Walnuts May Help Protect Against Ulcerative Colitis Flare-Ups

Understanding Ulcerative Colitis

Recent research suggests that walnuts might play a role in preventing flare-ups of ulcerative colitis, a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This condition affects approximately three million adults, as reported in 2015. Ulcerative colitis causes inflammation and irritation in the colon or rectum, leading to the formation of small sores known as ulcers. These ulcers can result in rapid bowel movements, rectal bleeding, and the discharge of pus and mucus. Common symptoms include abdominal and rectal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and malnutrition.

Treatment Approaches

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic illness, and treatment primarily aims to reduce inflammation and prevent flare-ups, typically through anti-inflammatory medications. However, new studies are exploring the potential protective effects of walnuts against this condition.

Research Findings

A study conducted by researchers at the University of Connecticut and Texas A&M University, published in the journal *Nutrients*, investigated the effects of walnuts on mice with medically-induced ulcerative colitis. The mice were fed ground whole walnuts in different amounts (0 g/kg, 3.5 g/kg, 7 g/kg, and 14 g/kg) over two weeks. Following this dietary regimen, the researchers induced colonic mucosal injury, a hallmark of ulcerative colitis, by administering an ulcerogenic agent known as dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) five days after the walnut diet ended.

Mice were evaluated at two and ten days after DSS withdrawal. The results indicated that the group consuming 14 grams of walnuts per kilogram of body mass daily for two weeks showed significantly less severe ulceration at the ten-day mark compared to the control group that did not consume walnuts.

Beneficial Compounds in Walnuts

The study found that walnut consumption was linked to increased levels of several beneficial polyunsaturated fatty acids, including docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and 9-oxo-10(E), 12(E)-octadecadienoic acid (9-oxoODA). DHA is particularly noteworthy for its cardiovascular benefits, such as lowering blood triglycerides and boosting HDL cholesterol levels. Additionally, walnuts appeared to elevate S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) and betaine, both of which play crucial roles in fatty acid oxidation.

Conclusion and Future Research

While these findings suggest that walnuts may have protective effects against ulcerative colitis flare-ups, further research is necessary to establish a causal relationship. Additionally, more studies are needed to identify the specific compounds in walnuts responsible for these potential benefits.

References

Higuera, V. (2019, June 30). What to Know If You Have Ulcerative Colitis. Retrieved August 13, 2019, from https://www.healthline.com/health/ulcerative-colitis#treatments
McCulloch, M., MS, RD. (2018, September 23). 12 Health Benefits of DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid). Retrieved August 13, 2019, from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/dha-benefits#section2
Nakanishi, M., Matz, A., Klemashevich, C., & Rosenberg, D. W. (2019). Dietary Walnut Supplementation Alters Mucosal Metabolite Profiles During DSS-Induced Colonic Ulceration [Abstract]. *Nutrients*, 11(5). doi:10.3390/nu11051118
Vardilos, D. (2019, August 12). Walnuts Show Protection Against Ulcerative Colitis in Early Study. Retrieved August 13, 2019, from https://today.uconn.edu/2019/08/walnuts-show-protection-ulcerative-colitis-early-study/#
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