Thanksgiving, synonymous with indulgence, might bring good news for those with ulcerative colitis, a painful inflammatory bowel disease.
New research in mice, published in Nature Communications, suggests that foods rich in tryptophan—such as turkey, pork, nuts, and seeds—could lower the risk of colitis flares.
Led by Dr. Sangwon Kim, Ph.D., from Thomas Jefferson University, this study offers a glimpse of hope for noninvasive long-term management of colitis.
The Science Behind Tryptophan and Colitis
Ulcerative colitis, characterized by inflammation of the colon and rectum, significantly impacts life quality, leading to surgeries or even cancer. Dr. Kim’s research zeroes in on T-regulatory (T-reg) cells, crucial in breaking the inflammation cycle in colitis.
These cells, drawn to the colon, can reduce inflammation when they express more GPR15 receptors. Tryptophan, and its breakdown molecules, were found to increase GPR15, potentially attracting more T-reg cells to the inflamed area.
Promising Results from Mouse Studies
The team observed that mice fed with additional tryptophan showed a doubling of T-reg cells in the colon and reduced colitis symptoms.
Interestingly, this benefit lasted a week post-tryptophan removal, translating to a potential month-long human benefit. However, tryptophan was less effective during active colitis flares, hinting its role in prevention rather than treatment.
Surprising Link: Smoking and Colitis
While exploring GPR15 inducers, researchers noted a molecule common in smoke (from cigarettes and barbeque) that also increased GPR15 on T-reg cells.
This aligns with past observations of lower ulcerative colitis incidences among smokers. While both smoking and tryptophan increase GPR15, tryptophan is undoubtedly the safer, healthier option.
Future Directions and Clinical Trials
The next step involves translating these findings to human colitis cases.
Tryptophan supplements are safe within 100 milligrams per day, and based on mouse data, this amount might suffice for humans. Clinical trials are in the pipeline to further explore this promising avenue.
In summary, this study shines a light on the potential of tryptophan-rich foods in managing ulcerative colitis.
As we gather for Thanksgiving, there’s newfound hope for those with colitis, where turkey isn’t just a feast for the taste buds but also a possible ally against their condition.
If you care about gut health, please read studies that green tea could boost gut health and lower blood sugar, and this diet could boost your gut health and weight loss.
For more information about health, please see recent studies about major cause of fatty liver disease, leaky gut, and results showing why a glass of red wine is good for your gut.
The research findings can be found in Nature Communications.
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