diseases, anti-inflammatory drugs are used to reduce inflammation.
In the acute phases, which are called attacks, cortisone is used to suppress the immune system.
Micronutrients can support treatment and help keep inflammation under control. In addition, people with chronic inflammatory bowel disease have an increased need for nutrients. This is because the inflammation means that nutrients are not absorbed as well in the intestine, which can easily lead to deficiencies. Those affected should therefore ensure that they have an adequate supply of essential nutrients.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D inhibits inflammatory messengers and thus counteracts inflammation.
Unfortunately, vitamin D deficiency is very common and people with chronic inflammatory bowel disease are particularly affected. [1] You should therefore pay particular attention to ensuring you have a good vitamin D supply.
Probiotics
In chronic inflammatory bowel disease, the intestinal flora is often disturbed. Researchers suspect that dysbiosis in the intestine can cause or at least promote inflammatory bowel disease.
Beneficial bacteria can displace pathogenic, inflammatory bacteria. They can also strengthen the intestinal barrier and regulate the immune system.
Taking probiotics can therefore support the treatment of chronic inflammatory bowel diseases. [2]
Curcumin
Curcumin is extracted from turmeric and is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Initial studies suggest that curcumin could also reduce inflammation in Crohn’s disease. [3]
B vitamins
B vitamins have important functions in energy metabolism and are needed for cell division. They can therefore support repair processes in the intestine.
In addition, B vitamins are needed to break down the metabolic product homocysteine. People with Crohn's disease often have elevated homocysteine levels . [4]
Antioxidants
The body has many defense mechanisms against inflammation and oxidative stress. However, it needs antioxidant nutrients to do this. These primarily include vitamin A, vitamin C , vitamin E, zinc and selenium . People with chronic inflammatory bowel disease are often not well supplied with these nutrients. [5] [6]
Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids have an anti-inflammatory effect. A good supply of omega-3 fatty acids is therefore particularly important for inflammatory diseases. Studies indicate that omega-3 fatty acids can also be helpful in inflammatory bowel diseases. [7]
Glutamine
The cells of the small intestinal mucosa require a lot of glutamine. A lack of glutamine makes the intestinal mucosa permeable to pathogens, which can increase inflammation.
Taking glutamine can therefore strengthen the intestinal barrier. In a study with Crohn's disease patients, glutamine was able to reduce intestinal permeability. [8] Collagen is a good source of glutamine.
Conclusion: Nutrients can counteract inflammation in the intestine
There are many nutrients that have an anti-inflammatory effect. People with chronic inflammatory bowel disease should pay particular attention to ensuring they have a good supply of these nutrients.
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4427008/
[2] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28294322/
[3] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23076948/
[4] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23591663/
[5] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12591053/
[6] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27916926/
