Although feeding is an essential element for living beings, it is only recently that accumulating evidence has demonstrated that dietary patterns, through the effects of specific nutrients on a multitude of variables (such as microbiome composition, inflammation onset, neurotransmitters synthesis, and release), can affect the development and homeostasis of the Central Nervous System (CNS).
Brain health, indeed, is not independent of the general health status of the body, and the actions undertaken to maintain an overall good physical health level, including and importantly a balanced diet, are also pivotal for CNS homeostasis. As an example, omega-3 long-chain poly-unsaturated fatty acids consumption is known to have protective properties regarding the risk of age-related cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases development.
Conversely, embracing a lifestyle that is typical of modernized countries (rich in saturated fats, refined carbohydrates, and high caloric density combined with sedentary attitudes) leads to an increased susceptibility to develop metabolic diseases, and it is also a detrimental risk factor for brain performance and CNS health impairment.
Recent epidemiological studies, suggested that the over-consumption of fried foods and processed meats in young subjects may reduce cognition and memory performances, increase the incidence of mood-related diseases such as depression, and can affect brain health throughout the overall life course.
This Research Topic aims to spotlight the latest advances and research outputs highlighting the important role of nutrition and its impact at the level of the CNS, during development, maintenance processes, plasticity, and recovery.
The focus incorporates both dietary effects on normal homeostasis and on the development and/or treatment of CNS diseases.
We welcome article submissions covering, but not limited to, the following topics:
• Gut microbiota regulation and impact on brain plasticity. Gut-brain axis communication modulating brain functions
• Direct effects of nutrients on brain plasticity or development
• Effects of balanced or detrimental consumption of specific diets on functional CNS outcomes (e.g. cognition, mood)
• Consequences of metabolism-related diseases on brain health
• Effects of dietary patterns on specific CNS cellular populations.
Although feeding is an essential element for living beings, it is only recently that accumulating evidence has demonstrated that dietary patterns, through the effects of specific nutrients on a multitude of variables (such as microbiome composition, inflammation onset, neurotransmitters synthesis, and release), can affect the development and homeostasis of the Central Nervous System (CNS).
Brain health, indeed, is not independent of the general health status of the body, and the actions undertaken to maintain an overall good physical health level, including and importantly a balanced diet, are also pivotal for CNS homeostasis. As an example, omega-3 long-chain poly-unsaturated fatty acids consumption is known to have protective properties regarding the risk of age-related cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases development.
Conversely, embracing a lifestyle that is typical of modernized countries (rich in saturated fats, refined carbohydrates, and high caloric density combined with sedentary attitudes) leads to an increased susceptibility to develop metabolic diseases, and it is also a detrimental risk factor for brain performance and CNS health impairment.
Recent epidemiological studies, suggested that the over-consumption of fried foods and processed meats in young subjects may reduce cognition and memory performances, increase the incidence of mood-related diseases such as depression, and can affect brain health throughout the overall life course.
This Research Topic aims to spotlight the latest advances and research outputs highlighting the important role of nutrition and its impact at the level of the CNS, during development, maintenance processes, plasticity, and recovery.
The focus incorporates both dietary effects on normal homeostasis and on the development and/or treatment of CNS diseases.
We welcome article submissions covering, but not limited to, the following topics:
• Gut microbiota regulation and impact on brain plasticity. Gut-brain axis communication modulating brain functions
• Direct effects of nutrients on brain plasticity or development
• Effects of balanced or detrimental consumption of specific diets on functional CNS outcomes (e.g. cognition, mood)
• Consequences of metabolism-related diseases on brain health
• Effects of dietary patterns on specific CNS cellular populations.