Detect a serious health effect of a common diet on the respiratory tract

Detect a serious health effect of

a common diet on the respiratory tract

New research has shown that a diet rich in ultra-processed foods (UPF)

significantly increases the risk of dying from chronic respiratory diseases.

The study by a team from the University of Adelaide and the South Australian

Institute of Health and Medical Research (SAHMRI), led by Dr Tivera Mekonnen

collected data from more than 96 thousand participants living in the United States

from 1999 to 2018, and analysed the impact of highly processed

food consumption on a variety of chronic respiratory diseases.

We found that participants

who followed a diet of more than 40% ultra-processed foods (UPF)

• had a 26% higher risk of death from chronic obstructive

• pulmonary disease (COPD) and a 10% higher risk of

• death from chronic respiratory diseases, including lung cancer

and other chronic diseases such as bronchitis, lung bloating and lung."

Participants who consumed

the largest amount of ultra-processed foods were usually younger

with a higher body mass index and an increased risk of diabetes

emphysema and high blood pressure, as well as lower overall diet quality."

Examples of ultra-processed foods include crisps

biscuits, processed meat, fried chicken, soft drinks, ice cream etc.

"These foods are filled with preservatives and additives that enter

the bloodstream and may contribute to oxidative stress and chronic infections

exacerbating respiratory diseases," explained Mekonnen.

This study is one of the most comprehensive studies to date on

the impact of ultra-processed foods on respiratory health.

Researchers say they do not expect to find any significant differences between

the United States and Western countries, because the population has a similar diet.

"Our research suggests that

• reducing the intake of ultra-processed foods can significantly

• improve respiratory health and reduce the risk of

• dying from chronic respiratory diseases."

Further research is needed to explore in greater detail the precise

mechanisms that drive the effects of nutritional factors on respiratory health.