A Crohn's disease patient reversed his painful condition with a vegan diet, doctors have claimed.
There is currently no cure for the agonising condition, which can cause diarrhoea, abdominal pain and weight loss.
However, drugs can help some patients can achieve clinical remission - when the disease is no longer active but a flare-up could still occur.
But one unidentified man's symptoms completely disappeared after he cut animal products from his diet, after drugs failed to help.
A doctor said the case study provides 'hope for thousands of people' and hailed food as medicine with the life-long disease who rely on medication.
However, other experts warned against a plant-based diet, insisting there is not enough evidence it will help.
Critics of the case report even said a vegan diet could even exacerbate nutrient deficiencies in Crohn's patients.
Doctors have hailed 'food as medicine' after reporting a Crohn's disease patient reversed his painful condition with a vegan diet. Stock photo
The case study was published by medics at the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, Missouri, in the journal Nutrients.
Dr Kelsea Sandefur, the author, revealed the man had been diagnosed with Crohn's disease in November 2014 at the age of 25.
He experienced months of weight loss, diarrhoea and flu-like symptoms, and an examination showed severe inflammation in the gut.
Treatment began in January 2015. But after a year, tests still indicated his disease was mildly active.
According to the doctors, only about 10 per cent of traditionally managed Crohn's disease patients achieve long-term remission.
The man was still experiencing fatigue, bloating, and severe abdominal pain two years into treatment with infliximab, a strong medication.
At this point, in March 2017, the patient removed all animal products and processed foods from his diet for 40 days for religious reasons.
Prior to this, his diet had been typical of an American, consisting of meat and dairy products every day, refined grains and processed foods.
The man claimed to have experienced a total absence of symptoms by eating mostly grains, legumes, vegetables, and fruits.
He also said he was simultaneously trying to reduce stress by doing yoga, weight-lifting and running.
When he failed to stick to his diet, his symptoms would flare up, particularly fatigue, nausea, bloating.
Tests six months later showed complete healing of the linings in his gut, and after 18 months, the patient was able to stop taking medication.
He claims to have had no relapses since.
The study authors noted a plant-based diet is high in fibre, which promotes overall gut health by feeding good bacteria in the gut.
Dr Hana Kahleova, director of clinical research at the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, Washington, praised the report.
The man, who has not been named, was diagnosed with Crohn's in November 2014. Test results from a colonoscopy show inflammation in his gut (pictured)
Tests six months later showed complete healing in the linings of his gut (pictured)
