This case involves a man in his late 20s who had been diagnosed with Crohn’s disease after reporting experiencing bloating, nausea, fatigue, episodic severe abdominal pain, and occasional ulcers for several years; his condition didn’t reach remission after more than a year of intravenous treatments.
During his second year of treatment the patient removed all animal products and processed foods from his diet for 40 days in a religious observation and experienced a total absence of his symptoms. After experiencing this the patient decided to maintain this new dietary pattern lifestyle choice which was based on plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes; testing has shown the patient has experienced complete mucosal healing and he has been able to cease medications. Due to this dietary lifestyle change the patient has achieved complete remission of Crohn’s disease, and he has not reported any relapses since.
According to co-author Hana Kahleova, MD, Ph.D., “This case study offers hope for hundreds of thousands of people suffering from the painful symptoms associated with Crohn’s disease.”
Approximantely 10% of traditionally managed Crohn’s disease patients will achieve long term remission, about 50% of patients will require surgery within 10 years of being diagnosed. Plant based diets are high in fibre that promotes overall gut health, which feeds healthy gut bacteria and this may offer a protective effect against Crohn’s disease and other digestive problems.
“This case study supports the idea that food really is medicine. “Not only does it show that eating a high-fiber, plant-based diet could help lead to Crohn’s disease remission, but all the ‘side effects’ are good ones, including a reduced risk for heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer,” adds Dr. Kahleova.
