The researchers looked at studies published between July 1966 and July 2015. Studies contained information about Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, IBD, and meat consumption. Red meat was defined as “darker-colored meat from mammals, such as cows, sheep/lambs, pigs, and horses” and white meat as “lighter-colored meat from poultry, such as chickens, and rabbits.”
Nine studies were included in the meta-anaysis and the results suggested that higher red meat consumption was associated with a higher risk of IBD.
There are several explanations for the findings. For example, cooking meats at higher temperatures generated by-products, which contain mutagenic or carcinogenic characteristics that may cause a negative impact on the digestive tract. Another explanation may be that heme iron found in red meat leads to the formation of N-nitroso compounds that impacts cells’ proliferation activity in the digestive system. Lastly, fat consumption from animals is also associated with higher risks of Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and IBD.
The study revealed an association between meat consumption and IBD risk, but additional research is required to better understand the association.
Food and eating in IBD
Food and eating can be quite challenging to navigate if you have inflammatory bowel disease. Some foods act as flare triggers, so it can almost seem like a game of Russian roulette every time you consume something. Furthermore, IBD may contribute to a loss of appetite, poor digestion, and malnutrition, which can make eating even more of a struggle.
Knowing what you can and cannot eat can help you better manage your IBD and ensure that you avoid many other harmful complications as well. In general, all persons should be consuming well-rounded meals that contain a balance between the major food groups and that offer nutritional value. For those with IBD, there are other factors one may have to keep in mind when choosing a diet. Do you have a bowel blockage or intestinal stricture? What part of the intestine is affected? Is the disease active or in remission? These are good questions to ask when devising a meal plan for managing your IBD.
Here are some key points when considering a healthy eating plan with IBD:
- Drink plenty of water
- Eat carbohydrates with soluble fiber
- Eat protein, like eggs, fish, poultry, nuts, and soy
- Consume healthy fats like omega-3, olive oil, etc.
- Consume deep-colored – skinless and seedless – fruits and cooked vegetables
- Take supplements with your doctor’s approval
- Avoid calcium or dairy products if you are lactose intolerant
Furthermore, the below chart will assist you in eating when your disease is active.
| Avoid | Choose |
|---|---|
| Trigger foods | Fruit juices |
| Certain high-fiber foods | Applesauce and bananas |
| Nuts, seeds, and popcorn | Bland, Soft foods |
| High-fat foods | Plain cereals, white rice, and refined pasta |
| Caffeine | Fully cooked vegetables and potatoes with no skin |
| Alcohol | Small, frequent meals |
| Spicy foods | Nutritional supplements if loss of appetite occurs |
| Raw fruits and vegetables | Protein as tolerated – lean meat, fish, and soy |
| Prunes | |
| Beans | |
| Dairy products – as tolerated | |
| Large food portions |
If you’re still struggling with food and eating while living with IBD, you may want to work with a nutritionist or dietician to help you create a meal plan that you can follow and that will provide you with the essential nutrients you need.