A recent scientific study has warned that eating fatty foods, even for a short period, can lead to a rapid decrease in the level of immune cells that protect the intestines.
During experiments, scientists proved that following a high-fat diet leads to a rapid decrease in the number of ILC3 cells, which are an important element in intestinal immune defense. These cells maintain the integrity of the intestinal barrier and prevent inflammation, and their loss, even in the first few days, leads to increased intestinal permeability and increased inflammation.
The researchers also found that changes in gut microbes and associated inflammatory signals play a key role in this process, impairing the immune cells’ ability to process fats, disrupting mitochondrial function, and ultimately leading to cell death.
The study also showed that the effect of diet on gut health is reversible, as the gut immune system can recover when the diet is modified. Researchers believe that these findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the early mechanisms of the development of inflammatory and metabolic diseases, and underscore the importance of nutrition in supporting the functioning of the immune system.
In addition to the danger to the intestines, health experts warn that fatty foods cause serious liver problems, problems with the functioning of the arteries and heart, and increase the likelihood of developing diabetes and metabolic diseases.
