170 | id == 170
170 | category_id == 16
170 | category_order == 13
170 | category_name == Gut Health
170 | category_color == #C47AC0
170 | slug == TNF-inflammation-IBD
170 | title == The Key Inflammatory Gene & Its Role in IBD (TNF)
170 | meta_description == TNF codes for TNF-alpha, a crucial inflammatory cytokine. Click to learn the link between variants in this gene and IBD.
170 | summary == <p style="text-align:justify"><strong>The TNF gene encodes TNF-alpha, a crucial inflammatory cytokine. Specific variants in this gene correlate with IBD development and severity &mdash; do you carry them? Read on to find out and get tailored tips.</strong></p>
170 | overall_score_text == Your IBD Score (Based on TNF Gene)
170 | image == https://sd-selfdecode-assets-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/blog/background/TNF--Gut-Inflammation-IBD---all-chips.jpg
170 | author_id == 9
170 | author_name == Aleksa Ristic
170 | author_title == MS (Pharmacy)
170 | author_order == 45
170 | author_photo == https://sd-selfdecode-assets-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/blog/author-photo/Aleksa.jpg
170 | author_intro == <p><strong>Aleksa received his MS in Pharmacy from the University of Belgrade, his master thesis focusing on protein sources in plant-based diets.</strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>    <p>Aleksa is passionate about herbal pharmacy, nutrition, and functional medicine. He found a way to merge his two biggest passions&mdash;writing and health&mdash;and use them for noble purposes. His mission is to bridge the gap between science and everyday life, helping readers improve their health and feel better.</p>
170 | reviewer == None
170 | medical_reviewer_id == 11
170 | medical_reviewer_name == Puya Yazdi
170 | medical_reviewer_title == MD
170 | publish_date == 2020
170 | publish_date == 5
170 | publish_date == 2
170 | avg_rating == 5.0
170 | tags_id == 33
170 | tags_name == Autoimmunity
170 | tags_id == 195
170 | tags_name == Crohn's Disease
170 | tags_id == 96
170 | tags_name == Cytokines
170 | tags_id == 282
170 | tags_name == Dietary fiber
170 | tags_id == 308
170 | tags_name == Gut Inflammation
170 | tags_id == 73
170 | tags_name == IBD
170 | tags_id == 246
170 | tags_name == Probiotics
170 | tags_id == 243
170 | tags_name == Smoking
170 | tags_id == 235
170 | tags_name == TNF-alpha
170 | tags_id == 234
170 | tags_name == TNF gene
170 | tags_id == 196
170 | tags_name == Ulcerative Colitis
170 | permissions_favorite == False
170 | permissions_rate == False
170 | content_article == <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">This article is for informational purposes only. None of the information here should be taken as medical advice. If you suspect you may have digestive issues, seek medical help. </span></em><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Keep in mind that these results are based on association studies, which are correlative and aren&rsquo;t necessarily causative. Any single genetic variant will typically contribute only a small proportion to the overall risk of the condition, and non-genetic factors play a large role in developing a condition as well. Therefore, just because you have one of these genotypes does not necessarily mean you are at an increased risk of developing this condition!</span></em></p> <table style="width: 90%; border-collapse: collapse; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" border="1" cellpadding="10"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="width: 100%;"><strong>Note:</strong> <em>TNF</em> is one of the genes we analyze in our <a href="https://get.selfdecode.com/gene-reports/inflammation/"><em>Inflammation DNA Wellness Report</em></a>, along with many other genes. If you're looking for a comprehensive report on inflammation-related genes, check it out!</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2><strong><em>TNF</em>, Inflammation, and Gut Health</strong></h2> <h3><strong>What is <em>TNF</em>?</strong></h3> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The </span><a href="../../gene/tnf/"><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">TNF</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> gene</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> encodes a protein called tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha or cachexin), TNF-a plays a central role in the immune response and </span><a href="https://selfhacked.com/blog/natural-ways-lower-inflammation/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">inflammation</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10891884"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This cytokine, a type of cell signaling protein, is produced by different immune cells, including [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10891884"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">]:</span></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Macrophages</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://selfhacked.com/blog/intro-natural-killer-cells-increase-decrease/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Natural killer</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> (NK) cells</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://selfhacked.com/blog/neutrophils/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Neutrophils</span></a></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Mast cells</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Variations in the </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">TNF</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> gene may cause improper production of TNF-alpha and contribute to a range of health conditions, such as autoimmune diseases, depression, and cancer [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5014780/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27991935"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17216494?dopt=Abstract"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Besides inducing inflammation and fever, TNF-a can suppress appetite and stimulate phagocytosis (&ldquo;swallowing&rdquo; damaged cells and pathogens) [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10891884"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="background-color: #e8ebfc; border-left: 2px solid #4569fa; display: block; padding: 20px;">The TNF gene encodes TNF-alpha, a crucial inflammatory cytokine. Variants in this gene correlate with autoimmune conditions, depression, cancer, and more.