The goal of this proposal is to evaluate the efficacy of a whole-food, plant-based (WFPB) diet in the treatment of active Crohn's Disease (CD). Epidemiologic studies suggest that environmental factors, including diet, likely play a role in the pathogenesis and disease course of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Evidence also exists to support the idea that dietary practices, such as adherence to a plant-based as opposed to a more western diet, can significantly modify the microbiome composition and intestinal barrier function - both of which likely impact the disease course of IBD. The overall hypothesis is that adoption of a WFPB diet will reduce both symptoms and intestinal inflammation in CD patients, as well as increase microbial diversity. Patients will be randomized to receive education on and adopt either WFPB or FODMAP diet, which will be adhered to for a total of 12 weeks. Two primary outcomes which will be assessed are rates of clinical remission based on sCDAI and also reduction in intestinal inflammatory burden based on fecal calprotectin. Several secondary outcomes will also be reviewed to include assessment for alterations in the gut microbiome and intestinal permeability, rates of clinical response based on sCDAI, changes in systemic inflammation based on CRP, and adherence rates to the diet interventions.
The purpose of this study is to assess the ability of a whole-food, plant-based (WFPB) diet to produce symptomatic remission in Crohn's Disease patients.