A diet first demonstrated the ability not just to ease Crohn’s disease symptoms, but to suppress systemic inflammation in the body.
Research by scientists from Stanford University revealed that a diet mimicking fasting could be an effective method for treating Crohn’s disease—a severe chronic inflammation of the gut. Clinical trials showed substantial improvement in the condition of patients who followed this nutritional regimen.
Ninety-seven individuals with mild to moderate disease severity participated in the study. Of these, 65 patients adhered to a highly calorie-restricted diet, while 32 formed a control group on standard nutrition.
After three months, significant symptom improvement was observed in two-thirds of the participants in the diet group. In the control group, positive trends were noted in less than half of the patients. Laboratory tests confirmed an objective reduction in the level of inflammation within the intestine.
The diet not only alleviated physical symptoms such as pain and diarrhea but also impacted the immune system. Patients exhibited reduced production of pro-inflammatory molecules by immune cells, suggesting a systemic anti-inflammatory outcome.
Until now, physicians had few scientifically grounded dietary recommendations for individuals with Crohn’s disease. This investigation offers strong evidence for the efficacy of dietary intervention. Scientists plan further exploration into the role of diet-induced changes in the gut microbiome in achieving the therapeutic result.
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