Mixed

Higher intake of ultra-processed foods is associated with a significantly increased risk of developing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including both Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

To lower your risk of inflammatory bowel disease, focus on reducing ultra-processed foods. This includes soft drinks, refined sweetened foods (candy, pastries), salty snacks, and processed meats. You do not need to avoid natural foods like meat, dairy, or vegetables, as the study found no link between those and IBD risk. The key is minimizing items with additives and preservatives, which may disrupt gut health.