In a new clinical trial, Crohn’s patients who limited eating to an eight-hour window saw disease activity drop by 40 percent and abdominal pain by half.
Intermittent fasting may help patients achieve long-term remission from Crohn’s disease, a new study suggests.
Crohn’s is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes chronic inflammation in the digestive tract and can lead to belly pain, severe diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, and malnutrition.
In a clinical trial, 35 adults with Crohn’s disease and obesity were asked to eat all of their daily calories within an eight-hour window or follow a regular diet.
According to the results, time-restricted eating reduced Crohn’s disease activity by 40% and abdominal discomfort by 50% after just 12 weeks.
Researchers also saw promising changes in gut bacteria and a marked drop in harmful visceral fat.
A spokesperson for the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation says, “This research suggests that changing when we eat—not just what we eat—can improve metabolism, help the immune system work better, and support long-term remission from Crohn’s disease.”
The study authors stress people with inflammatory bowel disease should talk with their healthcare team before changing their eating schedule.
Source: Gastroenterology
Author Affiliations: University of Calgary, University of British Columbia
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