Ultra-processed foods may increase your risk of inflammatory bowel disease

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High consumption of processed ultra-processed foods is associated with an increased risk of inflammatory bowel disease according to a recent study by an international team of researchers.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a term in which both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are found. The Prolonged inflammation causes damage to the gastrointestinal tract.

Symptoms of IBD include persistent diarrhea, abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, bloody stools, weight loss, and fatigue. When the disease is severe it may require surgery to remove damaged parts of the gastrointestinal tract,

I know The exact cause of IBD is unknown, but according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is the result of a defective immune system and a genetic factor may also influence, that is, those with a family history of IBD are more likely to develop this inappropriate immune response.

It is also believed that dietary factors may influence this disease. Dr. Neeraj Narula of McMaster University in Hamilton and his colleagues found that a higher intake of ultra-processed foods was associated with an increased risk of IBD.

Ultra-processed foods include baked goods, packaged snacks, beverages, sodas, sugary cereals, prepared meals containing food additives, and processed meat; products that often contain high levels of added sugar, fat and salt, but lack vitamins and fiber.

Researchers conducted a study with between 116. 82 adults of 35 to 70 years in 11 low-, middle- and high-income countries followed for 9 years.

A portion of ultra-processed foods per day increases the risk by 67%

In the study, in those who consumed 1 to 4 servings per day of ultra-processed foods, a 67% higher risk of IBD; and among those who consumed five or more servings per day, a 82% more of disease risk compared to less than a portion of ultra-processed.

The results for the consumption of ultra-processed foods were consistent for both the disease of Crohn’s as for ulcerative colitis.