Revolutionary Study: How Diet Affects the Microbiome in IBD!

Revolutionary Study: How Diet Affects the Microbiome in IBD!

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, represents a significant healthcare challenge. These diseases often cause diarrhea, fever and pain and can also cause psychological distress. The treatment is complex because only some patients respond positively to drug therapies. A central problem is the disturbed metabolism between the human body and the microbiome. A research team from the Christian Albrechts University of Kiel (CAU) and the University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH) has shown in a comprehensive study that this metabolic imbalance plays a significant role. The results were published in the renowned specialist journal Nature Communications published.

The study analyzed stool and blood samples from IBD patients both before and after starting therapy. A combination of metagenomics, transcriptomics and metabolomics as well as network analyzes were used. A key finding was the dramatically reduced metabolic activity in the patients' intestinal tissue and microbiome. Such changes should not be underestimated; they lead to a reduced production of important metabolic products such as tryptophan and choline in the blood, which are essential for energy production in the body.

The role of the microbiome

The gut microbiome, the largest human microbiome, plays a crucial role in health. It is greatly influenced by diet. Beneficial bacteria in the gut help maintain the integrity of the intestinal barrier and prevent the absorption of pathogens. Dysbiosis, an imbalance in the intestinal flora, can lead to increased intestinal permeability and chronic inflammatory processes. Loud JournalMed Certain genera of bacteria such as Prevotella, Ruminococcus, Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes are crucial for health. Changes in diet can change the bacterial composition of the gut within 24 hours.

In particular, Mediterranean diets, which are rich in fiber, fruit, vegetables and healthy fats, show positive effects on the microbiome, while Western diets, which are characterized by high sugar content and saturated fats, often have the opposite effect. In the treatment of IBD, the combination of individual nutritional therapy and drug treatments could be crucial to improve patients' quality of life.

New approaches to treatment

The study conducted at the CAU lays the foundation for a better understanding of the metabolic changes in IBD patients. Future steps include laboratory studies and the development of specific therapies, possibly based on the findings on the microbiota. Individual dietary adjustments could be crucial in slowing down inflammatory processes.

In Switzerland, around 1 to 2 in 500 inhabitants currently live with IBD, which corresponds to over 25,000 people. Overall, the diagnosis and treatment of IBD is challenging because it is a non-contagious, chronic inflammation of the intestine. Crohn's disease can affect all parts of the digestive tract, while ulcerative colitis primarily attacks the large intestine, requiring both drug therapy methods and surgical interventions. Loud My life with IBD Active participation in therapy management is crucial for patients in order to be able to lead as normal a life as possible.

In conclusion, diet plays a crucial role in the prevention and treatment of IBD. The challenges in dealing with these diseases are complex, research must continue to better understand the metabolic changes and develop specific treatment approaches.