Pilot study “IBD, eat with us?” shows IBD patients benefit from lifestyle intervention

Lifestyle modification can improve quality of life in people with IBD, or chronic inflammatory bowel disease. So says the study “IBD, Will You Eat?”, a six-month study of the impact of lifestyle on people with IBD. The study was co-sponsored by the Stomach Liver Bowel Foundation in collaboration with the Nutrition Lives Foundation, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC) and the Crohn’s and Colitis Ulcerosa Association Netherlands (CCUVN).

The results

The results of the study “IBD, will you eat?” are hopeful. For example, participants reported higher quality of life after lifestyle modification. “IBD, Will You Eat With Me?” was positively received by patients with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis: nearly 80% of participants would recommend it to other patients. The participants from LUMC were followed more intensively, and in this they saw a decrease in inflammatory blood levels.

Nutrition and lifestyle recommendations

“We believe that with lifestyle modifications, including nutrition, we can improve patients’ quality of life. This is a pilot study, much more research is needed to be able to put together more specific nutrition and lifestyle recommendations for IBD patients. At the same time, we are proud that the above parties have joined forces to make this research possible. Although much remains unclear, this pilot shows that nutrition certainly plays a role in IBD,” said Bernique Tool, director of the Stomach Liver Bowel Foundation.

Reduce symptoms?

Tineke Markus of the CCUVN adds: “The most frequently asked question from IBD patients is whether following a diet can reduce their symptoms. With this study, we were able to make visible what diet can do for IBD patients with mild disease. More research is needed and the CCUVN and its members will certainly participate in that again.”

New lifestyle

Participant Nadine Nugter says: “I had been symptom-free for some time, thanks in part to my medication. I was curious if nutrition could keep my gut and body healthy. IBD, will you eat with me?” helped me find a way into a new lifestyle. I immediately noticed a difference in my energy level. I’m glad I participated, because on your own you don’t know what to do. Now I got all the tools I needed: in a group setting, we could share experiences and everything was under professional guidance. Now I still stick to the program with breakfast and dinner and feel very good about it.”

Very positive

MDL physician Jeroen Maljaars (LUMC): “I also got back from the vast majority of my patients that they were very positive about ‘IBD, will you eat with me?’ Many participants reported having more energy and feeling fitter. Participating patients thought they could not tolerate certain foods. By participating, they discovered that a lot is still possible and that healthy and tasty go very well together.”

The study

“IBD, Will You Eat With Me?” aims to investigate whether a scientifically based lifestyle program provides improvement in quality of life for IBD patients. Over 180 patients participated. The program consists of several components, with varied and unprocessed foods as the main focus. Participants were guided through several meetings, a workbook with recipes and ten principles.

In addition, participants were in contact with each other through an online community to encourage, support and exchange experiences. They were also able to ask questions through the community and were coached. Maljaars: “We are excited about ‘IBD, will you eat?’ We strongly believe that what you eat matters, and that it can affect the course of your disease.”

The lifestyle program

During this program, developed by the Nutrition Lives Foundation, participants did not eat less, count calories or go on a diet. The very idea was to have enough and delicious food. As unprocessed and varied as possible with all kinds of ingredients you can just buy at the market or supermarket. And so no packets and sachets.

Plant-based eating

Plant-based eating formed the basis here with lots of tasty vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts and seeds. Regular (fatty) fish, unprocessed meat and whole dairy were incorporated into the recipes. Sugar and all fast carbohydrate products, such as white rice, pasta, bread and, of course, soda, cookies and candy were off the menu. Furthermore, much attention was given to pro- and prebiotic foods.

Eating with attention

Finally, participants were encouraged to eat mindfully, chew well and, in particular, enjoy food. The results of the program were analyzed by the Louis Bolk Institute. A follow-up to this pilot study is currently being considered by the parties.

Source: MLD Foundation

Does modifying your diet and lifestyle positively impact quality of life for people with IBD?