Pedro C. Bastos, Sweden
Lund University Centre for Primary Health Care ResearchPresenter of 1 Presentation
THE ROLE OF DIET AND LIFESTYLE IN CHRONIC INFLAMMATION
Abstract
Background and Aims
Autoimmune diseases are characterized by chronic inflammation, which causes numerous immune, metabolic and neuroendocrine changes. In the long-run, these perturbations can cause, promote or exacerbate various chronic degenerative conditions, such as dyslipidemia, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, coronary heart disease, certain types of cancer, depression, neurodegenerative diseases, endocrine and nutritional disturbances, osteoporosis, sarcopenia, and immunosenescence (which can increase infection risk and impair vaccine responses). Of relevance, several environmental factors are suspected of aggravating or perpetuating the inflammatory state.
Methods
Medline, Embase, Amed, and CINAHL databases were searched for studies reporting on the role of diet and lifestyle in chronic inflammation.
Results
Tobacco smoking, pollution, chronic psychological stress, circadian disruption (caused by shift work, social jet lag, or exposure to artificial light at night), physical inactivity, and the typical hypercaloric, western-type diet (which is high in sugar, refined grains, salt, trans fatty acids, oxidized lipids, and advanced glycation end-products, and low in various micronutrients, fiber, prebiotics, omega-3 fatty acids and phytochemicals), coupled with visceral obesity, increased intestinal permeability and a reduction in microbiota diversity (as a result of increased sanitation, overuse of antibiotics, less time spent in natural spaces and adoption of western-like diets) can promote or exacerbate inflammation. Conversely, various lifestyle and dietary interventions can decrease, inhibit, or resolve inflammation.
Conclusions
We argue that every patient diagnosed with an autoimmune disease should be given lifestyle and dietary recommendations that specifically address inflammation.