Gut Microbiota: An Important Link between Western Diet and Chronic Diseases.

Abstract

A Western diet characterised by high intake of energy-dense and processed food is a risk factor for many chronic diseases including diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular diseases [1]. Much of the research focus is on the high intake of fat, sugar, and low intake of fibre and fruits and vegetables [1]. One of the underlying mechanisms linking Western diet and chronic diseases is inflammation. A dietary inflammatory index has been proposed and tested to reflect the link between diet and inflammation in different populations.