Most of us know that blueberries are good for us for a number of reasons, including the high levels of antioxidants they contain. Now researchers have uncovered yet another potential health benefit: blueberries may help to alleviate intestinal inflammation (that can lead to ulcerative colitis) and colorectal cancer. When blueberries are combined with probiotics, the protective effect is even greater.

Researchers had originally sought out a way to treat and prevent inflammation in the intestines by using dietary fiber in conjunction with probiotic bacteria, which include lactobacillus and bifidobacteria. Impetus for this approach stems from the belief that the state of our health is significantly influenced by the condition of our intestines.

By combining various mixtures of probiotic bacteria with different types of fiber, they were able to arrive at what they believed to be an optimal mixture, which included blueberry husks. Other sources of fiber included rye bran and oat bran. The protective effect was of particular importance to the liver, which is especially affected by intestinal inflammation.

The benefits of blueberries are rooted in the fact that they are rich in polyphenols, which are antioxidants that help remove the toxic by-products of our metabolism and are also believed to have antimicrobial properties. When the fiber in blueberries is consumed along with probiotic bacteria, the combination acts to increase butyric and propionic acid, both of which provide an ideal environment for important microorganisms to grow in the intestines and are believed to help boost our immune system.

One theory as to why blueberry fiber is so healthful is because, unlike rye bran and oat bran, it is not completely broken down in the large intestines. Because of this, any harmful compounds that might induce inflammation in the large intestines (where ulcerative colitis and large intestine cancer occur) are not allowed to come in contact with the mucosa and are instead sequestered in the fiber and transported away.

Ulcerative colitis is a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation in the mucosal lining of the rectum and colon. Inflammation results in cell death in the intestinal tissue, which leads to ulcers. IBDs, which includes Crohn’s disease, are generally difficult to diagnose because their symptoms (diarrhea, pain, bleeding) are similar to other intestinal disorders.

Ulcerative colitis affects less than 1% of the U.S. population, though the disease is more prevalent in northern parts of the world. There is no known cause, but scientists believe there is a genetic component (it runs in families), and environmental factors may play a role in triggering its onset. It can afflict people of any age, but most commonly shows up in people between the ages of 15 and 30.

Treatment includes the use of anti-inflammatory drugs and immune suppressors. In certain instances, surgery may be required. If you suspect that you or someone you know is suffering from IBD, tell your doctor. For more information about ulcerative colitis, check out the website for the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), a division of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).