Diet and Quality of Life in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

Diet plays a fundamental role in controlling inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Knowing what to eat and what to avoid can help reduce symptoms, prevent flare-ups, and significantly improve quality of life.

Some foods are known to irritate the inflamed intestine and can trigger or worsen flare-ups, especially during periods of disease activity. These include:

• Alcohol and caffeine: Drinks such as coffee, black tea, green tea, and alcoholic beverages can speed up intestinal transit and irritate the mucosa, worsening diarrhea and pain.

• Lactose: Many IBD patients have difficulty digesting milk sugar (lactose) because inflammation reduces the production of the enzyme lactase, causing gas, bloating, and diarrhea.

• Insoluble fiber: Found in foods such as whole-grain bread, thick fruit peels, and raw vegetables, these fibers increase bowel movements and can intensify diarrhea.

• Fatty and processed foods: Fried foods, processed meats, ready-made foods, sweets, and highly spiced foods irritate the intestines and should be avoided.

• Foods that cause gas: Beans, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and other cruciferous vegetables can increase abdominal discomfort.

Everyone reacts differently, so it's important to note which foods worsen your symptoms and avoid those triggers.

During flare-ups, when symptoms are more intense, diet should be even more careful to avoid worsening inflammation and ensure adequate nutrition. Some important recommendations are:

• Vitamin supplementation: Vitamins B1, B2, and K are often indicated to compensate for common losses and deficiencies in IBD patients.

• Adjust your protein intake: It's important to ensure you get enough protein to help with healing and tissue maintenance, but without overdoing it, which could overload your intestines.

• Preference for easily digestible foods: Avoid fibrous, fatty and irritating foods, opting for simple and natural preparations.

Monitoring with a nutritionist is essential to personalize these guidelines according to the stage of the disease and individual needs.

The balance of bacteria living in the gut, called microbiota, has a significant influence on inflammation and intestinal health. Diets that help maintain this balance are important for controlling the disease.

• Anti-inflammatory diets: Such as the Mediterranean diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, fish, olive oil, and whole grains, which help reduce inflammation.

• Specific probiotics: Certain strains of beneficial bacteria can help restore the microbiota and improve symptoms, but should be prescribed by professionals.

Maintaining a healthy microbiota is a complementary strategy for managing IBD.

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Additionally, the product avoids empty calories and sugars, contributing to satiety and a healthier gut, without the use of artificial additives. This natural and regenerative composition supports digestive health and overall well-being.