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Home » Diets that Work » Secret to Avoid IBS: Ditch Processed Foods – The Beet

If you find yourself unable to be too far away from a bathroom at any given moment, especially when youre eating, you may be dealing with irritable bowel disease (IBD). The unpredictable urge or flare-up of this condition can be anxiety-inducing, leaving you worried to leave the home and affecting your personal life.

According to the CDC, IBD is a term thats used for two conditions Crohns disease and ulcerative colitis. Both are conditions that deal with chronic inflammation in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract that leads to damage. The only difference between the two is that ulcerative colitis has damage in the large intestine and rectum where Crohns disease can affect any part of the GI tract, but it often impacts the small intestine most.

The exact cause of IBD is still unknown, but new research has indicated that there may be a culprit behind the onset and increased risk of IBD.

Previous studies have indicated that dietary factors play a role in the onset of IBD, but the connection between processed foods and IBD had limited evidence. Thats why a new study published in the BMJ in July 2021 wanted to determine if ultra-processed foods led to a high risk of IBD.

Researchers collected dietary information from 116,087 adults across the world who were aged 35 to 70 years old and living in 21 low, middle, and high-income countries. The study spanned from 2003 all the way until 2016, with researchers assessing participants every 3 years, and collecting outcome data until 2019.

During the span of the study, 467 participants developed IBD 90 with Crohns disease and 377 with ulcerative colitis. When researchers analyzed their diets they saw that higher intakes of ultra-processed foods were associated with an increased risk of IBD.

For example, those who ate five or more servings of ultra-processed foods had an 82% increased risk of IBD compared to those that ate less than 1 serving. If the servings ranged from 1 to 4 each day, the risk increased by 67%. Higher risks were associated with certain subgroups of ultra-processed foods including:

Although this study may shine a light on the link between IBD and processed foods, further research needs to be conducted.

Its likely youve heard of processed foods which are defined by food that has been changed from its natural state. This could be the inclusion of substances such as salt, sugar, or oil.

The NOVA classification of processed foods by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations categorizes foods as the following:

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020-2025 recommends that people focus on including nutrient-dense foods in their diets such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables and limit foods with added sugars, saturated fats, and salt. Avoiding ultra-processed foods and eating a whole foods plant-based diet can help someone to achieve this.

According to the Crohns and Colitis Foundation, there are several categories of food that may end up triggering symptoms such as diarrhea, cramping, and bloating. They are:

The Crohns and Colitis Foundation also suggests following these few simple tips to prevent IBD complications:

New research has shown that eating ultra-processed foods may lead to an increased risk of IBD. Although more research needs to be conducted to confirm this link, ultra-processed foods have years of research that pairs it up with other health conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Eating a whole foods diet as well as identifying any IBD triggers with a journal or the help of a Registered Dietitian can help someone to find a diet that suits them.

Bottom line: Replace processed foods with a whole foods plant-based diet

Kicking the habit of processed foods is hard -- Thats why weve compiled 6 tips to cut junk food from nutritionists.

Read the rest here:
Secret to Avoid IBS: Ditch Processed Foods - The Beet

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Home » Diets that Work » Secret to Avoid IBS: Ditch Processed Foods – The Beet