People in West Virginia may know someone with an inflammatory bowel disease and how difficult it can be for them to work. Whether it is a flare up of the condition or chronic, long-lasting pain, these diseases may require a West Virginian to apply for disability benefits. Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are two of the more common inflammatory bowel conditions that inflict terrible, disabling symptoms on those who suffer from them. An analysis of data from a research study indicates that more exposure to sunlight may help prevent these conditions.

One such study looked at data collected since the 1970s. It appears to show that patients who were in the northern area of the United States, as opposed to the southern states, had a greater incidence of these conditions, and researchers believe it has something to do with sun exposure. The southern residents had a 52 percent lower incidence of Crohn's disease developed by age 30, as well as a 38 percent lower incidence of ulcerative colitis.

The study gathered information from 238,000 research subjects, tracking where they lived and health records concerning whether they developed inflammatory bowel disease over time. An analysis of the data was published in a medical journal just last month.

Researchers believe that Vitamin D gained through sunlight exposure may play a beneficial role in preventing the bowel disorders. Patients suffering from Crohn's disease often have a deficiency of Vitamin D, so it may also be helpful to take Vitamin D tablets.

Inflammatory bowel disease causes recurring diarrhea and can contribute to anemia, fatigue, cramping and abdominal pain. Those suffering from an inflammatory bowel disease sometimes have to undergo surgery on their intestinal tract to obtain relief. Approximately 1.4 million patients in the U.S. suffer from these hard-to-diagnose disorders.

Source: EmpowHer, "Sun Exposure Might Impact Inflammatory Bowel Disease," Deborah Ross, Jan. 23, 2012