No one really knows for sure what causes Crohn’s Disease or Ulcerative Colitis, the two forms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). IBD is an autoimmune disease when something goes wrong and triggers an inappropriate immune response, and the body’s immune system starts attacking its own tissues.
The exact cause is completely unknown, but factors like genetics, diet, and stress may play a role. Let’s look at what current medical research has been telling us about the causes of IBD or at least what triggers it to flare up.
The Genetic Link in IBD
There seems to be a genetic correlation seen more in Crohn’s Disease, with those with a family history of IBD being slightly more likely to develop the condition. However, this does not mean if one of your parents had it, you will get it, or if no one in your family had it, you won’t. The genetic correlation is there, but it is not especially strong.
The Microbiome Connection to IBD
A significant factor that has gained more attention in recent years is the role of the human microbiome in inflammation and, therefore, IBD. When the microbiome becomes disrupted, harmful viruses and bacteria can get through the inner intestinal wall and cause inflammation, which can trigger a flare-up of IBD. A healthy microbiome is very closely linked to both diet and stress.
Diet and IBD Flare-Ups
While the traditional belief was often that diet has no bearing on IBD, there is now a growing body of evidence from clinical trials and scientific research that is increasingly showing that diet does play a role in IBD flare-ups. Much of this research focuses on microbiome studies that show that a “Western-style” diet high in protein and fat and low in fiber and fresh fruits and vegetables is strongly linked to an unhealthy microbiome. This, in turn, is strongly linked to inflammation that can result in a flare-up of IBD.
Numerous other studies also show a strong correlation with dramatic IBD incidence rates increasing in developing countries as they modernize and adopt unhealthy Western-style diets.
The other diet factor concerns food allergies and often undiagnosed food intolerances and sensitivities. We still know so little about food intolerances and sensitivities, yet many people with IBD have multiple food allergies, intolerances, and sensitivities. When we eat foods we react to, it will cause inflammation, and this, in turn, may result in a flare-up.
Stress and IBD
Just like with diet, there has been significant debate over the years over the role of stress in IBD. However, numerous recent studies, particularly in relation to the human microbiome, have also proven that stress can result in inflammation, which may trigger a flare-up.
Smoking and IBD
Interestingly, there have been a significant number of studies correlating smoking to increasing the odds of developing Crohn’s Disease. Yet other studies point to Ulcerative Colitis being more of a disease of non-smokers or ex-smokers, with some studies even suggesting smoking can help Ulcerative Colitis. However, since smoking causes several other conditions, often life-threatening, it is not advised for Ulcerative Colitis patients to start smoking. Furthermore, the link between smoking and IBD is still not fully understood.
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