Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) affects millions worldwide, causing discomfort and worry. But what if there’s a natural way to reduce your risk? Recent research from the UK Biobank has uncovered the incredible power of dietary fibre in preventing IBD, especially Crohn’s disease (CD).
So what’s the Buzz about Dietary Fibre? Dietary fibre, found in plant-based foods like fruits, veggies, whole grains, nuts, and seeds, holds the key to a happy tummy. Unlike other carbs, fibre doesn’t turn into sugars but sweeps through your system, promoting top-notch digestive health.
The study found that participants with higher dietary fibre intake had a whopping 26% lower risk of developing IBD! But the best news is for Crohn’s disease – fibre lovers experienced an impressive 52% reduced risk of CD. But let’s Talk Sources! Relish in the goodness of fruits and whole-grain bread to lower the risk of Crohn’s disease. Oh, and there’s a treat for ulcerative colitis too! Boosting your cereal fibre intake (think oatmeal and bran flakes) can do wonders for UC prevention.
Beyond guarding against IBD, fibre boasts a bunch of bonuses for your body. It keeps your gut in tip-top shape, banishes pesky constipation, and fuels a diverse, helpful gut microbiome. As if that wasn’t enough, fibre manages blood sugar and cholesterol levels while helping you maintain a healthy weight.
Are you ready to take on the IBD defence with gusto? Embrace these scrumptious and easy tips:
Dive into Whole Grains: Swap refined for whole-grain bread, pasta, and rice for a fibre boost.
Snack on Nature’s Candy: Keep a variety of fruits and nuts handy for delightful and healthy munching.
Colour Your Plate: Load up on vibrant veggies, making half your meal a fibre-fest.
Legume Love: Add beans, lentils, and chickpeas to soups, salads and stews.
The UK Biobank study shouts out the goodness of fibre in beating IBD and Crohn’s disease. Let’s step up our game and add more fibre-rich delights like fruits, veggies, whole grains, and nuts to our diets. Small changes, big rewards – start your fibre journey today!
Reference
Newby, M. J., Mason, A. E., & Appleby, P. N. (2023). Dietary fiber intake and risk of inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis: A prospective cohort study of 470,669 participants from the UK Biobank. Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 57(3), 415-426. https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17649
