Nutrition and Food Access
What type of food contributes to the development of IBD
ultra-processed, low fibre, high fat
How does proximity to industrial zones and highways specifically impact children’s health?
Disrupts gut microbiota and damages the intestinal barrier, leading to leaky gut syndrome and systemic inflammation. Increases the presence of inflammatory bacteria like Proteobacteria while decreasing beneficial bacteria like Bacteroides
What long-term effects does stress have on kids’ bodies?
weakens immunity, worsens gut health, and impacts mental health
How do social support networks (or the lack of them) influence a child’s emotional and physical ability to manage IBD?
Children with strong support systems (family, friends, healthcare teams) often cope better with their condition, adhere to treatments, and experience improved mental health. Lack of support can lead to feelings of isolation, poor adherence, and worse outcomes.
Why is access to nutritious food important for overall health?
Without access to nutritious food, individuals may rely on cheaper, ultra-processed options that are low in fiber and high in fat, leading to malnutrition, metabolic issues, and inflammatory diseases.
Why does distance from doctors matter
Delays diagnosis, makes follow-up harder, worsens outcomes.
What role did emotional neglect and family stress play in worsening Ayaan’s physical health?
Increased chronic stress levels, which activated his body’s stress response over a long period. This weakened his immune system, increased gut inflammation, and made him more vulnerable to developing and worsening IBD symptoms.
How did gaps in social infrastructure contribute to the progression of Ayaan’s illness, and what community resources could have made a difference?
Ayaan’s family lacked access to healthcare services, educational resources, and support networks. This led to delayed diagnosis, poor disease management, and chronic stress. If his community had better healthcare access, nutrition programs, and family support services, Ayaan could have received earlier intervention, reducing the likelihood of attaining IBD.
what happens when the gut barrier is compromised
immune response is trigged and increased bacterial virulence
what role did poor ventilation and sanitation in Ayaan's overcrowded apartment play in weakening his overall health
Exacerbates exposure to mold, dust, and other airborne pathogens, increasing the frequency of infections. Repeated infections and the associated use of antibiotics can lead to gut dysbiosis, reducing microbial diversity and beneficial gut bacteria and promoting chronic inflammation
What are the long-term psychological and physiological effects of chronic stress on a child’s immune and digestive systems?
Immune dysregulation, persistent inflammation, and changes in the gut microbiome. Psychologically, it may contribute to anxiety or depression, which can further exacerbate IBD symptoms.
How does limited parental education affect a child's health outcomes, specifically in chronic diseases like IBD?
Limited parental education can lead to lower health literacy, making it harder for families to recognize early symptoms, navigate the healthcare system, or understand treatment plans. This often results in delayed care, poor disease management, and worse health outcomes, as seen with Ayaan’s late diagnosis and treatment.
What role do emulsifiers play in processed food?
prevents oil and water separate, stabilizes food consistency, and extends shelf life but they also negatively impact gut health by altering microbial composition and weakening the gut barrier
What specific bacterial changes are observed due to geographic disparities?
Higher abundance of Proteobacteria and higher levels of Prevotella copri
How do ACEs, such as food insecurity, neglect, and family stress, biologically embed stress and increase the risk of IBD in children?
Activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, leading to prolonged cortisol release. This can disrupt immune function, increase gut permeability ("leaky gut"), and promote inflammation
In what ways do low-income families’ limited access to health education and resources affect their children
Without health literacy and reliable resources, families may miss early signs of IBD, delay seeking care, or mismanage treatment — resulting in more severe disease progression and complications.