"Food Is Medicine" Strategies for Respiratory Health: Evidence From NHANES 2005-2012

Top Things to Know

Pro-inflammatory diets (high DII scores) are linked to worse respiratory outcomes, including increased symptoms and decreased lung function.

Healthy diets are associated with better respiratory health and lower mortality rates.

The findings highlight the importance of dietary interventions as part of a “Food Is Medicine” strategy to enhance respiratory health.

Summary of Conclusion/Findings

The study investigated the impact of diet on respiratory health using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). It examined the associations between the Dietary Inflammation Index (DII), Healthy Eating Index (HEI)–2015, and various respiratory outcomes in adults aged 40 years or older. The findings indicate that higher DII scores, which represent pro-inflammatory diets, are associated with increased respiratory symptoms, chronic lung diseases, and decreased lung function. Conversely, higher HEI-2015 scores, indicative of healthier diets, are linked to better respiratory outcomes and lower all-cause mortality. The study supports the potential benefits of adopting a low-inflammatory and healthy diet for improving respiratory health.