September 23, 2016.
A diet rich in lipids is not good for the heart, but it could also harm the intestinal flora, according to a study conducted by the Pasteur Institute and the National Institute for Health and Medical Research (Inserm).
Risk of type 2 diabetes or obesity
The Molecular Microbial Pathogenesis Unit (Institut Pasteur / Inserm), headed by Philippe Sansonetti, has just submitted a report on the harmful effects of a diet that is too fatty for the intestinal flora. According to this work, published in the journal PNAS, a very high consumption of lipids disrupts the intestinal flora and increases the permeability of the intestine. This can have harmful consequences for health.
The bacteria present in the intestine play a role in digestion, but also in certain diseases such as type 2 diabetes or obesity. Diseases often associated with an imbalance of the intestinal flora. How to explain it? Certain bacteria becoming too predominant start to release inflammatory substances into the blood.
A fatty diet disrupts the intestinal flora
Studies had already shown this link between a disruption of the intestinal flora and the development of certain diseases, but today researchers have shed light on the role of an excessively fatty diet in this disorder. ” We wanted to see, early on, how gut bacteria behave when faced with a high fat diet. », Explains Thierry Pédron, research engineer in the Molecular Microbial Pathogenesis unit (Institut Pasteur / Inserm).
Normally, bacteria cannot cross the intestinal barrier, but in case of heavy consumption of lipids, the natural antibiotics, which line the intestines and which kill bacteria, are no longer produced. As a result, the intestine becomes permeable. On the other hand, if we find a healthy diet, the intestinal wall regains its integrity and its effectiveness against bacteria.
To find out more: 4 tips to remember to protect your intestinal flora
