Intestinal immunity

Breakthrough research describes a mechanism that links diet, gut bacteria and the immune system: GPR43, a molecule expressed by immune cells and previously shown to bind short chain fatty acids, functions as an anti-inflammatory receptor.

“The notion that diet might have profound effects on immune responses or inflammatory diseases has never been taken that seriously,” said Professor Mackay, the lead researcher. “We believe that changes in diet, associated with western lifestyles, contribute to the increasing incidences of asthma, Type 1 diabetes and other autoimmune diseases. Now we have a new molecular mechanism that might explain how diet is affecting our immune systems.”

Seriously guys? It never dawned on you that what you eat might make you sick or better?

Full story in Science Daily — bottom line (ha ha): eat more fibre, fruit and veg, yaddayadda the usual.