A recent case study published in a paper in the journal Nutrients outlined the story of a young man who used a plant-based diet to rid himself from the symptoms of Crohn’s disease. Crohn’s disease is marked by frequent, recurring diarrhea; rectal bleeding; painful abdominal sensations and cramping; fatigue, and anxiety. It affects roughly one million Americans, and numbers are on the rise.
The man initially decided he would give up meat and processed food for a 40-day duration while observing a religious ritual. During the period, he noticed his symptoms completely subsided, so he continued with it. He then stuck to the plant-based diet for six months, while also participating in yoga, strength training, and cardiovascular activity, and went in for observation. A colonoscopy looking at his digestive tract showed “complete mucosal healing and no evidence of Crohn’s disease.” The man then went off medication completely, and in nearly two years has not relapsed.
A plant-based diet may work wonders for your gut in two ways: the first is that a plant-based diet promotes microbial diversity in the gut. The second is that a high-fiber diet promotes the growth of bacteria by feeding them. This combination may lead to lower levels of inflammation, a stronger immune system in the gut, and the restoration of proper gut function.
It is important to remember that this paper looked at just one case. A plant-based diet worked for this individual, so it doesn’t mean it will work for everybody. That said, it might be an effective method to test yourself. It is low-risk and affordable—just talk to your doctor, first.