Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, or IBD as it is more commonly known is an umbrella term used to reference a number of illnesses that are concerned with inflammation in the digestive tract. The two most prevalent types of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases are Chron’s disease and Ulcerative Colitis. IBD is a chronic condition, meaning that it is long lasting and prone to reoccurring, so most patients will have to be prepared to manage the disease their entire lives through medications and treatments. They may also have to make a substantial change in their diets to help regulate their diseases and handle some of the ghastlier symptoms. There are some noteworthy foods that a person suffering from a type of IBD can include in their diet to help manage their condition. These foods most notably include fruits, like berries and tart cherries. Recently, pomegranates have been added to the list thanks to studies carried out by the Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine. Pomegranates may not only help to reduce the power of IBD, but they may actually even help to protect your body against IBD.
The researchers at the Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine have identified a specific microbial metabolite deemed Urolithin A (UroA). It is thought to play a significant role in reducing IBD symptoms. UroA can be found naturally in berries and pomegranates which is why they are so effective at treating IBD. IBD is typically the result of toxins leaking out of the gut after the integrity of the gut’s barrier has deteriorated. UroA helps to alleviate the symptoms of IBD by actually tightening the cells junctions of this barrier and stopping the leakage of the toxins. If you are suffering from IBD, just make yourself a nice fruit salad – it could really make all the difference.