Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), including ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD), are complex disorders with a multifactorial and not fully understood etiopathogenesis. Immune system dysregulation, genetic factors, gut microbiome composition, and environmental exposures appear to play critical roles in the development of these diseases [1]. Among these, environmental factors are of particular interest, as they are potentially modifiable. The rise in IBD incidence in recent decades may be partially explained by lifestyle changes in Western societies [2]. Although, this trend is not confined to Western countries alone but has also been observed in nations that have adopted Westernized lifestyles. For this reason, diet and specific nutritional patterns are key factors that have gained increasing attention, not only in the pathogenesis of IBD but also as potential therapeutic options [3].

This review aims to explore the role of diet in IBD, with a focus on how dietary interventions can influence disease pathogenesis, progression, and management. The review will examine the underlying mechanisms through which diet may contribute to the IBD development and explore the current evidence supporting several dietary approaches in both induction and maintenance of remission. It will then discuss the role of diet in the management of IBD-related complications and optimizing patient outcomes around surgical interventions, exploring the potential for dietary strategies to serve as adjunctive treatments in IBD care.