The Gut-Brain Axis and Its Role in Controlling Eating Behavior in Intestinal Inflammation

Malnutrition represents a major problem in the clinical management of the inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Presently, our understanding of the cross-link between eating behavior and intestinal inflammation is still in its infancy. Crohn's disease patients with active disease exhibit strong hedonic desires for food and emotional eating patterns possibly to ameliorate feelings of low mood, anxiety, and depression. Impulsivity traits seen in IBD patients may predispose them to palatable food intake as an immediate reward rather than concerns for future health. The upregulation of enteroendocrine cells (EEC) peptide response to food intake has been described in ileal inflammation, which may lead to alterations in gut-brain signaling with implications for appetite and eating behavior. In summary, a complex interplay of gut peptides, psychological, cognitive factors, disease-related symptoms, and inflammatory burden may ultimately govern eating behavior in intestinal inflammation.

Automated summary

Malnutrition is a significant issue in the management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), with a complex interplay between gut peptides, psychological, cognitive factors, disease symptoms, and inflammatory burden ultimately influencing eating behavior in patients with IBD. Patients with Crohn's disease may exhibit hedonic desires and emotional eating patterns to alleviate negative emotions, while impulsivity traits in IBD patients could lead them to prioritize immediate food rewards over long-term health concerns. Furthermore, alterations in gut-brain signaling due to upregulation of enteroendocrine cells’ peptide response to food intake in ileal inflammation may also play a role in appetite and eating behavior.