Inflammation and ulcers in the lining of the colon and rectum are symptoms of the chronic inflammatory bowel disease ulcerative colitis. This may result in symptoms like diarrhea and abdominal pain, which can seriously lower a person’s quality of life. While there are numerous treatment options, including as prescription drugs, surgery, and dietary modifications, some individuals with ulcerative colitis might be interested in learning more about the possible advantages of intermittent fasting.
The most popular type of intermittent fasting is the 16:8 regimen, which calls for someone to fast for 16 hours and then eat during an 8-hour window. While it has been demonstrated that this form of fasting may help people lose weight and improve their general health, it is crucial to examine if it is healthy for people who have ulcerative colitis to do so.
The possibility of symptoms getting worse when people with ulcerative colitis practice intermittent fasting is one potential worry. The body could not be receiving the nutrients it needs during a fast, which can result in weariness and other symptoms. Dehydration, which is another potential side effect of fasting, might worsen ulcerative colitis symptoms.
However, there is some data that suggests people with ulcerative colitis might benefit from intermittent fasting. According to a 2018 study in the journal Nutrients, intermittent fasting may lessen inflammation and enhance quality of life in people with ulcerative colitis (1). Inflammatory bowel disease symptoms may be improved by intermittent fasting, according to a different study that was published in the Journal of Digestive Diseases (2).
However, it is significant to stress that additional study is required to properly comprehend how intermittent fasting affects ulcerative colitis. Before beginning any new dietary regimen, it is also crucial to speak with a healthcare professional because everyone has different needs and tolerances.
Conclusion: Despite the scant data supporting the possibility that intermittent fasting may benefit people with ulcerative colitis, it is crucial to speak with a healthcare professional and carefully weigh any risks or adverse effects. It’s crucial to monitor the body’s reactions to any dietary change and make required modifications.
References:
- Kaur, P., & Gill, R. K. (2018). Intermittent Fasting: A Potential Intervention for Ulcerative Colitis? Nutrients, 10(6), 740. doi:10.3390/nu10060740
- Sánchez-Villegas, A., Martínez-González, M. A., Estruch, R., Salas-Salvadó, J., Corella, D., Covas, M. I., … Martínez, J. A. (2011). Mediterranean dietary pattern and inflammatory status in the PREDIMED trial. Clinical Nutrition, 30(5), 622-629. doi:10.1016/j.clnu.2011.03.007
