The role of anti-inflammatory diet for the prevention and treatment of neuro degenerative and mental health disorders

This review highlights the significance of adopting an anti-inflammatory diet for the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative disorders and mental illnesses, focusing on Parkinson’s disease (PD), Huntington’s disease (HD), multiple sclerosis (MS), depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder (BD). In PD a diet rich in antioxidants (e.g., vitamins C and E, beta-carotene) and the Mediterranean diet may reduce risk and improve symptoms. The gut microbiome also plays a role, with probiotics offering potential benefits by reducing inflammation and improving metabolic state. In HD, diets like the Mediterranean diet and ketogenic diet show promise in managing HD by reducing oxidative stress and improving quality of life. MS, benefits from an anti-inflammatory diet rich in fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy, probiotics, and healthy fats. Depression, Schizophrenia and BD exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has been linked to inflammatory diets. Anti-inflammatory diets, such as the DASH and ketogenic diets, have shown potential in reducing depression severity. Omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and the Mediterranean diet can improve symptoms and overall health outcomes by reducing inflammation. Methods: This review explores how diet and its elements impact inflammation associated with neurological diseases. It combines data from in vitro experiments, animal studies, and various research, offering a thorough assessment of the effectiveness of nutritional interventions in addressing neurodegenerative disorders. Systematic searches of credible databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar were conducted to include the most current and reliable literature. Conclusion: Anti-inflammatory diets offer a promising adjunct to traditional treatments for these neurodegenerative disorders and mental illnesses, emphasizing the need for further research to optimize dietary interventions and understand underlying mechanisms. Personalized nutrition strategies could enhance treatment efficacy and patient well-being.