Living near greenery may blunt the raised IBD risk that follows a COVID-19 infection.
Dongjin Yeo, Kyeongeun Kim, Juyeong Kim, et al.
Tracking nearly 6.9 million South Koreans infected with COVID-19, this nationwide cohort study found that living in greener neighborhoods was linked to a markedly lower risk of developing inflammatory bowel disease afterward — up to 29% lower in the greenest areas. The protective link was strongest for ulcerative colitis and more apparent among people with milder COVID-19, women, and those aged 40 to 59. The authors suggest preserving access to green space during infection waves could help offset infection-related gut inflammation.
- The question: Does living somewhere greener protect the gut after a COVID-19 infection?
- The study: A nationwide Korean cohort study tracked nearly 6.9 million people infected with COVID-19.
- The finding: Living in greener neighborhoods was linked to a markedly lower risk of developing inflammatory bowel disease afterward — up to 29% lower in the greenest areas.
- The nuance: The protective link was strongest for ulcerative colitis, and more apparent among people with milder COVID-19, women, and those aged 40 to 59.
Takeaway: preserving access to green space during infection waves could help offset infection-related gut inflammation.
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