Should you be on the Mediterranean Diet for your IBD?

What is the Mediterranean Diet?

The Mediterranean diet is a plant-based eating pattern that includes whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, healthy fats (especially olive oil) and lean proteins such as fish and poultry.

It is one of the most widely researched dietary patterns and is known for its anti-inflammatory and heart-healthy benefits.


What is the evidence in IBD?

A number of studies suggest the Mediterranean diet may help reduce inflammation and improve gut health in IBD.

Some research also indicates that it may lower the risk of relapse in IBD patients and improve overall well-being and quality of life.


Take Aways - Mediterranean Diet for IBD

  • May help reduce symptoms and inflammation in IBD and improve gut health.

  • Shown to be as effective as the SCD in Crohns Disease but is less restrictive.

  • Rich in anti-inflammatory foods such as fish, olive oil and plant-based fibres.

  • May need to be adapted in some IBD patients to improve tolerance.

  • Encouraging evidence, but further research is still needed in IBD.


If you would like support with your IBD, we can help you.

We are a nutrition and dietetics clinic specialising providing exceptional care to improve the quality of life of people living with IBD. We bring clarity around food and IBD and remove uncertainty and fear around food.

Our IBD specialist Nutritionist (Clemmie) and specialist gastroenterology and IBD Dietician (Jess) both have IBD too so ‘get it’ and are so passionate about helping others with IBD.

If you would like support with your IBD please book a free initial call via the button below so we can find out more about you, discuss how we can help and take you through our appointment options.

Reference

Lomer MCE, Wilson B, Wall CL. British Dietetic Association consensus guidelines on the nutritional assessment and dietary management of patients with inflammatory bowel disease. J Hum Nutr Diet. 2023 Feb;36(1):336-377. doi: 10.1111/jhn.13054. Epub 2022 Jul 21. PMID: 35735908; PMCID: PMC10084145.


Disclaimer: All content found on the nalmclinic.com website, including: text, video, or other formats have been created for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor, consultant or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

We are all wonderfully unique and what works for one person may not work for another so please seek help and advice before changing your diet to work out the right way forward for you.

Clemmie Macpherson