Fiber-rich diet may significantly reduce chemotherapy-induced brain inflammation

Brain inflammation is a common side effect of chemotherapy and can lead to several debilitating physical and psychological symptoms that can’t be resolved. Now, new research from the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) and the University of Adelaide, found that using a supplement to increase fiber intake while undergoing chemotherapy can significantly reduce brain inflammation and the associated health issues. The study is published in Brain, Behavior and Immunity.

Emerging data has pointed to the gastrointestinal microbiota as a key mediator of neurological conditions with neuroinflammatory features, through its production of the bioactive metabolites, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Neuroinflammation is a hallmark shared by the neuropsychological complications of chemotherapy (including cognitive impairment, fatigue and depression), however the use of microbial-based therapeutics has not previously been studied in this setting.