Thorough chewing of food to strengthen the immune system

We - what we eat. But the way in which we consume food, is also very important. Recently, researchers studying the immune system of mice and found that chewing food can stimulate the appearance of a particular type of immune cells - Th17-cells located in the mouth. Such activation, in turn, provides a more reliable protection of the body against harmful pathogens causing a variety of diseases.

In other words, chewing food thoroughly can strengthen the immune system in the mouth to protect the body from disease.

Let us explain that the immune cells are very important in the protection against bacterial and fungal infections, which are usually found in the mouth. And though it has long been known that the nutrients present in the food can support the immune system "in good shape", a new study has shown that the importance and function of the process of absorption of food.

In other parts of the body (in the intestine or the skin) Th17-cells are stimulated by beneficial bacteria present. Previously, scientists assumed that as things stand and in the mouth.

Recently, however, scientists from the University of Manchester found that during the process of chewing friction induces release of chemical interleukin-6 directly from the gingival tissues. This increases the number of Th17-cells.

"The immune system maintains an awesome barrier compromise in areas such as the skin, mouth and intestines, fighting harmful pathogens, but remained tolerant to the present friendly bacteria", - says lead author Joan Konkel (Joanne Konkel).

Research continues, it shows that, unlike other buccal cavity barriers method has its own important Th17-stimulate cells not by bacteria, and by means of mastication.

Experts have demonstrated that they can increase the number of Th17-cells in mice simply by changing the hardness of their food. This proved that it is chewing is the decisive factor.

However, we note that high levels of Th17-cells is not always harmless. Excessive amounts of these cells may contribute to periodontitis, a serious gum infection that erodes the soft tissues and bone supporting the tooth structure.

So that Th17-cells and have "reverse" side. Konkel and her colleagues have also shown that the active chewing may exacerbate the loss of bone structure in periodontitis.

She added that, because inflammation of the oral cavity associated with the development of diseases in other parts of the body, the "acknowledgment of tissue-specific factors are very important." Recent regulate the immune system in the mouth barrier. All this, in her opinion, could lead to new methods for the treatment of multiple inflammatory diseases.