Italian researchers who reviewed dietary patterns for both their affect on bacteria found in the gut and roles in specific mechanisms in the body, have highlighted the effect of the ‘Western diet’ on the microbial – and subsequent affect of dysregulation of the microbiome (when microbial populations in the body become unbalanced) on the risk of developing chronic conditions.
The scientists at Rome’s University Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, whose study was published in Best Practice & Research Clinical Gastroenterology, reviewed the roles of certain bacteria on the gut and the way specific diets affected them – highlighting the effect diet can have on the risk of developing conditions including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and Alzheimer’s disease.
The authors noted that, while the western diet is not clearly defined, in this case, it was categorised as low in fibre, vitamins, minerals and plant – derived molecules such as antioxidants, as well as containing low amount of unprocessed fruits and vegetables, whole grains, grass – fed animal products, fish, nuts and seeds.’
And contrast a western diet featured excessive amounts of standard fat, refined grains, sugar, alcohol, processed and red meat, conventionally raised animal products, high – fat dairy products and salt – characterising by high amounts of ultra – processed foods and drinks.
The author also highlighted the rules certain bacteria play in the lining of the gods – for example, Akkermaansia muciniphila and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, two bacteria associated with greater lean muscle mass, bored play a role in the maintenance of the gut lining; bacteroides vugatus and bacteroides dorei also play a role in maintaining that got lining.
Hey hi – fat diet, especially one high in saturated fat, has been shown to negatively affect levels of Akkermansia muciniphila and Bacteriodes species found in the guts.
A low – fibre diet appears to reduce production of short – chain fatty acid, important for production of mucus, as well as interfering with regulation of T – cells and some other immune functions.
The review heightened a diet high in saturated fat is associated with lower amount of Clostridiales and Bifidobacteria species in the guts; send additives like artificial sweeteners and also associated with the lower amount of Bifidobacteria.
Review found eating fast food more than once a week significantly increased risk of IBD: including ulcerative colitis by 43% and Crogn’s disease by 27%. The review also noted intakes of meat and fish increase the risk of IBD, but not egg and dairy consumption.
The review suggested hi intakes of red meat, ultra – processed foods, sugar and saturated fat maybe risk factor for IBD development, as well as increase the risk of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
The review also noted dysregulation of the gut barrier increases information, which can lead to chronic conditions and a tendency to gain fat – a precursor to the development of type 2 diabetes.
