In a new study from Georgia State University, researchers found that processed diets, which are low in fiber, may initially reduce the incidence of foodborne infectious diseases such as E. coli infections.
They may also increase the incidence of diseases characterized by low-grade chronic infection and inflammation such as diabetes.
Gut microbiota, the microorganisms living in the intestine, provide a number of benefits, such as protecting a host from infection by bacterial pathogens.
These microorganisms are influenced by a variety of environmental factors, especially diet, and rely heavily on complex carbohydrates such as fiber.
The Western-style diet, which contains high amounts of processed foods, red meat, high-fat dairy products, high-sugar foods and pre-packaged foods, lacks fiber, which is needed to support gut microbiota.
Changes in dietary habits, especially a lack of fiber, are believed to have contributed to the increased prevalence of chronic inflammatory diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, metabolic syndrome and cancer.
In the study, the team examined how changing from a grain-based diet to a highly processed, high-fat Western-style diet impacts infections.
They focused on the pathogen Citrobacter rodentium in mice, which resembles Escherichia coli (E. coli) infections in humans.
The researchers found switching mice from a standard grain-based rodent chow to a high-fat, low-fiber Western-style diet resulted in a rapid reduction in the number of gut bacteria.
Mice fed the Western-style diet were frequently unable to clear the pathogen Citrobacter rodentium from the colon. They were also prone to developing chronic infection when re-challenged by this pathogen.
The researchers conclude the Western-style diet reduces the numbers of gut bacteria and promotes encroachment of microbiota into the intestine, potentially influencing immune system readiness and the body’s defense against pathogenic bacteria.
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The study is published in PLOS Pathogens. One author of the study is Dr. Andrew Gewirtz.
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