Foods with a Double Role in Nutrition and Health

Abstract

Background: Nutrients are the substances found in food which drive biological activity, and are essential for the human body. Dietary nutrients may be converted into metabolites by intestinal microbes that serve as biologically active molecules affecting regulatory functions in the host.

Objectives: To demonstrate role of nutraceuticals and functional foods in the management of psoriasis, in neuropathic pain in dog with spinal cord injury, and stroke

Materials and Methods: This includes the role of macronutrients, micronutrients, and the gut microbiome in mediating inflammation. Nutraceutical modulation of the inflammation has applications within the clinical setting, but can also have a role in healthy populations, acting to reduce of inflammation. Ongoing research in this field will ultimately lead to a better understanding of the role of nutraceuticals and functional foods in inflammation.

Results: Probiotics may restore the composition of the gut microbiome and introduce beneficial functions to gut microbial communities, resulting in amelioration of gut inflammation and other intestinal or systemic disease phenotypes. A well-functioning immune system is critical for survival. The immune system must be constantly alert, monitoring for signs of invasion or danger. Cells of the immune system must be able to distinguish self from non-self and furthermore discriminate between non-self molecules which are harmful (e.g., those from pathogens) and innocuous non-self molecules (e.g., from food).

Conclusion: This presentation describes how nutraceuticals and intestinal luminal conversion by gut microbes play a role in psoriasis, in neuropathic pain in dog with spinal cord injury, and stroke.