⭐Criteria for starring system:
- Incorporates appropriate microbiome strategies
- Incorporates appropriate gut healing strategies
- Inflammation reduction is a priority
- Long-term symptom reduction
- Easily implemented
- Reduces disordered eating patterns
⭐Caveat for starring system: This system is our opinion based on the available research at this time. We reserve the right to modify our recommendations as new literature is published and we learn more about the complexities of IBD. Review our recommendations with an appropriate amount of discretion and understand that oftentimes there is not a one size fits all approach for every situation.
Gluten-Free
Overview: Gluten is a protein found in wheat-based foods like bread, flour, and pasta. A gluten-free diet eliminates all sources of gluten from the diet.
- Increased association with IBD and Celiac Disease (https://practicalgastro.com/2021/02/09/association-between-ibd-and-celiac-disease/) and a significant association between Celiac Disease and Microscopic Colitis (70 fold increase – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32558265/).
- About ⅓ of IBD patients report non-celiac gluten sensitivity, so reducing or eliminating gluten might be helpful in reducing symptoms.
- Animal studies have shown that gluten ingestion may promote intestinal inflammation and increase intestinal permeability, however, due to a lack of high-quality studies, current data do not support the universal use of a gluten-free diet in IBD.
- Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32558265/
⭐Meets criteria for:
- Reducing gluten-containing products
- Easily implemented
- Reduces disordered eating patterns
⭐Does not meet criteria for:
- Incorporates appropriate microbiome strategies
- Incorporates appropriate gut healing strategies
- Long-term symptom reduction
- Inflammation reduction is a priority