Autonomic denervation and chronic Western Diseases

DP Burkitt's classic observations in the 1970's include:
(1) the reduced incidence of chronic diseases in African populations
(2) the differences in diet (low calorie, unrefined, plant-based in Africa),
(3) the differences in intestinal transit time (12 v 40 hrs; Africa v West)
(4) the differences in stool weight (464g in Africa v 110 g in London)

This item suggest that some of the differences in disease incidence arise from differences in physical efforts during defaecation. Physical efforts during defaection complicate 20-30% of Western bowel habits (Heaton, 1992). 1% of adults achieve successful defaecation less than once per week; 0.3% less than once per month (Heaton, 1992). Persistent physical efforts during defaecation cause widespread injuries to midline autonomic nerves resulting in wide-ranging consequences (as set out in previous posts) and different patterns of disease.

The disease is in the "wiring" which has effects in the end organ. At present this view is largely confined to benign disease though it may have effects on many malignant conditions as well. Burkitt identified colorectal cancer as a potential candidate for a "Western cancer" though several others share similar features.  More in due course.