Eating more ultra-processed foods linked to higher Crohn's disease risk

• In 2019, about 4.9 million people around the world were living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
• Previous studies show that eating a diet high in ultra-processed foods can be problematic for people with IBD.
• A new study provides more information on how eating ultra-processed foods physically impacts the gastrointestinal system, leading to IBD-related issues.

In 2019, about 4.9 million people around the world were living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) — an umbrella term for two conditions called Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

There is currently no cure for IBD. Symptoms are managed through medications, surgery, and lifestyle changes such as managing stress, not smoking, getting enough exercise, and eating an IBD-friendly diet.

Previous studies show that eating a diet high in ultra-processed foods can be problematic for people with IBD.

Now, a new study recently published in the journal Nutrients provides more information on how eating ultra-processed foods physically impacts the gastrointestinal system, leading to IBD-related issues.