</span></p> <h3><strong>IBD</strong></h3> <p><a href="https://selfhacked.com/blog/crohns-disease/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Crohn&rsquo;s disease</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> (CD) and </span><a href="https://selfhacked.com/blog/ulcerative-colitis/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">ulcerative colitis</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> (UC) are two of the most frequently diagnosed subtypes of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The cause of IBD lies in a complex interplay of </span><a href="https://selfhacked.com/blog/ibd-ulcerative-colitis-crohn-genetics-lifestyle-stress-infections/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">genetic and environmental factors</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4106026/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Crohn's mostly affects the small intestine and involves ulcerations of all cell layers of the gut lining. Ulcerative colitis typically affects the colon and rectum and involves the inflammation of the gut mucosal layer [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4622286/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30837080"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <h3><strong>The Role of TNF-a in IBD Development</strong></h3> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">TNF-a is a crucial cytokine in IBD development. Increased expression and blood levels of this inflammatory protein are found in the majority of IBD patients [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9550432/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15620462/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">TNF-a overproduction may open the door for gut autoimmunity and inflammation, especially Crohn's disease. Scientists have developed anti-TNF antibodies with promising results in IBD treatment [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18161752/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20485259"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <h2><strong><em>TNF</em> Variants &amp; IBD Rates</strong></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Before we dive into TNF variants associated with IBD, keep in mind that epidemiology and genetic factors of IBD can greatly differ between populations (e.g., Asians and Europeans). The effects observed in one population may not always translate to others [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20479907/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15472528/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <h3><strong>Rs1800629</strong></h3> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In a meta-analysis of 8,822 European participants, those with the &ldquo;AA&rdquo; genotype at </span><a href="../../snp/rs1800629/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">rs1800629</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> had 84% higher UC and 69% higher CD rates [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3060311/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This SNP has a similar association with UC but not with CD in Asians, according to a meta-analysis of over 45,000 subjects [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16863613/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <h4><strong>IBD Complications</strong></h4> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Among 182 Portuguese subjects, rs1800629-A was associated with more severe IBD forms, gut perforations, and the need for surgery [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3161214/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">IBD patients with this variant were 4.5x more likely to develop colorectal cancer, according to a meta-analysis of 7 studies with 2,287 total participants [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28243990"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <h4><strong>Pediatric IBD</strong></h4> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In a meta-analysis of 2,000 children, the rates of CD nearly doubled per each "A" allele. It was associated with both UC and CD in 547 Italian children. Those carrying the "A" allele also had severe CD forms and more surgical interventions [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5037432/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17255827/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In 162 Czech children, this SNP correlated with UC development. It didn't impact CD rates, but children with the "A" allele had more severe disease forms [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16707968/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <h4><strong>Conflicting Results</strong></h4> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Some studies in various ethnic groups failed to confirm the link between this SNP and IBD [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15937090/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15620462/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16638698/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Two studies with European and Korean patients even reported the opposite results: lower &ldquo;A&rdquo; allele frequency among IBD patients [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8608636/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9014770/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="background-color: #e8ebfc; border-left: 2px solid #4569fa; display: block; padding: 20px;">The &ldquo;A&rdquo; allele at rs1800629 is associated with IBD development and severity in children and adults. Some conflicting results call for further investigation in large, well-designed trials.</span></p> <h3><strong>Rs1799964</strong></h3> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A meta-analysis of 6 studies and over 21,000 European descendants found a modest link between another TNF variant and IBD. People with </span><a href="../../snp/rs1799964/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">rs1799964</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">-C had 19% higher rates of Crohn&rsquo;s disease [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3299551/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The &ldquo;CC&rdquo; genotype was associated with Crohn&rsquo;s in 208 children of French-Canadian origin [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2726456/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">On the other hand, two studies of 400 Iranian subjects showed no association or even the opposite effect of this SNP [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5449959/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3987150/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="background-color: #e8ebfc; border-left: 2px solid #4569fa; display: block; padding: 20px;">The &ldquo;C&rdquo; allele at rs1799964 may be associated with Crohn&rsquo;s disease in European children and adults.