The intestines are not fond of Red meat. When consumed in excess, this diet could be linked to development of diverticulitis, a common form of bowel inflammation. The results of this study from Boston University (United States) and published in the Gut review, however, do not establish a direct cause and effect link. The researchers confine themselves to warning heavy eaters of red meat against the risk of disrupting their intestinal flora and generating an inflammatory ground.
For the purposes of the study, the diets of 46,000 American men were observed for 26 years. In the end, 764 of the participants developed diverticulitis, small sac-like growths on the inner wall of the intestine. Research shows that those who ate the most red meat were 58% more likely to have diverticulitis compared to those who ate the least.
Researchers believe that the relationship between red meat and this inflammation remains unclear. This diet may imbalance the bacteria in the gut, which could alter the immune system and irritate the intestines.
The study shows that the men who presented with diverticulitis had other risk factors: they ate less fiber, smoked more and were relatively sedentary.
“Substituting unprocessed red meat with fish or poultry may be a solution to limit the risk of diverticulitis”, recommend the researchers cited by The Independent.
Further work will be carried out to learn more about this mechanism.
Red meat, a lively debate
This study is not the first to question red meat for its impact on health. The American Society of Nephrology had recommended a reduction in its consumption due to the suspected risk of kidney failure. Other works have suggested a link between excess red meat and precocious puberty. Not to mention the controversy that caused a stir in 2015 when the International Cancer Research Center warned against a risk of colorectal cancerrelated to the consumption of this food. Information later tempered by the World Health Organization.
Also read: Should you follow a diet when you have diverticula?
Are we eating too much meat?