Fueling wellness: Anti-inflammatory nutrition as a key to modern health

Background: Low-grade chronic inflammation (LGCI) is recognized as a central pathophysiological mechanism underlying a broad spectrum of chronic diseases, including metabolic syndrome, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disorders and neurodegenerative conditions. Lifestyle-related determinants—such as chronic psychosocial stress, insufficient physical activity and sustained exposure to ultra-processed, nutrient-poor food matrices—are associated with the prolonged activation of pro-inflammatory signaling pathways

Objective: To examine the contribution of anti-inflammatory nutritional strategies as a preventive and adjunctive therapeutic approach, with emphasis on mechanistic pathways, key bioactive
nutrients and translational implications for clinical practice.

Methods: A narrative review of peer-reviewed literature published over the past decade was conducted, focusing on:

• Anti-inflammatory dietary patterns (Mediterranean, DASH, plant-forward models)
• Bioactive food components, including polyphenols, omega-3 fatty acids, dietary fiber and fermented foods
• The metabolic and immunological effects of refined sugars, trans fatty acids, food additives and ultra-processed formulations

Interactions between the gut–immune axis, intestinal permeability, and microbiota-driven inflammatory modulation

Results: Evidence indicates that dietary patterns characterized by minimally processed whole foods, high intake of plant-derived antioxidants, adequate fiber consumption and favorable lipid profiles (notably ω-3 fatty acids) are associated with significant reductions in systemic inflammatory biomarkers such as C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). These nutritional frameworks are further correlated with improvements in cardiometabolic outcomes, modulation of oxidative stress, and enhanced regulation of energy balance and sleep–wake physiology

Conclusions: Anti-inflammatory nutrition represents a biologically plausible and evidence-supported strategy for mitigating LGCI and its downstream health consequences. Integrating these nutritional principles into preventive health models and individualized clinical interventions may contribute to reducing the burden of inflammation-related disorders and promoting sustained long-term health.

Clementina Allocca is a nutrition professional specializing in functional and preventive nutrition, with a focus on the relationship between dietary patterns, lifestyle factors and chronic low-grade inflammation. Her work integrates evidence-based nutritional approaches with lifestyle-oriented interventions aimed at supporting metabolic regulation, inflammatory balance and overall physiological well-being. She is engaged in scientific communication and educational initiatives that promote the role of nutrition within preventive health and lifestyle medicine. She is also the author of two books dedicated to nutrition and healthy living, and actively participates in scientific dissemination and educational initiatives promoting nutrition as a foundation for modern health.