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Health Intensive chewing while eating stimulates our immune system
Sufficient chewing of our food is not only good for digestion. Researchers now found that the immune system in our mouth also benefits from chewing food. Chewing stimulates a specific type of immune cell. By simply chewing your meals, you will be better protected from certain illnesses.
Researchers at the University of Manchester found in their study that careful chewing of our food leads to health benefits. Chewing is good for digestion and additionally strengthens the immune system in our mouth. The physicians published the results of their study in the English-language journal "Immunity".
It has health benefits to chew your food properly. The best known effect is probably improved digestion. A recent study has found that chewing also contributes to an improved immune system of the mouth. (Image: madhourse / fotolia.com) Chewing on food stimulates so-called Th17 cells
Nutrients in food can contribute to a healthy immune system in the mouth, this effect has been known by medical professionals for some time. However, the current study found that this diet should be well chewed at best. This plays an important role because chewing on food stimulates certain types of immune cells, say the authors. The cells are known as Th17 cells
Increased chewing results in more Th17 cells
In their experiment, the researchers changed the hardness of the food, which was then fed to test mice. This harder diet causes increased mastication (Kauakt). With increased chewing of food, stimulation could be observed that increased the Th17 cells in the mice, the experts add.
Our immune system must fight pathogens and tolerate healthy bacteria
The immune system performs a remarkable balancing act in some special parts of the body. These include, for example, skin, mouth and intestine. In these places, harmful pathogens are combated, but the presence of normal friendly bacteria must still be tolerated, explains the study author Dr. Joanne Konkel from the University of Manchester.
Th17 cells require special form of stimulation
Our research has now revealed that the mouth has a special form of stimulation of so-called Th17 cells, says the doctor. In these, the stimulation of Th17 cells does not work by bacteria, but by our chewing. Therefore, the mastication in our gums can induce a protective immune response, adds dr. Konkel added.
Disadvantages of too many Th17 cells
However, there are also disadvantages which can be triggered by the Th17 cells. Too many Th17 cells in the mouth can lead to periodontal disease, experts warn. Periodontitis is an inflammation of the periodontium. In this disease threatens a largely irreversible destruction of connective tissue and bone. It is important: People with periodontal disease are not only suffering from the gums, but the entire body of those affected is sick, explain the experts.
New treatments for inflammatory diseases?
Inflammations in the mouth are associated with the development of several diseases throughout the body. Therefore, an increased understanding of tissue-specific factors that can regulate oral cavity immunity is particularly important. Finally, new methods can be developed to treat several inflammatory diseases of the body, explains the author. Konkel. (As)