The lack of this nutrient could trigger the disease.
Irritable bowel disorder (IBD), encompassing conditions like ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, stems from gut inflammation, resulting in various digestive issues. While the precise cause remains elusive, recent research points to a nexus involving genetics, diet, and gut microbiota as potential contributors to IBD development.
A study featured in Cell Host & Microbe underscores the pivotal role of fiber in modulating the interplay between gut microbes and the protective mucus lining of the digestive tract. Fiber intake is linked to healthy mucus thickness and anti-inflammatory effects, particularly crucial for individuals lacking interleukin-10, an IBD-associated cytokine, whose absence often leads to early-onset IBD.
In mice deficient in interleukin-10, the absence of fiber exacerbates colonic mucus lining deterioration, resulting in severe colitis. This suggests the potential therapeutic value of fiber-rich diets for individuals with IBD, a condition affecting approximately 6 million people globally, with around 3 million cases in the U.S.
However, while fiber is generally beneficial, a study published in Gastroenterology cautioned that certain dietary fibers, like unfermented β-fructans from fruits and vegetables, may trigger inflammation in individuals with IBD unable to digest them. Consequently, some IBD patients, particularly children, are prescribed a low-fiber diet called exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN), which has shown success in reducing gut inflammation.
Research using interleukin-10-deficient mice revealed that inflammation was markedly higher in those on fiber-free diets. Notably, a high-fiber diet reduced inflammation by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria that produce a fatty acid called isobutyrate, known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
While lower-fiber diets are sometimes recommended during IBD flare-ups to alleviate symptoms, the long-term effects of high-fiber diets are promising for IBD management. High-fiber foods aid in diversifying gut bacteria, which is crucial for gut health, immune function, and mental well-being. Maintaining a diverse gut microbiome is essential for preventing chronic diseases and maintaining robust immune responses.
In summary, while dietary approaches for IBD management may vary, the role of fiber in promoting gut health and mitigating inflammation underscores its significance in IBD treatment and prevention. Balancing fiber intake based on individual symptoms and dietary tolerance is key, with a focus on optimizing gut microbiota diversity to support overall health and well-being.
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