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Recent case report published in @Nutrients_MDPI claims vegetarian #diet induced remission in Crohn’s disease and has been promoted as a “cure” by @gizmodo. (spoiler: there is no current cure for #IBD) 1/
link to study: mdpi.com/2072-6643/11/6… 2/
The patient in this study had a colonoscopy which showed moderate Crohn’s disease. He was started on a biologic (infliximab) and “significantly” improved clinically but had ongoing symptoms (abdominal pain, fatigue, bloating). 3/
2 years after starting infliximab (and w/o objective assessment of dz activity via stool studies, biochemical markers, endoscopy, histology) he continued w symptoms & started a plant-based diet low in processed foods. (query if he had ongoing active dz vs IBS overlay vs other) 4/
During this 40-day diet trial he experienced a complete resolution of symptoms. He also started exercising. (THIS IS NOT ABNORMAL – patients often feel better when incorporating diet and exercise/stress management techniques) 5/
It was at this point (2 years after starting infliximab) that his disease was assessed endoscopically, with the findings of mucosal healing. 1 year later he stopped infliximab based on continued CLINICAL remission, and at a 9-month follow-up he remained in CLINICAL remission. 6/
Currently there is no cure for #IBD. Many patients use diet to help manage IBD but there can be a disconnect between feeling well (clinical remission) and mucosal healing (endoscopic/histologic remission, or deep remission, ie: goal of therapy). 7/
I often advocate for minimally processed, plant-based diets as research shows this can help pts feel better, prevent and manage chronic disease, and fiber helps promote a healthy gut and microbiota. BUT diet alone is often not enough to help acheive/maintain deep remission. 8/
Studies do support use of certain diet therapies in IBD, but this should always be done in conjunction with the medical team (MD, RD) so you know you’re actually healing (disease activity assessed via objective markers). 9/9
