High-fat diets seem to increase sensitivity to pain
A particular fatty acidwhich multiplies over a high-fat diet is included, according to a recent study Neurons bind, thereby affected more sensitive to pain react or even pain without a cause might feel.
researchers of University of Texas at Dallas (USA) found that a fatty acid called palmitic acid (palmitic acid) binds to a specific receptor on nerve cells. According to the study results recently published in the renowned journal “Scientific Reports“ were presented, this process mimics a Damage to the nerve cell following and leads to inflammation.
Increased pain sensation due to saturated fatty acids
Research suggests that a high-fat diet with a increased sensitivity to pain connected is. The pain sensations that arise in this way appear at the same time independently of any injury or pre-existing conditions.
Change already following eight weeks
The research group made the discovery in mice that for eight weeks received a high-fat diet. A comparison group received a normal diet instead. The high-fat diet was designed to Not for the development of overweight or high blood sugar led.
Same changes as in chronic pain
A comparison of the two groups showed that the mice with the high-fat diet developed a so-called “hyperalgesisches Priming“ developed. It refers to neurological changes on the nerve cells, which also occurs during the transition from acute to chronic pain to be watched.
As a result of the change, the mice developed a Allodynie – a condition in which pain is triggered by stimuli not normally associated with pain, such as light touches.
“This study shows that you can feel pain without having diabetes or another pathology or injury”confirms the corresponding study author Dr. Michael Burton.
Western diet high in saturated fats
According to him, a high-fat diet over a short period of time is sufficient to develop these symptoms. He also points out that such a diet in the US widespread is.
The Western diet is generally high in saturated fats, which have been shown to like diseases obesity and Diabetes along with their associated diseases. According to the researchers, the discovered mechanism can partly explain why the consumption of saturated fats systemic inflammation can cause.
Neuronal injury from palmitic acid
According to the working group, the changes will mainly triggered by palmitic acid. This is regarding the most common saturated fatty acid in food.
“Dietary metabolites cause inflammation before pathology develops”explained Dr. Burton. The diet itself is the decisive factor here neuronal injuries mediated.
In a follow-up study, the team now wants to investigate why the neurons change when palmitic acid binds. “If we can find a way to prevent the transition from acute to chronic pain, it might do a lot of good.”, sums up the study author. (vb)
Author and source information
This text corresponds to the requirements of medical specialist literature, medical guidelines and current studies and has been checked by medical professionals.
Author:
Graduate editor (FH) Volker Blasek
Sources:
- University of Texas at Dallas: UTD Researchers Find High-Fat Diet Can Provoke Pain Sensitivity (veröffentlicht: 11.11.2022), news.utdallas.edu
- Jessica A. Tierney, Calvin D. Uong, Melissa E. Lenert, et al.: High-fat diet causes mechanical allodynia in the absence of injury or diabetic pathology; in: Scientific Reports (2022), nature.com
Important NOTE:
This article contains general advice only and should not be used for self-diagnosis or treatment. He can not substitute a visit at the doctor.