Chronic bowel diseases
Chronic bowel diseases (CBD) are highly prevalent, and the incidence is rising. This may concern men and women of all ages. CBD have a negative impact on a person’s quality of life. A sedentary, stressful lifestyle with poor nutrition may have a negative effect on the course of CBD. Therefore, even during medical treatment, lifestyle factors may play a role on the course of these diseases. In our research group, we study the effect of nutrition and physical activity on the course of chronic bowel diseases and on the gut microbiome.
The focus is on inflammatory diseases such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, and on non-inflammatory diseases such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome, constipation and abdominal complaints in neurological disorders such as neurogenic bowel problems in spinal cord injury. We also conduct research into improving the condition before and after surgery to prevent postoperative complications of the gastrointestinal tract. We have strong collaborations with hospital Gelderse Vallei in Ede, Rijnstate hospital in Arnhem, Heliomare rehabilitation centre Wijk aan Zee and several academic medical centres.
