Possible Causes And Complications Of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Stress

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Research shows psychological stress, particularly the chronic variety, increases disease activity in inflammatory bowel disease. According to a 2005 study, stress-induced alterations in gastrointestinal inflammation may be caused by changes in the hypothalamic-pituitary axis function and alterations in bacterial mucosal interactions. Stress also affects inflammatory bowel disease through the alteration of mucosal mast cells, which are found in the digestive tract. Aerobic exercise such as walking, running, biking, and swimming may be able to help reduce an individual's stress. Everyone should make time for effective stress relief. Beyond the aerobic activities mentioned, other popular stress relief techniques include massages, aromatherapy, listening to music, and reading.

Dairy

Dairy. Photo Credit: ChicagoSunTimes @Tracy

According to a 2014 study, many patients with this condition restrict dairy from their diet because it reduces disease activity, symptoms, and duration of flare-ups. Even if a lactose allergy has not been diagnosed, many individuals with inflammatory bowel disease and similar conditions may benefit from removing dairy products from their diet as it is an inflammatory food that often causes irritation of the intestines. On the other hand, raw milk and cheese with naturally occurring enzymes and cultures may reduce symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease.

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