</span></p> <h3><strong>Rs1799724</strong></h3> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In a study of two UK groups and over 2,000 total participants, the &ldquo;CC&rdquo; genotype at </span><a href="../../snp/rs1799724/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">rs1799724</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> was associated with IBD, especially ulcerative colitis. A study of 535 Australian participants found a link between this genotype and Crohn&rsquo;s disease [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12019209/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1736076/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Another Australian study (n=600) confirmed the association of the &ldquo;C&rdquo; allele with IBD [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12795465/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <h3><strong>How It Works</strong></h3> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The &ldquo;A&rdquo; allele at rs1800629 can increase TNF-a expression 6-7 times, compared with the common &ldquo;G&rdquo; allele [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9096369/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10457886/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">IBD patients carrying this allele often have worse gut inflammation and higher levels of TNF-a, CRP, and IL-1b [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10606965/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12809834/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">People with the &ldquo;CC&rdquo; genotypes at rs1799964 and rs1799724 also had significantly higher TNF-a expression [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12019209/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5449959/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="background-color: #e8ebfc; border-left: 2px solid #4569fa; display: block; padding: 20px;">The above SNPs can increase TNF-a expression and thus contribute to gut inflammation.</span></p> <h2><strong>Your TNF Results for Gut Inflammation (IBD)</strong></h2> <p>*8101519512377422*</p> <h3><strong>SNP Summary and Table</strong></h3> <p><strong>Primary SNP:</strong></p> <p><strong><em>TNF</em></strong> <a href="../../snp/rs1800629/"><strong>rs1800629</strong></a></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">&lsquo;A&rsquo; = associated with higher rates and severity of IBD in children and adults</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">&lsquo;G&rsquo; = not associated with IBD</span></li> </ul> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Population Frequency</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">: Around 25% of European, 23% of African, and 12% of East Asian descendants carry at least one copy of the &ldquo;A&rdquo; allele. The &ldquo;AA&rdquo; genotype is much less common.</span></p> <p><strong>Other Important SNPs:</strong></p> <p><strong><em>TNF </em></strong><strong>&nbsp;</strong><a href="../../snp/rs1799964/"><strong>rs1799964</strong></a></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">&lsquo;C&rsquo; = associated with higher rates of Crohn&rsquo;s disease in children and adults&nbsp;</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">&lsquo;T&rsquo; = not associated with IBD</span></li> </ul> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Population Frequency</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">: Around 34% of Europeans carry one and 4% carry both copies of the &ldquo;C&rdquo; allele. This allele is a bit less common in African populations.</span></p> <p><strong><em>TNF </em></strong><a href="../../snp/rs1799724/"><strong>rs1799724</strong></a></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">&lsquo;C&rsquo; = associated with higher IBD rates and Crohn&rsquo;s severity</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">&lsquo;T&rsquo; = not associated with IBD</span></li> </ul> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Population Frequency</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">: Around 82% of European, 77% of East Asian, and 95% of African descendants carry the &ldquo;CC&rdquo; genotype.</span></p> <p>*7128228551670002*</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2><strong>Recommendations to Reduce Gut Inflammation</strong></h2> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">You may try the complementary approaches listed below if you and your doctor determine that they could be appropriate for you. Discuss the strategies listed here with your doctor. Remember that none of them should ever be done in place of what your doctor recommends or prescribes.</span></em></p> <p>*9672623511645579*</p> <h3><strong>Diet</strong></h3> <p><a href="http://selfhacked.com/blog/top-22-science-based-health-benefits-of-fish-oil/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Omega-3</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> fatty acids from fish (EPA and DHA) have potent anti-inflammatory effects. They can suppress a range of inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-alpha [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3703725/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16818127"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25676565"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>High intake of fish and omega-3s</strong> may be protective against the development of Crohn&rsquo;s disease [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29543869"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6153885/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <h3><strong>Lifestyle</strong></h3> <h4><strong>Avoid Cigarette Smoke</strong></h4> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">TNF-alpha levels are significantly higher in cigarette smokers, which makes them even more sensitive to the effects of </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">TNF</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> variants [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2921689/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Smoking is associated with an increased incidence of Crohn's disease, while its effects on ulcerative colitis are less evident and might even be protective [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17120402"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Smoking is also associated with an increased incidence and severity of stomach and colorectal cancer, suggesting its detrimental impact on gut health in general [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2906411/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19088354"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="background-color: #e8ebfc; border-left: 2px solid #4569fa; display: block; padding: 20px;">Avoid cigarette smoke to lessen the impact of your variants and lower your risk of Crohn&rsquo;s disease.</span></p> <h4><strong>Exercise</strong></h4> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Moderate exercise is among the best remedies for overall and gut health. In the long run, it lowers TNF-alpha and other markers of inflammation [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5667627/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23029958"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Physical activity changes the composition of the gut flora by increasing beneficial species [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5467063/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">While exercise helps prevent IBD, people with active disease may or may not be able to adjust their physical activity, depending on their condition. It's essential to stay physically fit and exercise regularly as a means of prevention [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5743119/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">,</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2660805/"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">,</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4022156/"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you have IBD, we recommend talking to your doctor about how much physical activity would be beneficial in your case.