Researchers are still trying to understand why many people with Crohn’s disease flare despite effective therapies.

A new study in Gastroenterology suggests diet may be part of the picture.

Researchers looked at dietary patterns, gut microbes, and other markers of gut health in people with Crohn’s disease in remission.

Compared to non-IBD controls, people with inactive Crohn’s disease were eating more ultraprocessed foods, fewer vegetables, and less fiber, folate, and vitamin C. Similar patterns were seen during active disease.

These dietary patterns were associated with a more imbalanced gut microbiome (dysbiosis) and reduced expression of genes involved in maintaining the intestinal barrier.

This adds to growing evidence that what people eat during remission may influence future flares.

Adherence to a Mediterranean-style diet was also low.

This matters because existing research suggests that people with IBD who eat a more Mediterranean-style, whole foods diet have better disease outcomes.

What stood out to me most was that these patterns persisted even in people who had already received dietary counseling — which raises a real question about follow-up.

Are we checking back in during remission?

➡️ If you have IBD: remission is a good time to revisit your diet with an IBD dietitian. Not just to manage ongoing symptoms, but to help protect the remission you’ve worked hard to achieve.

➡️ Dietitians: quick check-in. Are we scheduling follow-ups during remission, or only during flares?