Inflammatory Bowel Disease Linked to Elevated Risk of Psychiatric Disorders
Episode 7 min 3s

Inflammatory Bowel Disease Linked to Elevated Risk of Psychiatric Disorders

  • Inflammatory bowel disease is linked to a higher risk of depression, anxiety and substance misuse, with mental health problems emerging years before IBD is diagnosed
  • Psychiatric risk remains elevated for up to 10 years after an IBD diagnosis, showing that mental health deserves attention throughout the course of the disease
  • Crohn's disease and unclassified IBD showed stronger psychiatric associations than ulcerative colitis, with one additional psychiatric disorder for every 24 people with Crohn's disease over 10 years
  • Inflammation, an unhealthy gut microbiome, a weakened intestinal barrier and psychological stress could help explain why digestive and mental health problems develop alongside each other
  • Supporting gut health starts with reducing linoleic acid from seed oils and ultraprocessed foods, rebuilding beneficial gut bacteria and butyrate production, managing stress and optimizing vitamin D

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