Gut inflammation can happen for a number of reasons, but it's often caused by an immune response to something that your body doesn't recognize as "self." This could be a food you're allergic to, a bacteria or virus, or even stress.
"Inflammation in the gut is not always a bad thing, as it can be the body's natural response to fighting off harmful bacteria or healing," says Sarah Robbins, MD, a gastroenterologist and founder of Well Sunday. Chronic gut inflammation, however, is associated with more serious conditions, like irritable bowel disease.
That said, it's important to note the difference between "true" gut inflammation and symptoms that may mimic it.
"True gut inflammation involves the immune system responding to harmful stimuli, such as pathogens or irritants, and results in swelling, redness, and often pain in the lining of the intestines," Dr. Robbins adds. "However, some individuals experience symptoms similar to gut inflammation, such as bloating, gas, and abdominal pain, without actual inflammation — this can occur in conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)."
If you think you may have gut inflammation, it's important to see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment. If you don't address your triggers and symptoms, it could lead to the development of certain inflammatory conditions.
Your gut is home to trillions of bacteria, and when these bacteria are in balance, your gut is healthy. But sometimes, things can go wrong, and it can become inflamed.
Gut inflammation can be acute or chronic:
According to the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation, the main difference between IBS and IBD is that IBD can cause destructive inflammation, be seen during diagnostic imaging, and increase the risk of colon cancer. So IBS is not inflammatory; it just mimics gut inflammation symptoms.
While it's possible to have occasional gut inflammation without having IBD, chronic gut inflammation is more likely to be a sign of IBD or another gastrointestinal condition.
Here are some of the causes of true gut inflammation, broken down by acute and chronic:
Potential causes of acute gut inflammation include:
Potential causes of chronic gut inflammation include:
Of course, this isn't an exhaustive list of the causes of gut inflammation. As Michael Roizen, MD, chief wellness officer emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic, says, gut inflammation is a "non-specific condition with many causes."
According to Dr. Robbins, gut inflammation most often results from conditions like Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, or infections, which can cause various symptoms. These symptoms can be similar to noninflammatory gastrointestinal disorders like IBS, making it sometimes difficult to distinguish between them without medical evaluation.
However, there are some distinguishing features, which Dr. Robbins lists below.
Some common symptoms of true gut inflammation include:
Symptoms common in noninflammatory conditions like IBS include:
Gut inflammation can indicate a serious medical condition, such as IBD or celiac disease. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to prevent complications and improve your quality of life.
The researchers at NYU Langone's Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center recommend seeing a doctor if you're experiencing any of the following symptoms, as they can lead to a more serious medical issue, such as colon cancer:
If you have a family history of IBD or other gut conditions, Sara Mesilhy, MRCP, a gastroenterologist and a member of the medical team at Probiotic Review Girl, recommends being proactive and seeing a healthcare professional or registered dietitian to discuss preventative measures that can help reduce your risk for gut inflammation.
Certain foods can also help reduce inflammation and promote gut health. For example, foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds, have been shown to decrease inflammation in the gut.
According to Harvard Health, other foods that help reduce intestinal inflammation include:
Dr. Mesilhy recommends avoiding pro-inflammatory foods like:
Additionally, Dr. Mesilhy says post-flare meals should include the following:
It's important to note that everyone's body is different, so what works for one person may not work for another. If you're experiencing intestinal inflammation, it's best to consult a healthcare professional to find the best treatment plan for you.
Dealing with gut inflammation can be difficult, but knowing the signs to look out for and making lifestyle changes can make a big difference.