Diet, gut-brain axis, and metabolism-epigenome-immunity networks: A triad in neurological disease management

Neurological diseases are a major cause of disability globally, imposing a heavy burden on individuals and healthcare systems. Among various therapeutic strategies, dietary interventions have emerged as a promising non-pharmacological approach. Specific dietary patterns and nutrients play a vital role in promoting brain health by enhancing cognitive function and slowing disease progression. Recent research highlights that modulation of the metabolism-epigenome-immunity (MEI) network and the gut-brain axis (GBA) are two key mechanisms through which diet impacts neurological outcomes. Our previous work proposed that dietary interventions reshape the MEI network to improve brain function. Other studies show that nutrients can influence neurological disease trajectories via the GBA, improving clinical outcomes. In this review, we summarize current evidence supporting dietary strategies in neurological disease management from both brain-first and body-first perspectives. We emphasize the dual mechanistic pathways that mediate diet's impact on the nervous system. Notably, we propose the novel concept of diet as a nexus that bridges these two regulatory systems, offering an integrative framework for understanding the multi-dimensional role of nutrition in neurological health. This perspective provides valuable insights for advancing dietary-based interventions in clinical practice.