A healthy intestine is the key to long-term health. Beware of the threat of inflammatory bowel disease

Author: Li Teng, Suzhou Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University

Reviewer: Cao Jie, Chief Physician, Suzhou Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University, Vice President of Gastroenterology Society of Anhui General Practice Association, Standing Committee Member of Digestive Endoscopy Society of Anhui Medical Association, Standing Committee Member of Digestive Endoscopy Professional Committee of Anhui Anti-Cancer Association

In daily life, occasional gastrointestinal discomfort may just be a symptom of improper diet or a mild cold, but there is a disease that may quietly develop among these inconspicuous symptoms - inflammatory bowel disease. In order to better understand and care for intestinal health, let us discuss this disease together.

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People often say that "diseases come from the mouth", and this concept is particularly prominent in digestive system diseases. Although the specific causes of inflammatory bowel disease are complex, eating habits and types of food are indeed related to its onset. Unreasonable eating habits may aggravate intestinal inflammation, while appropriate dietary adjustments can help alleviate the disease.

※What is inflammatory bowel disease?

Inflammatory bowel disease is an idiopathic inflammatory disease of the intestine that affects the ileum, colon, and rectum. It mainly includes two types: ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Ulcerative colitis mainly affects the rectum and colon, and manifests as continuous inflammation and ulcers in the intestine; while Crohn's disease may affect the entire digestive tract, and its lesions are distributed in a jumpy manner, that is, one section of the intestine is normal, while another section is inflamed and ulcerated.

※How do you get inflammatory bowel disease?

The etiology and pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease have not yet been fully clarified, but it may be related to multiple factors such as genetics, environment, diet, infection, intestinal flora, immunity, and negative emotions. These factors interact with each other and jointly lead to the occurrence and development of intestinal inflammation.

※What are the symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease?

- Ulcerative colitis: persistent or recurrent diarrhea, bloody and mucous stools, abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, and tenesmus; systemic manifestations include fever, fatigue, anemia, and malnutrition; may also be accompanied by extraintestinal manifestations such as oral ulcers, eye diseases, arthritis, and liver diseases.

- Crohn's disease: Sudden onset of diarrhea, abdominal pain (most commonly in the right lower abdomen) and blood in the stool; systemic manifestations include fatigue, weight loss, fever, anemia and malnutrition; extraintestinal manifestations include oral ulcers, eye diseases, arthritis pain, joint stiffness, red and swollen skin and liver diseases.

※How to diagnose inflammatory bowel disease?

Endoscopic examination is an important means to diagnose inflammatory bowel disease. Through endoscopy, doctors can visually observe the inflammation of the intestine and make an accurate diagnosis.

※How to treat inflammatory bowel disease?

The main treatment drugs for inflammatory bowel disease include aminosalicylic acid, glucocorticoids and biological agents. The specific treatment plan should be determined based on the patient's condition and the doctor's advice. In addition, dietary adjustment is also an important part of the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.

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※What should patients with inflammatory bowel disease eat and how should they eat?

- Diet during the active period: It is suitable to eat rice, pasta, light fish soup and river food; consume beef soup, chicken soup, etc. in moderation; avoid eating yogurt rich in dietary fiber, fresh milk, seafood, mutton, greasy food, etc.; those who are allergic to gluten protein should not eat pasta, and meat must be cooked thoroughly.

- Diet during the remission period: You can try dairy products such as yogurt and milk; eat a variety of meat and vegetarian foods in moderation; avoid greasy, cold drinks and other irritating foods; meat must be cooked thoroughly and not in excess.

——Personalized diet and diet log

For patients with inflammatory bowel disease, a personalized diet is essential. Patients should keep a diet diary to record changes in their symptoms after eating, so as to promptly identify and eliminate intolerant foods. At different stages of the disease, the body's tolerance to food will also vary, so you should communicate with your doctor regularly and adjust your diet plan according to your condition.

——Dietary advice and nutritional supplements

1. Low-fiber diet: Suitable for patients with intestinal stenosis and frequent diarrhea. Avoid high-fiber foods such as dry beans and whole grains.

2. Low-fat diet: Suitable for patients with fat malabsorption. Avoid consuming high-fat foods such as butter and cream.

3. No/low lactose diet: Suitable for patients with lactose intolerance. Avoid consuming milk and dairy products containing lactose.

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In addition, intestinal microecological preparations and beneficial ingredients such as glutamine, pantothenic acid, zinc, and Lactobacillus acidophilus can help promote the repair of intestinal mucosal epithelium. Some natural food ingredients, such as anthocyanins in blueberries and raspberries and glucosinolates in cabbage and broccoli, also have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. However, the anti-inflammatory effects of these foods still need further research, and patients should take appropriate supplements under the guidance of a doctor.

※Care and support

May 19th of each year is World Inflammatory Bowel Disease Day. On this day, people around the world light up purple buildings, wear purple ribbons, etc. to express their love and support for patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Let us pay attention to intestinal health and bring warmth and hope to patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

In short, a healthy gut is the key to long-term health. Through reasonable dietary adjustments, scientific treatment plans, and social care and support, we can jointly meet the challenge of inflammatory bowel disease and protect gut health.