Nutritional Interventions for Managing Chronic Inflammation: A Comprehensive Review of Dietary Strategies and Their Impact on Gut Microbiota.

Abstract

Background: Chronic inflammatory disorders, including conditions such as metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes (T2DM), and cardiovascular disease (CVD), significantly impact global health, contributing to morbidity and mortality. This review investigates nutritional interventions aimed at managing inflammation associated with these chronic diseases.

Methods: A systematic search was performed across multiple electronic databases, including PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, and CINAHL, focusing on articles published until 2023.

Results: The review highlights that dietary patterns rich in fiber, particularly those resembling the Mediterranean diet and plant-based diets, are linked to lower levels of inflammation, as indicated by reduced C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. High-fiber diets enhance gut microbiota diversity and promote the proliferation of beneficial bacteria, which are instrumental in producing short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that have anti-inflammatory properties. Results demonstrate that dietary modifications leading to increased fiber intake can significantly improve clinical outcomes in individuals with chronic inflammatory conditions, particularly T2DM. However, the effectiveness of different dietary approaches varies, with plant-based diets often showing superior benefits compared to Mediterranean diets.

Conclusion: The study concludes that dietary strategies, particularly those increasing fiber intake, are promising adjuncts for managing chronic inflammation and improving health outcomes in affected populations. These findings underscore the importance of dietary interventions in public health strategies aimed at reducing the burden of chronic inflammatory diseases.