Nutrition and lifestyle factors associated with inflammatory bowel disease

Abstract

Objective Many dietary and lifestyle factors are found to be associated with the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The purpose of this study is to review the dietary and lifestyle factors associated with IBD. In addition too, this review attempts to investigate the association between dietary patterns and IBD risk and compare lifestyle factors among IBD patients. Methods Google Scholar and PubMed were searched together with relevant journals for English studies from September 2018 to August 2020. The original studies which evaluated the lifestyle factors and dietary patterns as risk factors for inflammatory bowel disease were included. Results Several studies in IBD were discussed, and highlighted the independent effects of various dietary and lifestyle factors on the risk of IBD. Forty-nine (49) articles met the inclusion criteria and indicated that dietary factors tend to play a pivotal role in the disease etiopathogenesis and course. However, research on food and IBD is contradictory. Conclusions An excessive intake of sugar and animal fat is considered a risk factor for the development of IBD, whereas a high fiber diet and high intake of fruits and vegetables may play a protective effect. The role of lifestyle factors in IBD is crucial. Amply of evidence suggested that smoking is a causative agent in Crohn’s disease while it is protective against ulcerative colitis. Stress, depression, vitamin D deficiency, and impaired sleep have all been all associated with incident IBD. A diet with a modified carbohydrate composition, a semi-vegetarian diet, a diet low in protein and fat, and a diet low in fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols should be taken into consideration for IBD patients.