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Inflammatory Bowel Disease
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Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Did you watch this week’s show with Dr. Saleeby and gut specialist Josh Dech about the hidden drivers of inflammatory bowel disease?
When chronic conditions such as Crohn’s disease are discussed, genetics can sometimes sound like the final answer, as though lifestyle and environmental factors have little influence.
Josh challenged that idea:
“Your genes aren’t the problem. They’re simply a weak link.”
He explained that people carrying two copies of certain NOD2 risk variants may have a 17 to 40 times higher risk of developing Crohn’s. Yet, according to Josh, only 20% to 40% of those people actually develop the disease. The remaining 60% to 80% do not, despite carrying some of the strongest known genetic risk markers.
His argument is that genes may create susceptibility without making disease inevitable.
Josh also highlighted a striking international comparison: Southeast Asian populations represent roughly 35% of the global population but reportedly account for around 6% of documented bowel disease. Meanwhile, Western countries represent about 6% of the global population but may account for as much as 60% of documented cases.
The contrast he emphasized was exposure: antibiotics, agricultural chemicals and other factors may all contribute, but ultra-processed food stood out. He cited estimates suggesting it makes up around 67% of the average Western diet, compared with approximately 5% to 25% in the Asian populations discussed.
If they claim it’s genetic leaving doctors with the option of drugs or surgery?
When they should be encouraging changes in lifestyle and diet?
I feel this “it’s genetic” lens is applied to so many chronic conditions, from cancer and arthritis to mental health problems.
Many people accept that explanation without question. I also wonder whether it’s because making real, lasting lifestyle changes is hard work, and medication or surgery can seem like the easier option.
That’s just my opinion, though. I’d genuinely love to hear yours.
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2 Replies
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It was a great webinar you can find it here: https://imahealth.org/the-hidden-drivers-of-inflammatory-bowel-disease/
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Think you are over target IMA-HelenT!
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