NEW NUTRITIONAL APPROACHES IN THE MANAGEMENT OF INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASES

Abstract

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, are chronic conditions that affect the gastrointestinal system, resulting in inflammation and damage to the lining of the intestine. The traditional approach to managing IBD has been based on the use of immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory medications, however, these therapies are not always effective and can cause unwanted side effects. Therefore, new nutritional approaches have been investigated as alternatives or complements to conventional treatment. Recent studies have suggested that diet may play a key role in the management of IBD. An anti-inflammatory diet, rich in foods with anti-inflammatory properties, such as fatty fish, olive oil, fruits and vegetables, can reduce the symptoms and severity of IBD. Additionally, restricting foods that can trigger inflammation, such as gluten and lactose, may also be beneficial. Another promising approach is the use of dietary supplements, such as probiotics and omega-3s, which have been shown to reduce intestinal inflammation and improve quality of life for IBD patients. Enteral nutritional therapy, which consists of a specialized liquid diet administered via a nasogastric tube or orally, has also been shown to be effective in controlling inflammation and inducing remission in some patients. Despite the positive evidence, it is important to emphasize that each patient is unique and may respond differently to dietary interventions. Therefore, it is essential that these nutritional approaches are personalized and monitored by specialized health professionals, such as nutritionists and gastroenterologists.