Nutrition and Inflammation

Evidence indicates that chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, obesity, and asthma are part of a group of conditions linked by inflammatory dysregulation. One explanation for these associations is that the Western diet is obeseogenic and promotes the secretion of inflammatory biochemical signals. Weight gain results in lipid accumulation and adipocyte stress—factors known to disrupt the balance of systemic cell signaling (adipokines and cytokines) that favors inflammation. Markers are used as indicators of the inflammatory milieu and include the measurement of proinflammatory (C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-a) and anti-inflammatory (adiponectin) signaling molecules. Consumption of a high ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids is also an important indicator for a potentially inflammatory profile. This ratio may determine the direction of biological pathways for another family of inflammatory mediators—eicosanoids—which vary according to the omega fatty acid precursor. An improved dietary pattern that emphasizes balanced energy and nutrient intake resulting in a reduced ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids plays a particularly important role in inflammation management.