</span></p> <p><span style="background-color: #e8ebfc; border-left: 2px solid #4569fa; display: block; padding: 20px;">Moderate exercise is one of the best ways to reduce TNF-associated inflammation and maintain gut health.</span></p> <h3><strong>Supplements</strong></h3> <h4><strong>Probiotics</strong></h4> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">According to a large meta-analysis of 167 studies, probiotic supplementation can lower TNF-alpha levels in different conditions, including IBD [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31060892"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">People with IBD often have impaired microbiome, which may worsen their disease. One study suggested gut probiotics as a crucial link between TNF-a and IBD [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26939853"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In a meta-analysis, a blended</span><a href="https://selfhacked.com/blog/probiotics-gut-health/"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">probiotic</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> containing</span> <a href="https://selfhacked.com/blog/l-plantarum/"><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Lactobacillus</span></em></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> and </span><a href="https://selfhacked.com/blog/b-longum/"><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Bifidobacterium</span></em></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> strains increased remission rates by 70% in ulcerative colitis patients [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24280877"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">These two strains were beneficial in different trials with ulcerative colitis patients [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24280877"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">,</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15507864"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">,</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15984978"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">,</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19174792"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="background-color: #e8ebfc; border-left: 2px solid #4569fa; display: block; padding: 20px;">Supplementation with <em>Lactobacillus </em>and<em> Bifidobacterium</em> probiotic strains can help restore healthy gut flora, reduce TNF-a, and prevent IBD.</span></p> <h4><strong>Omega-3/Fish oil</strong></h4> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">High intake of fish oil </span><a href="http://selfhacked.com/blog/top-22-science-based-health-benefits-of-fish-oil/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">omega-3</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> fatty acids may be protective against the development of Crohn&rsquo;s disease [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6153885/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It is unclear whether omega-3 supplementation can help Crohn&rsquo;s disease that has already developed and progressed. However, multiple studies have suggested that omega-3s may help keep it in remission [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6153885/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">,</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4700845/"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <h4><strong>Psyllium</strong></h4> <p><a href="https://selfhacked.com/blog/psyllium-husk/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Psyllium</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> husk is one of the most popular fiber supplements. It reduced TNF-a levels in a trial of 37 diabetic patients. Increased fiber intake is generally associated with lower levels of TNF-a and gut inflammation [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28956658"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ijsr.net/archive/v4i9/SUB158459.pdf"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2603616/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16443861/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21812595/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A study of 29 subjects with ulcerative colitis found superior control of gut symptoms using psyllium husk vs. placebo [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1654592"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In another study of 105 patients, psyllium maintained remission in UC almost as well as mesalamine, the conventional treatment. Psyllium and mesalamine together were more effective than either alone [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10022641"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="background-color: #e8ebfc; border-left: 2px solid #4569fa; display: block; padding: 20px;">Psyllium is a fiber supplement that may inhibit TNF-a, reduce gut inflammation, and keep ulcerative colitis in remission.</span></p> <h3><strong>Drug Treatment</strong></h3> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">This section is for informational purposes only. We strongly encourage against using any drug or supplement without consulting your doctor.</span></em></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Based on the central role of TNF-alpha in IBD development and progression, scientists have developed anti-TNF antibodies as a treatment option. Three different drugs&mdash;infliximab, adalimumab, and certolizumab&mdash;are being used for CD, while only infliximab is FDA-approved for UC [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20485259"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">However, these drugs come with certain risks and may not always be effective. What&rsquo;s more, the use of another anti-TNF agent, etanercept, was associated with </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">higher IBD rates</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> in a recent study of 17,000 people [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31267570"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p>
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170 | content_learn_more_7128228551670002_text == Based on the variants we looked at, your TNF gene is associated with slightly higher IBD rates. However, this doesn't necessarily reflect your overall risk of IBD, just one gene related to it. Exercise regularly and avoid cigarette smoke to prevent gut inflammation. Keep reading to learn more.
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