Abstract
Modern lifestyle in developed countries significantly impacts the incidence of metabolic disorders and, consequently, many chronic non-communicable diseases. These disorders are often due to chronic low-intensity inflammation caused by the activation of various molecular pathways, such as nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPk), rapamycin complex 1 (TORC1), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Numerous interventional studies have shown that lifestyle changes help reduce inflammation and improve health. It can be attributed to the concept of real-life risk modeling, as humans are constantly exposed to dietary factors in small doses and complex combinations (e.g., polyphenols, fiber, polyunsaturated fatty acids). A balanced diet, combined with caloric restriction, modulates molecular mechanisms such as mTOR, NRF2, IKK/JNK, and JAK/STAT, eventually leading to a significant decrease in inflammatory markers and an improvement in metabolic parameters. Healthier diets at the individual level and in public institutions can improve population health, reduce the financial burden on the healthcare system and increase society’s resilience to epidemics that mainly affect people with metabolic diseases.