Fast food makes your immune system hyperactive — and research shows the aggressive inflammatory response remains long term, promoting disease

The Western diet, characterized by excessive intake of sugary drinks and fast food items, spurs immune system mechanisms that may negatively affect the body in the long run, according to a study published in the journal Cell. The study also revealed that the long-term effects may persist despite a change in dietary habits. A team of experts led by researchers at the University of Bonn in Germany examined the effects of Western diet on mice as part of the study.

The research team studied three groups of mice, one of which served as a control group given a standard chow diet, while a second group was fed a Western diet. A third group was fed a Western diet and then subsequently changed to standard chow diet. The scientists observed that mice fed with a Western diet developed inflammation as expected.