Scientists Link Diet and Immune System

Saw this article about Australian scientists that found a "direct link" between diet and how the immune system functions. The scientists found that a specific short-chain fatty acid (created when bacteria breaks down dietary fiber) binds with an immune cell receptor to influence immune response. The article didn't provide many details on the exact findings, but they were hopeful that it could help explain how dietary changes could be a contributing factor in the rise of autoimmune disorders.

Here's an excerpt:

"When (immune cells) go bad they cause inflammatory diseases, so asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease ..." Prof Mackay said.

"We think one of the mechanisms for their normal control is short chain fatty acids binding to this receptor.

"And if we were to speculate on the real significance of this, we believe firmly that the best explanation for the increase in inflammatory diseases in western countries ... is our changes in diet."

A lack of dietary fibre could also be behind the rise in type 1 diabetes, Prof Mackay said.

The research suggests that having a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts and seeds would reduce a person's risk of autoimmune disease.