Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) |23 May 2026

It is common for people to confuse IBD (Inflammatory bowel disease) and IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome). In fact, some people often assume that they are the same things. That could not be further from the truth.

We have talked about IBS recently and it is a chronic gut disorder, which affects how the brain and gut interact. IBS does not alter or damage the intestines but mostly leads to gut symptoms like bloating, cramps, diarrhoea and constipation. IBD on the other hand is more life threatening. Although IBD is not very common in Seychelles, there are about 10 million people living with the condition globally.

World IBD Day is a global event that is commemorated every year on May 19 to raise awareness for the two main forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), namely, Crohn's disease and Ulcerative colitis. The awareness campaign helps bring greater visibility to the life-altering impacts of IBD.

The theme for this year is ‘stronger together for better tomorrow’ to highlight the importance of ensuring that everyone gets equal access to early diagnosis, timely and effective treatments, as well as specialist support especially for symptom management, which often varies in severity from one person to another. 

Overview of IBD

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is an umbrella term for a group of autoimmune chronic diseases that cause prolonged inflammation of the digestive tract. The two main forms of IBD are Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. IBD is incurable, therefore once diagnosed you will live with the disease for the rest of your life. However, there are currently treatments that help alleviate symptoms, leading to long periods of remission and improved quality of life.

Types of IBD

Crohn’s disease: This disease causes ulcers (sores) and inflammation in the lining of the digestive tract. It often involves the deeper layers of the digestive tract. It can affect any part of your digestive tract, from your mouth to your anus, but it typically develops in your small intestine and the upper part of your large intestine.

Ulcerative colitis: This form of IBD causes inflammation and ulcers along the lining of your large intestine. It usually starts in your rectum and can spread to other parts of your colon.

Indeterminate colitis inflammatory bowel disease refers to IBD that has features of both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, but is uncommon.

Risk factors and symptoms for IBD

Risk factors

IBD is an autoimmune disorder, which means that the body’s immune system attacks healthy tissues. The triggers for these attacks are unknown at the moment and the reason why IBD develops in some people and not in others. There is ongoing research about the complex interaction of various risk factors like immune system malfunction, genetic predisposition, environmental triggers like stress and medications, and infections, as well as gut-brain balance. 

Common symptoms

IBD symptoms may be mild or severe depending on how bad the inflammation is and where it occurs.  The symptoms come and go, and you never know when it will happen. The occurrence of symptoms is commonly known as an IBD flare-up or active disease. The disappearance or lessening of symptoms following treatment is remission.

Common IBD symptoms common to both ulcerative colitis and Chron’s disease, include diarrhoea, lower abdominal pain and cramping, blood in the stool, loss of appetite, unintended weight loss, and fatigue.

Treatment options for IBD

IBD treatments may include medications, surgery and a range of diet and lifestyle changes. The goal of treatment is to reduce the inflammation and symptoms, as a way of providing long-term remission and reduced risk of complications.

You should take all medications as prescribed, even when you feel better, to prevent any flare-ups. If medications do not improve the inflammation, symptoms will worsen leading to damage to the intestines and increasing the need for surgery. Depending on the severity, there can be partial or total surgical removal of the intestine.

Diet and IBD is quite complex and there is no ‘one-size fits all’ approach that can be used. ‘Trigger’ foods that worsen symptoms will differ for different people. People with IBD may notice that eating certain foods can have an effect on symptoms. One of the best ways to identify such foods is by keeping a food-symptom diary. This will enable you to keep track of foods eaten, and if symptoms improve or worsen.

It is noteworthy that dietary changes cannot reverse IBD, but altering your diet may help reduce the severity of symptoms such as abdominal discomfort and diarrhoea. It is important to seek the help of a health professional before making dietary changes to prevent malnutrition. Overtly cutting out entire food groups from misleading information and without a clinical basis can do more harm than good. You may be putting yourself at risk of nutritional deficiencies. Remember that any change needed is applicable to you based on your symptoms and disease state.

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Please get in touch by emailing eat4ourhealth@gmail.com and let us know how you’re doing with these ideas, or better still, let us know how we can help you.

Yours in health

The Nutrition Team