Switching to a Western diet triggers inflammation and weakens immunity
- In 2025, a study in *Nature Medicine* revealed diet changes impact health.
- Researchers investigated how switching diets altered immune and metabolic responses.
- Seventy-Seven Tanzanian men, both urban and rural, participated in the dietary intervention.
- Internist Quirijn de Mast stated that inflammation underlies many chronic conditions.
- A Western diet induced inflammation, while an African diet reduced it, showing diet's impact.
12 Articles
12 Articles
Inflammation: The body's response to injury - The Okanagan Naturopath
Inflammation is a normal response to injury or trauma and usually involves swelling, edema, redness, heat and loss of function. The word inflammation literally means “to set on fire.” The inflammatory response can be provoked by physical, chemical and biological agents, including physica...


Western diet causes inflammation, traditional African food protects
A switch of just two weeks from a traditional African diet to a Western diet causes inflammation, reduces the immune response to pathogens, and activates processes associated with lifestyle diseases. Conversely, an African diet rich in vegetables, fiber, and fermented foods has positive effects. This study, published in Nature Medicine, highlights the significant impact of diet on the immune system and metabolism.
Immune and metabolic effects of African heritage diets versus Western diets in men: a randomized controlled trial
African heritage diets are increasingly being replaced by Western-style dietary patterns because of urbanization, economic development, increased access to processed foods, globalization and changing social norms. The health consequences of this nutrition transition are not well understood. We conducted a randomized controlled trial in the Kilimanjaro region in Northern Tanzania to investigate the immune and metabolic effects of switching betwee…
Switching to a Western diet triggers inflammation and weakens immunity
A switch of just two weeks from a traditional African diet to a Western diet causes inflammation, reduces the immune response to pathogens, and activates processes associated with lifestyle diseases.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 86% of the sources are Center
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
Ownership
To view ownership data please Upgrade to Vantage